Echinacea: benefits, dosage, side-effects

Find out all about echinacea, including what it does, the benefits to taking it and how much you might need

Echinacea, also known as American coneflower, is a wild herb that grows in the plains of North America. It has been used as a traditional herbal remedy since the 18^th century for a range of conditions from pain relief to snake bites, and even anthrax infections.^1,2 Nowadays, echinacea is commonly used to relieve the symptoms of the common cold and flu, and may also help with healing small skin wounds.³

The three types of echinacea used in herbal medicines are:

• echinacea purpurea
• echinacea pallida
• echinacea angustifolia

The echinacea used most widely is echinacea purpurea. It’s available as a tea, tablets, liquid or ointment.⁴

Echinacea works by stimulating the immune system, thanks to natural plant compounds called polysaccharides and alkamides. At the same time, it has an anti-inflammatory effect inside the body.⁸ Traditionally, it’s also used to give the immune system an extra boost, but the evidence here is divided. For example, while a 2007 review found that echinacea can decrease the frequency and length of the common cold,⁹ a 2013 Cochrane review found no statistically significant reduction in the number of colds but did agree there was a small preventative effect.¹⁰

If you’re interested in taking echinacea, talk to your GP or a medical herbalist before you do.

Dosage

How much echinacea is safe to take?

The dosage varies depending on which plant species and part of the plant has been used – make sure you read the label carefully.

Experts think it’s most effective when taken at the first signs of a cold, but it may also have an impact when your cold is in full swing.

The following groups should not take echinacea:

• children under 12 years old – there is a risk of serious side effects¹¹
• pregnant and breastfeeding women – scientists are not sure this is safe^12,13
• people with diabetes or an immune system disorder, for example auto-immune disease – they should avoid a herb that could further stimulate the immune system¹⁴