Furthermore, a review of 105 studies concluded that echinacea supplementation could be associated with several decreased markers of inflammation, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor ( 20). May help treat skin concerns Some older research has discovered that echinacea plants contain compounds that may reduce feelings of anxiety. These include alkamides, rosmarinic acid, and caffeic acid ( 14).

Most people don’t realize that the chemicals contained in the root differ significantly from those in the upper part of the plant. If we analyze the roots of the purple coneflower, we can see that they have high concentrations of volatile oils, while the parts that grow above the soil tend to contain more polysaccharides that are known to trigger immune function. Inflammation is at the root of most diseases. Various factors — including stress, toxins in our food and poor sleep — all contribute. A study out of Europe published in 2015 revealed that echinacea was as effective as the prescription medication Oseltamivir for lessening the severity and duration of flu symptoms as well as preventing adverse effects when started at the first sign of infection. It’s important to take echinacea at the first sign of flu symptoms to be most effective. Schroder-Aasen T, Molden G, Nilsen OG. In vitro inhibition of CYP3A4 by the multiherbal commercial product Sambucus Force and its main constituents Echinacea purpurea and Sambucus nigra. Phytother Res 2012;26(11):1606-13. View abstract. Hansen TS, Nilsen OG. In vitro CYP3A4 metabolism: inhibition by Echinacea purpurea and choice of substrate for the evaluation of herbal inhibition. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2008;103:445-9. View abstract.

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Goel V, Lovlin R, Barton R, et al. Efficacy of a standardized echinacea preparation (Echinilin) for the treatment of the common cold: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Clin Pharm Ther 2004;29:75-83. View abstract. These days, echinacea is used across the world to relieve the symptoms of the common cold (based on traditional use only).

The echinacea plant, also known as American coneflower, or purple coneflower, is a wild flowering herb known for its medicinal properties based on traditional use. 1 Do not use different forms (tablets, liquid, tincture, teas, etc) of echinacea at the same time without medical advice. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose.

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Speroni E, Govoni P, Guizzardi S, et al. Anti-inflammatory and cicatrizing activity of Echinacea pallida Nutt. root extract. J Ethnopharmacol 2002;79:265-72. View abstract. If you’ve researched antiviral herbs that help combat the common cold or flu, you probably came across echinacea — a powerful plant that’s currently booming in the natural health market. Karsch-Völk M, Barrett B, Kiefer D, Bauer R, Ardjomand-Woelkart K, Linde K. Echinacea for preventing and treating the common cold. Cochrane Database Syst Rev.2014;(2):CD000530. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD000530.pub3. View abstract. As a final note of caution, it’s sadly common that products are mislabeled as the species of echinacea or the preparations don’t contain the labeled amount of ingredients. That’s why it’s so important for people to use products from trusted and transparent brands. Conclusion O'Neil J, Hughes S, Lourie A, Zweifler J. Effects of echinacea on the frequency of upper respiratory tract symptoms: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2008;100:384-8. View abstract.