Respiratory: Flu, coughs, sore throat/tonsillitis. Possibly prevents colds. According to a publication in The Lancet Infectious Diseases, echinacea reduces the common cold by an average of 1.4 days and is reportedly preventive in that it can cut the chance of catching a common cold by 58%. According to a WebMD article in Medscape, echinacea may be as effective as oseltamivir, also known as Tamiflu, in treating influenza (1). It is also used as a remedy to help ear infections and tonsillitis, acute sinusitis, asthma (bronchodilator), croup, and diphtheria. Root approved by the German Commission E for flu symptoms. Upper plant parts approved by the German Commission E for colds and chronic respiratory infections. According to a study published by the National Institutes of Health, E. purpurea may inhibit the replication of some viruses, including RSV, rhinovirus, and coronavirus.

Eyes: Uveitis (NIH), eye inflammation

Gastrointestinal: Toothache; decreases stomach pain, mild natural laxative (acute and chronic diarrhea), gum disease

Genitourinary: Urinary tract infections (especially recurrence of UTIs), vaginal yeast infections. Approved by the German Commission E for lower UTI.

Musculoskeletal: Pain, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation

Neurologic: May help decrease headache pain

Skin: Cleans wounds, burns, insect bites/stings, snake bites, boils, eczema, psoriasis, skin infections; poorly healing wounds and ulcerations

Mental Health: Helps improve mental health, ADD/ADHD, anxiety, depression, and social phobias (up to 20 mg only. More than this apparently cancels beneficial effects on anxiety)

Immunity: Boosts immunity

Infectious Disease: Claimed to decrease viral replication (HSV1+HSV2) may decrease herpes pain, symptoms of whooping cough (cough symptoms but not cure), typhoid (historically but not proven); decreases pain associated with gonorrhea; syphilis (not considered a substitute for antibiotic treatment)

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SIDE EFFECTS: Fever, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, altered taste, abdominal pain, diarrhea, sore throat, dry mouth, headache, dizziness, allergic reactions (especially if allergic to ragweed), sore throat, worsening asthma, muscle and possibly joint pain, decreased blood sugar, fertility issues, inflammation (topical), fever, itching, insomnia, dry mouth

CAUTIONS/CONTRAINDICATIONS: Liver disease, immune deficiency, beclomethasone, taking astragalus or maitake mushrooms, TB, autoimmune disease

There are a lot of medications that can potentially interact with echinacea. Be sure to check before you decide to take it.

FORMS: Tablets, capsules, juice, tea; extracts and tinctures, pastes, medicated creams, oils (MUST BE DILUTED when taken by mouth and recommended when applied to the skin). 

According to ConsumerLabs, the most effective products include the aerial parts of E purpurea (leaves, stems and flowers) and the roots of E augustifolia

Recommended Brands

Nature’s Bounty® Echinacea 400 mg — available in retail pharmacy sections 

Oregon’s Wild Harvest Echinacea 330 mg/330 mg 

Hawaii Pharm Echinacea 330 mg daily

I only recommend herbal and supplement brands that meet high standards for safety, effectiveness, and transparency. I research each product before sharing. Some links—like Fullscript and Life Extensions—are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. It helps support this free site. Plus, these links often offer discounts, fast shipping, and helpful reviews.

Dosage

As directed on the product label.

Some clinical and consumer sources describe a wide range of herbal amounts and application methods, and many are not supported by strong evidence. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Echinacea products vary widely in formulation, including capsules, liquid extracts, teas, topical preparations, and lozenges. Traditional and consumer use often involves short‑term use at the onset of symptoms, but product strengths differ significantly.

For detailed drug dosing and interaction information, refer to herbal dosing on the Epocrates website.

Traditional Use (General Information Only)

Echinacea has been used traditionally for immune support, seasonal wellness, and topical skin applications. Traditional practices describe a variety of forms, including teas, tinctures, capsules, and topical preparations. These uses are based on historical and consumer experience rather than strong clinical evidence.

These reflect traditional and consumer uses, not evidence‑based medical treatments. Product formulations vary, so it is important to follow the manufacturer’s directions.

*Disclaimer: The material above is for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure a condition. The uses listed above are tentative; some have or are undergoing research trials, but many are not FDA-approved. You must investigate these supplements further before deciding to use them. Check interactions and contraindications on sites like Drugs.com or WebMD. Do not attempt to treat a serious condition like liver, kidney problems, high blood pressure, heart, cancer, diabetes, or thyroid issues without discussing it with a healthcare provider first. If you are pregnant, do not use supplements without discussing it with your healthcare provider.