Echinacea

Echinacea has been long used to fight colds and infections and many experts recommend its use. It is now one of the most popular supplements in Europe. It is registered by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) as a traditional herbal medicine – which means it’s allowed to be sold in the UK for treatment of symptoms of the common cold and influenza type infections. This registration is based on traditional use rather than data generated from clinical trials.          

Echinacea uses

Many people take echinacea in the hopes that it will boost immunity, but studies have had mixed results.

So far, evidence suggests that echinacea does not prevent the common cold, but it might help as a treatment. Studies have suggested it may increase the number of white blood cells and boost the activity of other immune cells. One 2005 study published in “Phytotherapy Research”, tested a formulation prepared with fresh Echinacea purpurea plants and suggested the product: “may have led to a faster resolution of cold symptoms.”
However, the research is inconsistent. Another study published in 2005 in the New England Journal of Medicine found that echinacea was no more effective than a placebo in preventing colds. It also did not reduce the severity of cold symptoms.

Two studies funded by the National Centre for Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the US also did not find any benefit from echinacea for the common cold.

It’s important to note that there are different species of echinacea, like Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea pallida and Echinacea angustifolia. Some of the conflicting findings may simply result from researchers testing different varieties. Some of the strongest evidence for echinacea as a cold treatment comes from studies of Echinacea purpurea. Studies of Echinacea angustifolia and echinacea root have had weaker results.

Echinacea dose and instructions for use

There is no standard dose of echinacea. It depends in part on the form you use. Echinacea appears to be most effective when started as soon as symptoms are noticed.

Echinacea food sources

There are no natural food sources of echinacea.

Echinacea supplement information

Echinacea comes in many forms, including capsules, extracts, tinctures, teas and topical treatments. It's a common ingredient in supplements that claim to boost immunity. Like any supplement, keep echinacea in a cool, dry place, away from humidity and direct sunlight.

Echinacea warnings

• Side effects. When taken at normal doses, echinacea causes few side effects. Some people have reported symptoms like upset stomach, headache, sore throat, drowsiness and rash.
• Risks. Echinacea can cause allergic reactions. Some can be serious. If you have asthma or an allergy to certain plants and flowers - like ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds or daisies - take care when using echinacea. Taking echinacea by injection is dangerous. Check with your GP before using echinacea if you have an autoimmune disease like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, MS, or if you have HIV.  
• Interactions. If you take any medicines regularly - particularly drugs that suppress the immune system - talk to your GP before you start using echinacea supplements. There is also some concern that echinacea could cause liver problems in people who are also taking certain painkillers (like paracetamol), antidepressants, blood thinners, sedatives and other drugs.

Given the lack of evidence concerning safety, pregnant or breastfeeding women should not take echinacea unless their doctors have approved it.