Echinacea supplement: what it may do for colds and how to pick one
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- Echinacea purpurea root capsules. Best for: Adults who want a simple, alcohol-free echinacea at the start of a cold. See options on Amazon
- Echinacea liquid extract. Best for: Adults who prefer drops in tea or water. See options on Amazon
- Standardized echinacea extract capsules. Best for: People who want a consistent extract rather than whole root powder. See options on Amazon
What echinacea is
Echinacea species are perennials closely related to sunflowers, daisies and ragweed, native to areas east of the Rocky Mountains. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) says Native Americans used Echinacea purpurea for respiratory infections, tooth pain and snakebite.
Three species appear in supplements:
| Species | What NCCIH says on safety |
|---|---|
| E. purpurea | Likely safe short term for most adults |
| E. angustifolia | Some mixtures with purpurea likely safe short term |
| E. pallida | Listed species; no separate safety note |
Today echinacea is promoted mainly for the common cold and other respiratory infections, based on the idea that some species may stimulate the immune system.
Does echinacea work for colds?
Many studies have looked at echinacea for colds. NCCIH's summary:
- Taking echinacea may slightly reduce your chances of catching a cold.
- It is still unclear whether it shortens the length of a cold.
- One recent study suggested it might reduce respiratory infections and complications in children, but overall evidence is not enough to show a clear connection.
- It is unclear whether echinacea helps other conditions, including eczema.
NCCIH also notes research suggesting echinacea extract activity is influenced by soil conditions that affect the plant's bacteria, one reason products may differ.
Safety: allergies, medicines and pregnancy
- Short-term use. NCCIH says products with E. purpurea extracts, and some mixtures of E. purpurea and E. angustifolia, are likely safe for most adults for short periods.
- Allergic reactions. Some people react, and reactions may be severe. Echinacea is related to ragweed and daisies, so ask a provider first if you have plant allergies.
- Side effects. The most common are digestive: abdominal pain, nausea or stomach pain.
- Medicines. Evidence conflicts on interactions with drugs processed by the liver, and there are theoretical reasons it might interact with immunosuppressants or caffeine.
- Pregnancy. Some studies suggest solid or liquid extracts are possibly safe for up to 7 days in the first trimester. Consult your provider, and note some labels say not recommended in pregnancy. Little is known about breastfeeding.
- Children. E. purpurea extract is possibly safe short term, but some children in a trial developed rashes. Talk with the child's provider first.
Capsules vs liquid extract
Capsules. NOW Foods' Echinacea 400 mg capsules contain E. purpurea root, 800 mg per 2-capsule serving, taken 1 to 4 times daily as needed.
Liquid extract. NOW Foods' liquid extract combines E. angustifolia and E. purpurea root, taken as 1 to 2 droppersful in tea or water 1 to 3 times daily. It contains about 20% grain alcohol.
Both NOW labels say continuous high-level use for more than 2 weeks of each month is not recommended, and both are labeled for adults only.
How to choose an echinacea supplement
- Species named. Look for E. purpurea or E. angustifolia on the label; the safety data NCCIH cites are mostly for these.
- Plant part. Root, herb (aerial parts) or both. Labels should say which.
- Form. Capsules are simple and alcohol-free; liquid extracts may contain alcohol.
- Blends. Immune blends often add goldenseal, zinc, vitamin C or elderberry. Check each ingredient, especially zinc if you take other zinc products.
- Use short term. Follow label limits on how long to take it.
What to look for when you buy
Echinacea purpurea root capsules
Best for: Adults who want a simple, alcohol-free echinacea at the start of a cold
NOW Foods' version lists 800 mg of E. purpurea root per 2-capsule serving, the species with the most safety data for adults.
Watch out: Not for continuous long-term use. Stop if you get a rash or other allergic signs.
See options on AmazonEchinacea liquid extract
Best for: Adults who prefer drops in tea or water
NOW Foods' extract combines E. angustifolia and E. purpurea root, dosed by the dropperful.
Watch out: Contains about 20% alcohol and is labeled not recommended in pregnancy or nursing.
See options on AmazonStandardized echinacea extract capsules
Best for: People who want a consistent extract rather than whole root powder
Extract capsules state the plant part and extract amount, which helps compare products that vary in strength.
Watch out: Check the species named and any added herbs.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- What is echinacea supplement good for?
- It is mainly used for colds. NCCIH says it may slightly reduce the chance of catching a cold, but it is unclear whether it shortens one.
- Can echinacea cause diarrhea or stomach upset?
- Yes. NCCIH lists digestive symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea and stomach pain as the most common side effects.
- How long can you take echinacea?
- Short periods. NOW Foods advises against continuous high-level use for more than 2 weeks of each month.
- Is echinacea safe for kids?
- E. purpurea may be safe short term, but some children in a trial got rashes. Talk with your child's provider first.
- Who should avoid echinacea?
- People with known echinacea or plant allergies, and anyone taking immunosuppressants without medical advice. Ask a provider if pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Does echinacea help eczema or skin problems?
- Some echinacea products are promoted for skin use, but NCCIH says it is unclear whether echinacea helps eczema or other conditions beyond colds.
Sources
- Echinacea: Usefulness and Safety (nccih.nih.gov), National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
- Echinacea 400 mg Veg Capsules (www.nowfoods.com/products/supplements/echinacea-400-mg-veg-capsules), NOW Foods
- Echinacea Extract Liquid (www.nowfoods.com/products/supplements/echinacea-extract-liquid), NOW Foods