Echinacea (mixed)
Other names
concentrated echinacea blend
dried echinacea augustifolia and echinacea pallida
echinacea
echinacea (e. purpurea and e. angustifolia) root
echinacea extract
echinacea extract blend
echinacea proprietary extract blend
echinacea root complex
fresh echinacea angustifolia and echinacea purpurea
organic echinacea
proprietary blend:
proprietary extract blend
proprietary synergistic blend
Synopsis
History
Echinacea, commonly known as coneflower, has a rich history of medicinal use, particularly among Native American tribes in North America. For centuries, various species of Echinacea—most notably Echinacea purpurea, E. angustifolia, and E. pallida—were employed as traditional remedies. Native healers used Echinacea root and aerial parts to treat wounds, burns, insect bites, and sore throats. It was also valued for its ability to reduce pain, combat infections, and support the body’s natural defenses against illness.
With the rise of herbal medicine in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Echinacea gained popularity in Western herbalism as an immune system booster and a remedy for colds, flu, and respiratory infections. Its traditional uses expanded to include support for urinary tract health and as a general tonic to help the body resist stress and disease. Modern research has further explored Echinacea’s potential in enhancing immune function and reducing the severity and duration of common viral infections.
In herbal combinations, Echinacea is often blended with other botanicals such as goldenseal, elderberry, astragalus, and vitamin C-rich herbs to synergistically boost immune support, particularly during the cold and flu season. These combinations leverage the strengths of each ingredient, providing comprehensive protection and recovery support. The continued use of mixed Echinacea in nutritional products testifies to its reputation as a safe, effective, and versatile herb, treasured for promoting wellness and resilience in both traditional and modern contexts.
Traditional and scientific validation
Echinacea, commonly known as purple coneflower, is a group of flowering plants native to North America and has been used for centuries by indigenous peoples for its purported medicinal properties. Traditionally, Echinacea species were employed to treat infections, wounds, and as a general immune booster. Today, Echinacea (often a mix of multiple species, such as Echinacea purpurea, E. angustifolia, and E. pallida) is widely incorporated into nutritional supplements, particularly those aimed at supporting immune health.
Scientific investigation into Echinacea's effects has primarily focused on its ability to prevent or reduce the duration of the common cold and other upper respiratory tract infections. Several laboratory and animal studies suggest that Echinacea extracts may enhance immune activity by stimulating white blood cells and increasing the production of certain cytokines. Some clinical trials have reported a reduction in the severity and duration of colds among participants taking Echinacea preparations, especially when taken at the first sign of symptoms. For example, a meta-analysis published in the journal The Lancet Infectious Diseases in 2007 concluded that Echinacea could slightly decrease the risk and duration of the common cold, although results across studies remain mixed.
Despite promising findings, the clinical evidence supporting Echinacea’s effectiveness is not yet definitive, partly due to variations in preparation, dosage, and study design. Nonetheless, Echinacea continues to be a popular ingredient in nutritional products, valued for its traditional use and potential immune-supporting benefits. Ongoing research may further clarify its role in human health, but current evidence suggests Echinacea is a safe and valuable component of immune health regimens for many individuals.
Uses: Health Conditions
Abscesses (Traditional)
Antibiotics (alternatives to) (Traditional)
Bites and Stings (Traditional)
Blood Poisoning (Traditional)
Bronchitis (Traditional)
Cancer (natural therapy for) (Traditional)
Canker Sores (Traditional)
Cold Sores (Traditional)
Colds (antiviral) (Scientific)
Colds (decongestant) (Traditional)
Colds (general) (Scientific)
Colds (prevention) (Scientific)
Congestion (Traditional)
Congestion (bronchial) (Traditional)
Congestion (lungs) (Traditional)
Congestion (lymphatic) (Traditional)
Congestion (sinus) (Traditional)
Cuts (Traditional)
Fever (Traditional)
Infection (Traditional)
Infection (bacterial) (Traditional)
Infection (viral) (Traditional)
Inflammation (Traditional)
Influenza (Scientific)
Injuries (Traditional)
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen) (Traditional)
Pain (general remedies for) (Traditional)
Pneumonia (Traditional)
Poison Ivy or Oak (Traditional)
Body Systems
Immune System (Scientific)
Lymphatics (Traditional)
Respiratory System (Traditional)
Sinuses (Traditional)
Mucus Membranes (Traditional)
Glandular System (Traditional)
Skin (Traditional)
Parotids (Salivary Glands) (Traditional)