Evidence supporting the use of: Echinacea
For the health condition: Allergies (respiratory)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Echinacea has a long history of traditional use in North American indigenous medicine, primarily for treating infections, wounds, and as an immune system stimulant. Its use for respiratory allergies, such as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, is less well-documented in the traditional literature. The rationale for its use against allergies generally stems from its perceived immunomodulatory effects, which were thought by traditional practitioners to help the body defend against various environmental and infectious challenges. However, while Echinacea is commonly used in modern herbal practice for supporting immune health and for upper respiratory tract infections, there is minimal high-quality scientific evidence to support its efficacy specifically in treating or preventing respiratory allergies. The few clinical studies that have examined Echinacea for allergy symptoms have produced inconsistent results, with some suggesting slight benefits and others showing no effect compared to placebo. Most scientific reviews conclude that there is insufficient evidence to recommend Echinacea for allergy relief. Therefore, its use for respiratory allergies is primarily rooted in tradition, not in robust clinical validation.

More about Echinacea
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Products containing Echinacea

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