Evidence supporting the use of: Echinacea (unspecified)
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 use in traditional and folk medicine, primarily among Native American tribes and in European herbalism, for a variety of ailments, especially for supporting immune health and treating respiratory infections like the common cold. Its use for respiratory allergies (such as hay fever or allergic rhinitis) is less well documented in the traditional literature but does appear in some herbal compendia and contemporary alternative medicine sources. Historically, Echinacea was more commonly used to treat infections, wounds, and as a general immune tonic rather than specifically for allergies.

There is very limited scientific evidence supporting Echinacea's effectiveness in treating respiratory allergies. Most modern clinical studies focus on its potential role in reducing the duration or severity of the common cold rather than allergic responses. Theoretical mechanisms suggest that Echinacea's purported immunomodulatory effects might influence allergic inflammation, but high-quality clinical trials in allergic populations are lacking. Some small studies have explored its effect on immune markers, but results are inconsistent and generally not focused on allergy outcomes. Major reviews and guidelines do not recommend Echinacea for allergy treatment due to insufficient evidence.

In summary, the use of Echinacea for respiratory allergies is supported mainly by traditional uses and anecdotal reports, not by robust scientific research.

More about Echinacea (unspecified)
More about Allergies (respiratory)

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