Evidence supporting the use of: Echinacea (mixed)
For the health condition: Colds (decongestant)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Echinacea (mixed species, usually Echinacea purpurea, E. angustifolia, and E. pallida) has a long history of traditional use among Native American tribes and in European herbal medicine as a remedy for colds and respiratory infections. Its use as a decongestant or immune booster is based primarily on traditional and anecdotal reports rather than robust scientific evidence. While some laboratory studies suggest echinacea extracts can stimulate certain aspects of the immune system, clinical studies in humans have yielded mixed results. Several meta-analyses and systematic reviews (e.g., Cochrane reviews) have found that echinacea may offer a modest reduction in the duration or severity of cold symptoms, but the evidence is inconsistent due to variations in echinacea species, plant parts used, preparation methods, dosages, and study quality. There is no solid evidence that echinacea acts as a direct decongestant or has a significant effect on nasal congestion associated with colds. Overall, while echinacea remains popular as an over-the-counter herbal remedy for colds, its use for this purpose is better supported by tradition than by rigorous scientific validation.

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Products containing Echinacea (mixed)

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