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

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Synopsis

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

Echinacea, a group of flowering plants native to North America, has a long-standing traditional use among Native American tribes and in Western herbalism for the prevention and treatment of colds and other upper respiratory infections. Historically, various parts of the plant (roots, leaves, flowers) have been used to support the immune system and as a remedy for symptoms such as congestion and sore throat. While Echinacea is commonly included in over-the-counter herbal cold remedies, the scientific evidence supporting its efficacy is mixed and generally weak. Several clinical trials and meta-analyses have investigated Echinacea's effectiveness for treating or preventing the common cold. Some studies report modest reductions in cold duration or severity, while others find no significant benefit compared to placebo. The heterogeneity in Echinacea species, preparation methods, dosages, and study designs complicates interpretation of results. Major organizations such as the Cochrane Collaboration and National Institutes of Health (NIH) conclude that evidence for Echinacea as a decongestant or cold remedy is inconclusive, with some potential for minor benefit but not enough to confidently recommend its use. Thus, while there is a strong tradition of using Echinacea for colds, scientific validation remains limited and inconsistent.

More about Echinacea (various)
More about Colds (decongestant)

Products containing Echinacea (various)

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