Echinacea, a genus of flowering plants commonly known as coneflowers, has a longstanding history of traditional medicinal use, primarily for supporting immune health and alleviating symptoms of the common cold. Its application for oral health issues, such as gingivitis, is less well documented but can be traced to traditional herbal medicine practices. Some herbalists have advocated for Echinacea’s use as a mouthwash or topical application to reduce inflammation and infection in oral tissues, based on its reputed antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

However, scientific studies specifically examining Echinacea’s effectiveness in treating gingivitis are extremely limited. A small number of in vitro studies have suggested that Echinacea extracts may possess antimicrobial activity against various oral pathogens, but clinical trials in humans focusing on gingivitis outcomes are either lacking or of poor quality. Systematic reviews and dental guidelines do not currently endorse Echinacea as a validated treatment for gingivitis. As such, its use for this condition is primarily supported by traditional rather than scientific evidence, and the overall strength of evidence is weak.