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

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Synopsis

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

Echinacea, particularly mixed species or preparations (such as Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea angustifolia), has a long-standing history of traditional use among Native American tribes and later in folk medicine, mainly to support immune function and treat respiratory infections, including colds and flu. Its use for pneumonia specifically is grounded in this traditional context rather than in robust scientific validation. Historically, Echinacea was used as a general "cure-all," with some references to its application in more serious respiratory infections, but it was not specifically formulated or clinically validated for pneumonia. Modern scientific studies have mainly focused on Echinacea’s possible effects on upper respiratory tract infections, not pneumonia. Clinical data for its efficacy in treating or preventing pneumonia are lacking. The available evidence from randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews indicates a potential mild benefit for the common cold or to shorten the duration of mild upper respiratory symptoms, but not for serious lower respiratory tract infections like pneumonia. Thus, use of Echinacea for pneumonia remains rooted in tradition, with little direct scientific support for its efficacy in this condition. Overall, evidence supporting Echinacea for pneumonia is weak (rated 1), reflecting historical interest rather than rigorous clinical validation.

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Products containing Echinacea (mixed)

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