Echinacea explained: what you need to know about this herb

Loved for its vibrant purple petals and centuries of use in natural health traditions, this prairie flower has become a go-to for those who like to take a more holistic approach to wellbeing – whether that’s through herbal teas, supplements or skincare. But what does modern science say about it? We spoke to Biomedical Science Expert, Heeral Tomlinson, to see whether echinacea lives up to the hype or if more research is needed.

Echinacea, also known as American coneflower, is a wild herb native to the plains of North America. The three types of echinacea used in herbal medicines are echinacea purpurea, echinacea pallida and echinacea angustifolia. The herb most widely used is echinacea purpurea and is available as a tea, tablets, liquid or ointment.¹

The best approach when taking these products is to follow the directions on the label and speak with a healthcare professional or qualified herbalist if you’re unsure.

Echinacea potential benefits have long been discussed as it’s been used as a traditional herbal remedy since at least the 18th century for a range of conditions like pain relief.^2,3 Today, echinacea is most commonly based on traditional use only to help relieve symptoms of the common cold.⁴

Research into echinacea has been going on for decades but so far the results have been mixed. Heeral tells us, "Echinacea has been studied extensively for its effects in immunity, with some positive findings suggesting that in combination with other ingredients, it may be beneficial in adults who get two or more colds per year. However, the study design had some limitations and further research is needed to get a better understanding of its potential role in immunity."^5,6

There isn’t one set dose of echinacea that works for everyone, as it really depends on which type of plant is used (echinacea purpurea, angustifolia or pallida), which part of the plant is used (root or aerial parts) and how it’s prepared (such as tea, capsules or liquid extract).¹

There are some main groups of people that are advised to take extra caution or avoid echinacea altogether, including:

Like all medicines, this product can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. However, one common and possible side-effect is an allergic reaction,⁶ which if you already suffer from allergies you’re more likely to get. Allergic reactions may include:

Echinacea offers a fascinating bridge between centuries-old herbal tradition and modern scientific research. Heeral adds, "It's important to look after your overall nutrition and lifestyle for normal immune function too. For example, sleep is crucial for immune defence.⁸ Why not try creating a mindful evening routine, avoid screens before bed, light a candle and pop the kettle on for a cup of tea."

Disclaimer – This article provides informational advice and is not a substitute for medical care. Working with experts for accuracy, we take great care to ensure the information is up-to-date and relevant. However, you should always consult your GP or healthcare professional before using supplements or alternative products, particularly if you have medical conditions or are under supervision.