Echinacea - Benefits for Immune Health

Echinacea is a herb commonly used in traditional medicine for its potential immune-boosting properties. It is believed to help prevent and alleviate cold and flu symptoms.
Category
Herbal supplement
Where to get
Available in supplement form such as capsules, teas, and extracts.
Applicable for
Prepared by Shruti Sahoo, reviewed by Dr. Eugene Smith

Echinacea FAQ


Image credit: thespruce.com

What is Echinacea used for?

Echinacea, also called purple coneflower, is one of the most popular herbs worldwide. Native Americans have used it for centuries to treat various ailments ( 1 ). Today, it’s best known as an over-the-counter herbal remedy for the common cold or flu. However, it’s also used to treat pain, inflammation, migraines, and other health issues.

What are Echinacea side effects?

The most common side effects reported include minor digestive issues and skin rashes ( 33 ). Though rare, some people may also be allergic to echinacea, which can cause side effects like hives, swelling, and anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction ( 33 ).

Does Echinacea help a cold?

It may support the immune system and is a common ingredient in cold remedies. However, research into the benefits of echinacea is limited. Promoters of Echinacea believe that the supplement boosts the immune system and can reduce symptoms of infections and other illnesses, including the common cold.

What is a common name for Echinacea?

Common Names: echinacea, purple coneflower, coneflower, American coneflower Latin Names: Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea pallida There are nine known species of echinacea, all of which are native to North America. They were used by Native Americans of the Great Plains region as traditional medicines.

Is Echinacea good for You?

In addition, studies have linked echinacea and their compounds to many health benefits, such as reduced inflammation, improved immunity, and lower blood sugar levels. Echinacea is a group of flowering plants used as a popular herbal remedy.

What genus is Echinacea?

Echinacea is a genus of flowering herbaceous plants in the Asteraceae (daisy) family. These plants are native to North America and abundant in the United States. The Echinacea genus is made up of nine species of perennial plants.

How many Echinacea are there?

Echinacea is the name of a group of flowering plants in the daisy family. They’re native to North America where they grow in prairies and open, wooded areas. Altogether, this group has nine species, but only three are used in herbal supplements — Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia, and Echinacea pallida ( 1 ).

Is Echinacea a Native American plant?

Echinacea, a native North American plant, is also known as coneflower or purple coneflower, and has long been used medicinally by Native Americans, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH).

Echinacea References

If you want to know more about Echinacea, consider exploring links below:

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