Used primarily to reduce the symptoms and duration of the common cold and flu and to alleviate the symptoms associated with them, such as sore throat (pharyngitis), cough, and fever.

Many chemicals contained in echinacea play a role in its therapeutic effects. These include polysaccharides, glycoproteins, alkamides, volatile oils, and flavonoids.

For general immune system stimulation, during colds, flu, upper respiratory tract infections, or bladder infections, choose from the following forms and take three times a day:
• 1 to 2 grams dried root or herb, as tea
• 2 to 3 mL of standardized tincture extract
• 200 mg of powdered extract containing 4% phenolics
• Tincture (1:5): 1 to 3 mL (20 to 90 drops)
• Stabilized fresh extract: 0.75 mL (15 to 23 drops)

For slow-healing wounds, creams or ointments should be applied as needed.

Studies conducted on mice suggest a benefit for enhancing natural killer cell and monocyte numbers and function. However, it may do this in ways that may be problematic for people with HIV-- or possibly helpful.

Some data in humans suggest some benefit for PWHIV. By contrast, one study suggested an increase in TNF which would not be so great; this, however, is based pretty much on one dog study. Whether this happens in humans in any clinically meaningful way in the doses people use is unknown.

However, it does not make sense to use this on a routine basis or to prevent disease! In general, it’s best use is for a couple of weeks at most (generally at the onset of a cold). There are some data that suggest that symptoms of a cold are attenuated (lessened) in severity but not the duration or how long the cold/flu lasts. Part of the problem is evaluating which part of the plant (roots, flowers) are most effective and which species. Also, then there are issues of overharvesting limiting global supplies! Other data suggest little benefit for colds, unless you catch it early on.

There are some encouraging data, however: In a small and uncontrolled study of PWHIV using echinacea, a small decrease in viral load was noted. However, this was only 0.32 log. This was in 14 of 15 patients who were taking 1,000 mg of E. angustifolia extract three times a day for 12 weeks. No effect was seen on CD4 count (see JANA 1998;1(1):14-17), suggesting that the herb at least is safe. Another study of cancer patients saw no impact on cytokine levels (including no increase in TNF).

Theoretically, all non-specific immunostimulatory agents are contraindicated in conditions in which the immune system itself causes disease disturbances of various body tissues: Individuals with tuberculosis, leukemia, diabetes, connective tissue disorders, multiple sclerosis, or, possibly, liver disorders should not take echinacea.

Do not use this product if you are allergic to flowers of the daisy family (composite flowers).

Know your herb provider! A recent (and scary) comparative report on echinacea supplements by the independent website ConsumerLab.com: "Eleven echinacea products were purchased and tested. Five failed. One had excessive lead contamination. Four had less key echinacea plant chemicals than claimed on their labels." Yipes!