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Introduction
This fact sheet provides basic information about the herb
echinacea--common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources
for more information. There are nine known species of echinacea, all of
which are native to the United States and southern Canada. The most
commonly used, Echinacea purpurea, is believed to be the most potent.
Common Names--echinacea, purple coneflower, coneflower, American coneflower
Latin Names--Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea pallida
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What It Is Used For
- Echinacea has traditionally been used to treat or prevent colds, flu, and other infections.
- Echinacea is believed to stimulate the immune system to help fight infections.
- Less commonly, echinacea has been used for wounds and skin problems, such as acne or boils.
How It Is Used
The aboveground parts of the plant and roots of echinacea are used
fresh or dried to make teas, squeezed (expressed) juice, extracts, or
preparations for external use.
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What the Science Says
- Studies indicate that echinacea does not appear to prevent colds or other infections.
- Studies
to date have not proven that echinacea shortens the course of colds or
flu. For example, two NCCAM-funded studies did not find a benefit from
echinacea, either as Echinacea purpurea fresh-pressed juice for treating colds in children, or as an unrefined mixture of Echinacea angustifolia root and Echinacea purpurea root and herb in adults.1,2 Other studies have shown that echinacea may be beneficial in treating upper respiratory infections.3
- NCCAM is continuing to support the study of echinacea for the treatment of upper respiratory infections.
Side Effects and Cautions
- When taken by mouth, echinacea usually does not cause side
effects. However, some people experience allergic reactions, including
rashes, increased asthma, and anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic
reaction). In clinical trials, gastrointestinal side effects were most
common.
- People are more likely to experience allergic
reactions to echinacea if they are allergic to related plants in the
daisy family, which includes ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and
daisies. Also, people with asthma or atopy (a genetic tendency toward
allergic reactions) may be more likely to have an allergic reaction
when taking echinacea.
- It is important to inform your health
care providers about any herb or dietary supplement you are using,
including echinacea. This helps to ensure safe and coordinated care.
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Sources
1 Taylor JA, Weber W, Standish L, et al. Efficacy and safety of echinacea in treating upper respiratory tract infections in children: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of the American Medical Association. 2003;290(21):2824–2830.
2 Barrett BP, Brown RL, Locken K, et al. Treatment of the common cold with unrefined echinacea: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2002;137(12):939–946.
3 Fugh-Berman A. Echinacea for the prevention and treatment of upper respiratory infections. Seminars in Integrative Medicine. 2003;1(2):106–111.
Echinacea. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed June 30, 2005.
Echinacea (E. angustifolia DC, E. pallida, E. purpurea). Natural Standard Web site. Accessed June 30, 2005.
Echinacea. In: Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckman J, eds. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Newton, MA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000:88–102.
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For More Information
Visit the NCCAM Web site and view:
NCCAM Clearinghouse
Toll-free in the U.S.: 1-888-644-6226
TTY (for deaf and hard-of-hearing callers): 1-866-464-3615
E-mail: info@nccam.nih.gov
CAM on PubMed
Web site: nccam.nih.gov/camonpubmed/
NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
Web site: ods.od.nih.gov
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This publication is not copyrighted and is in the public domain. Duplication is encouraged.
NCCAM has provided this material for your information. It is not
intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your
primary health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions
about treatment or care with your health care provider. The mention of
any product, service, or therapy in this information is not an
endorsement by NCCAM.
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NCCAM, National Institutes of Health
9000 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, Maryland 20892 USA
