Based on German Commission E monograph and American Botanical Council information material and summarized by Bernd Wollschlaeger, M.D., Diplomate American Board of Family Practice.

Echinacea is the scientific name for the Purple Coneflower, a popular American wildflower. For over 4000 years the Chinese used the herb to boost the body’s defense against infections.Native Americans used the rootstock as the foremost remedy for snake and insect bites, burns, wound cleanser, colds, sore throat and tonsillitis.Echinacea is prescribed by German physicians for the treatment of acute upper respiratory tract infections.

• Several chemicals were isolated from the rootstock:
• Echanacin: is a mucopolysacharide stimulating the immune system (leukocyte activity stimulation)
• Echinacoside: is a glycoside, which has mild antibiotic activity.
• Other compounds include bioflavinoids, and essential oils.
• Anti-inflammatory effect on cellular level similar to aspirin.

• Over 400 journal articles published in Europe and US suggest significant immune stimulation to protect against viral respiratory infections, shortening the duration and reduction of symptoms of the common flu.
• Echinacea stimulates the production of interferon, which then activates white blood cells to attack virus infected cells.
• For leukopenia (low white blood cell count) due to radiation therapy.

• Hypersensitivity to Echinacea preparations.

• Echinacea has an excellent safety record.
• Minor allergic skin reactions reported (rare)
• Occasionally stomach upset and diarrhea.

• Do not use if you are allergic to flowers of the Daisy family.
• Use not recommended in patients suffering from autoimmune disorder (i.e. Lupus), HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis, Tuberculosis.
• Avoid Echinacea in pregnancy due to lack of safety standards. In animal experiments no adverse reaction on growing fetus reported.

• None reported

• Solid dry standardized extract and liquid extract (tincture) is available from selected manufacturers.
• For adults: 300mg three times daily for a total of 900mg. Or a dropper-ful of tincture in water four times a day.
• For children under 10: give half of those amounts.
• Caution: no safety studies in children available. No adverse reactions reported.
• Click here for a quality standardized Echinacea product.

• Echinacea is reported to loose its efficacy when taken continuously. Recommend taking it for two weeks at a time, alternating with two weeks off.
• German Commission E does not recommend taking Echinacea for more than eight weeks without interruption.

• Not known.

• Do not self-diagnose and self-treat chronic infections.