However, echinacea, particularly echinacea purpurea, has been the subject of research studies over the years, with promising results. Hill, N., Stam, C., Tuinder, S., and van Haselen, R. A. A placebo controlled clinical trial investigating the efficacy of a homeopathic after-bite gel in reducing mosquito bite induced erythema. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1995;49(1-2):103-108. View abstract. Luettig B, Steinmuller C, Gifford GE, et al. Macrophage activation by the polysaccharide arabinogalactan isolated from plant cell cultures of Echinacea purpurea. J Natl Cancer Inst 1989;81:669-75. View abstract. Lopresti AL, Smith SJ. An investigation into the anxiety-relieving and mood-enhancing effects of Echinacea angustifolia (EP107 Burger, R. A., Torres, A. R., Warren, R. P., Caldwell, V. D., and Hughes, B. G. Echinacea-induced cytokine production by human macrophages. Int.J Immunopharmacol. 1997;19(7):371-379. View abstract.

Gilroy CM, Steiner JF, Byers T, et al. Echinacea and truth in labeling. Arch Intern Med 2003;163:699-704. View abstract. Barrett B, Brown R, Rakel D, Rabago D, et al. Placebo effects and the common cold: a randomized controlled trial. Ann.Fam.Med 2011;9:312-22. View abstract.Ogal M, Johnston SL, Klein P, Schoop R. Echinacea reduces antibiotic usage in children through respiratory tract infection prevention: a randomized, blinded, controlled clinical trial. Eur J Med Res. 2021;26(1):33. doi:10.1186/s40001-021-00499-6

Because of its immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory effects, research indicates that this herb may work to improve the following upper respiratory symptoms: Martin TD, Green MS, Whitehead MT, Scheett TP, Webster MJ, Hudson GM. Six weeks of oral Echinacea purpurea supplementation does not enhance the production of serum erythropoietin or erythropoietic status in recreationally active males with above-average aerobic fitness. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2019;44(7):791-795. View abstract. Melchart D, Walther E, Linde K, et al. Echinacea root extracts for the prevention of upper respiratory tract infections: a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial. Arch Fam Med 1998;7:541-5. View abstract.Anxiety is a common problem that is estimated to affect nearly 7% of adults in the United States ( 13). Drinking the herbal tea is especially effective to help with this. For more chronic conditions, a cup of tea every day can help loosen the bowels — whereas two to three cups per day can help with sudden bouts. In another older test-tube study, extracts from echinacea plants ( Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia, and Echinacea pallida) killed human cancer cells from the pancreas and colon by stimulating a process called apoptosis, or controlled cell death ( 27).

Samuels N, Grbic JT, Saffer AJ, et al. Effect of an herbal mouth rinse in preventing periodontal inflammation in an experimental gingivitis model: a pilot study. Compend.Contin.Educ.Dent. 2012;33:204-11. View abstract. Although it is rare, echinacea will cause allergic reactions. Reactions may be mild, but in severe cases, echinacea can cause anaphylaxis (a life-threatening reaction). People who have asthma or other allergies are at high risk, especially those who are allergic to plants in the daisy family. If you have allergies or asthma, talk to your doctor before taking echinacea.Hu, C. and Kitts, D. D. Studies on the antioxidant activity of Echinacea root extract. J Agric Food Chem 2000;48(5):1466-1472. View abstract. Steinmuller, C., Roesler, J., Grottrup, E., Franke, G., Wagner, H., and Lohmann-Matthes, M. L. Polysaccharides isolated from plant cell cultures of Echinacea purpurea enhance the resistance of immunosuppressed mice against systemic infections with Candida albicans and Listeria monocytogenes. Int.J Immunopharmacol. 1993;15(5):605-614. View abstract.