Echinacea
(Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea pallida)
Nine known species exist. Echinacea purpurea is the most commonly used, with many people
considering it as the most potent.
Alternate names
 Purple coneflower
 Coneflower
 American coneflower
Native to
 Eastern North America
 Southern Canada
Medicinal parts used
 Aboveground parts of the plant
 Roots
Uses
 Used fresh or dried to make teas, squeezed (expressed) juice, extracts, or preparations of
external use
 Traditionally used as a supportive therapy for colds and chronic infections of the respiratory
tract and lower urinary tract
 Less commonly used for wounds and skin problems, such as acne or boils
How it works
 It is not known which of echinacea’s many chemical components is responsible for its touted
health benefits, although all species possess compounds of a chemical class called phenols
 When taken internally, produces immune effects, such as increased number of white blood
cells
 Studies to date have not proved that echinacea shortens the course of colds or flu
Side effects and warnings
 Generally regarded as safe when taken by mouth
 Some people experience allergic reactions, including rashes, increased asthma, and
anaphylaxis
 People allergic to plants in the daisy family are more likely to experience allergic reactions
 Clinical trials show gastrointestinal side effects were most common
 Persons with progressive systemic and autoimmune disorders should not take echinacea
 Individuals taking other hepatotoxic drugs, such as anabolic steroids, amiodarone,
methotrexate, and ketoconazole, should not use echinacea
Dosage recommendations
 Length of use: Maximum recommended time is no more than 8 weeks
 Purpurea in pressed juice form: 6−9 milliliters
 Pallida liquid preparation: 900 milligrams
References and recommended readings
MedlinePlus. Echinacea. Available at:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/981.html. Accessed March 29, 2011.
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Echinacea. Available at:
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/echinacea/ataglance.htm. Accessed March 29, 2011.
Review Date 5/11
G-1639