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VIGoals·Immune support1 claim · 1 source

Echinacea for Immune support

Echinacea purpurea · Asteraceae

May shorten the common cold Evidence rated moderate (d = 0.55).

Want the full plant profile? See Echinacea botanical profile →

Echinacea purpurea (Echinacea) — botanical photograph
I

How it works mechanism

Macrophage and NK-cell activation via alkylamides; in vitro and modest clinical evidence.
II

Evidence cited sources

1 source
Moderate evidenceeffect size d = 0.55

May shorten the common cold

Sources
  • Echinacea for preventing and treating the common cold (2007)
III

Dosage & preparation

PreparationDoseNotes
Infusion / tea1.000–2.000 g · 3–6×/day— (max 14d)
Standardized capsule400.000–1000.000 mg · 3×/day— (max 14d)
Tincture (1:5, 45%)2.000–5.000 ml · 3–5×/day— (max 14d)
IV

Safety & cautions

warning · immunosuppressants
Avoid combination — antagonistic.
warning · Asteraceae allergy
Cross-reactivity with ragweed, daisies.
caution · autoimmune
Theoretical concern with immune-stimulating effect; clinical relevance debated.
V

Other plants for Immune support

8 alternatives
Astragalus chartostegius
Astragalus chartostegius
Astragalus chartostegius
moderate
Astragalus christianus
Astragalus christianus
Astragalus christianus
moderate
Astragalus multiceps
Astragalus multiceps
Astragalus multiceps
moderate
Astragalus reflexistipulus
Astragalus reflexistipulus
Astragalus reflexistipulus
moderate
Astragalus shinanensis
Astragalus shinanensis
Astragalus shinanensis
moderate
Chinese Milk Vetch
Chinese Milk Vetch
Astragalus sinicus
moderate
Crataegus laciniata
Crataegus laciniata
Crataegus laciniata
moderate
Dang Shen
Dang Shen
Codonopsis pilosula
moderate
VI

Frequently asked

Is Echinacea effective for Immune support?

May shorten the common cold Evidence is rated moderate with an effect size of d=0.55. See the Evidence section above for cited sources.

What is the recommended dose of Echinacea for Immune support?

Typical adult dose: 1.000–2.000 g as Infusion / tea, 3–6 times daily. See the Dosage table for all forms. Always start at the lower end.

What are the safety risks of Echinacea for Immune support?

Avoid combination — antagonistic. See the Safety section for the full list of contraindications and drug interactions.

How does Echinacea compare to other plants for Immune support?

See the alternatives section above — we list other species with documented effects on Immune support, ranked by evidence quality.

Is this medical advice?

No. This is educational reference. Always consult a healthcare professional before using any herbal preparation, especially alongside prescription medication.

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