What is the recommended dosage for Echinacea?

General: 300-500 mg standardized extract 3x/day; Acute Use: At first sign of symptoms for 7-10 days

What are the side effects of Echinacea?

Potential side effects include: Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, stomach pain), Allergic reactions (especially in those allergic to daisies, ragweed), Headache, Dizziness.

What is echinacea and how does it support the immune system?

Echinacea is a genus of flowering plants widely studied for immune support. The species E. purpurea and E. angustifolia contain alkamides and polysaccharides that may stimulate phagocytic activity and support the body's natural defense mechanisms.

What dosage of echinacea has been used in clinical trials?

Clinical studies have used a wide range of echinacea preparations. Common doses include 300–500 mg of standardized extract three times daily, or 2.5 mL of liquid extract. The species, plant part, and extraction method significantly affect outcomes.

What are the potential side effects of echinacea?

Side effects are generally mild and may include gastrointestinal upset, rash, or allergic reactions, particularly in individuals allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family. Long-term use beyond 8 weeks is not well studied.

Echinacea

herb

Also known as: Echinacea purpurea, Purple Coneflower, Echinacea angustifolia

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About

Echinacea is one of the most studied herbal immune supplements. Its alkylamide and polysaccharide constituents activate macrophages, enhance phagocytosis, and stimulate natural killer cell activity. Cochrane-reviewed meta-analyses suggest modest reduction in cold duration and severity when started at symptom onset.

How It Works

Activates macrophages, enhances phagocytosis, and stimulates NK cell activity through alkylamide and polysaccharide constituents; modulates cytokine production (TNF-alpha, IL-1, IL-6).

Evidence For Conditions

Condition	Grade	Studies	Participants
Upper Respiratory Tract Infections	B	20	4000	View →

Side Effects

Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, stomach pain)
Allergic reactions (especially in those allergic to daisies, ragweed)
Headache
Dizziness

Drug & Supplement Interactions

Immunosuppressant medications (may counteract immunosuppression)
CYP3A4 substrates (may alter metabolism of various drugs)
Caffeine (may slow caffeine metabolism)
Anabolic steroids and methotrexate (increased hepatotoxicity risk)

Always inform your healthcare provider about all supplements you take.

Related Ingredients

Andrographis Astragalus Elderberry Garlic Olive Leaf Extract

Quick Facts

Dosage: General: 300-500 mg standardized extract 3x/day; Acute_Use: At first sign of symptoms for 7-10 days
Forms: capsule tincture liquid extract tea lozenge
Natural Sources: Native North American plant (supplement form only)
Upper Limit: No established UL; generally used for 10 days or less
Best Time: At first sign of symptoms; multiple doses throughout the day

Evidence Summary

Upper Respiratory Tract Infections B

FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and information on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The evidence grades presented are based on our analysis of published peer-reviewed research and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.