Echinacea

© Steven Foster

This fact sheet provides basic information about echinacea—common 

names, what the science says, potential side effects and cautions, and 

resources for more information.

Common Names—echinacea, purple coneflower, coneflower, 

American coneflower

Latin Names—Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea pallida

There are nine known species of echinacea, all of which are native to the 

United States and southern Canada. The most commonly used is Echinacea 

purpurea. Echinacea has traditionally been used for colds, flu, and other 

infections, based on the idea that it might stimulate the immune system 

to more effectively fight infection. Less common folk or traditional uses of 

echinacea include for wounds and skin problems, such as acne or boils.

The aboveground parts of the plant and roots of echinacea are used 

fresh or dried to make teas, squeezed (expressed) juice, extracts, or 

preparations for external use.

What the Science Says

• Study results are mixed on whether echinacea can prevent or 

effectively treat upper respiratory tract infections such as the 

common cold. For example, two NCCAM-funded studies did not find 

a benefit from echinacea, either as Echinacea purpurea fresh-pressed 

juice for treating colds in children, or as an unrefined mixture of 

Echinacea angustifolia root and Echinacea purpurea root and herb in 

adults. However, other studies have shown that echinacea may be 

beneficial in treating upper respiratory infections.

• NCCAM is continuing to support the study of echinacea for the 

treatment of upper respiratory infections. NCCAM is also studying 

echinacea for its potential effects on the immune system.

Side Effects and Cautions 

• When taken by mouth, echinacea usually does not cause side 

effects. However, some people experience allergic reactions, 

including rashes, increased asthma, and anaphylaxis (a lifethreatening allergic reaction). In clinical trials, gastrointestinal side 

effects were most common.
• People are more likely to experience allergic reactions to echinacea if they are allergic to 

related plants in the daisy family, which includes ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and 

daisies. Also, people with asthma or atopy (a genetic tendency toward allergic reactions) may 

be more likely to have an allergic reaction when taking echinacea.

• Tell all your health care providers about any complementary health practices you use. Give 

them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated 

and safe care. For tips about talking with your health care providers about complementary 

and alternative medicine, see NCCAM’s Time to Talk campaign at nccam.nih.gov/timetotalk/. 

Sources

Barrett BP, Brown RL, Locken K, et al. Treatment of the common cold with unrefined echinacea: a randomized, doubleblind, placebo-controlled trial. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2002;137(12):939-946.

Echinacea. In: Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckman J, eds. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs.

Newton, MA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000:88-102.

Echinacea. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Web site. Accessed at www.naturaldatabase.com on May 11, 2009.

Echinacea (E. angustifolia DC, E. pallida, E. purpurea). Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed at 

www.naturalstandard.com on June 1, 2009.

Fugh-Berman A. Echinacea for the prevention and treatment of upper respiratory infections. Seminars in Integrative 

Medicine. 2003;1(2):106-111.

O’Neil J, Hughes S, Lourie A, et al. Effects of echinacea on the frequency of upper respiratory tract symptoms: a 

randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Annals of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. 2008;100(4):384-388.

Shah SA, Sander S, White CM, et al. Evaluation of echinacea for the prevention and treatment of the common cold: a 

meta-analysis. Lancet Infectious Diseases. 2007;7(7):473-480.

Taylor JA, Weber W, Standish L, et al. Efficacy and safety of echinacea in treating upper respiratory tract infections in 

children: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of the American Medical Association. 2003;290(21):2824-2830.

Turner RB, Bauer R, Woelkart K, et al. An evaluation of Echinacea angustifolia in experimental rhinovirus infections. New 

England Journal of Medicine. 2005;353(4):341-348.

For More Information

Visit the NCCAM Web site at nccam.nih.gov and view Using Dietary Supplements Wisely

(nccam.nih.gov/health/supplements/wiseuse.htm).

NCCAM Clearinghouse

Toll-free in the U.S.: 1-888-644-6226

TTY (for deaf and hard-of-hearing callers): 1-866-464-3615

E-mail: info@nccam.nih.gov

PubMed®

Web site: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez

NIH Office of Dietary Supplements

Web site: www.ods.od.nih.gov

NIH National Library of Medicine’s MedlinePlus

Echinacea Listing: www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/981.html

This publication is not copyrighted and is in the public domain. Duplication is encouraged.

NCCAM has provided this material for your information. It is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and 

advice of your primary health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your 

health care provider. The mention of any product, service, or therapy is not an endorsement by NCCAM.

National Institutes of Health

♦♦♦

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

D271

Created July 2005

Updated April 2012