Echinacea, a purplish flower, has long been adored for its ability to boost the immune system. Traditionally it’s been said that it can prevent a cold (or other infection) and shorten how long one lasts. Earlier scientific studies supported this. But recent research, as in studies performed in the past 20 years, slightly changes the story.
According to the National Institutes of Health’s National
Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, proof of these claims still exists but the evidence isn’t as strong as originally thought. For example, yes, ingesting echinacea “may slightly reduce your chances of catching a cold” [1]. And, yes, taking echinacea “may improve cold symptoms” [2]. But, the evidence is weak.
Echinacea can help, but it’s not as strong and effective as once thought.
Here’s the good news:
A study published in June 2024 concluded that echinacea can relieve anxiety and enhance mood [3]!
If you live with mild to moderate anxiety, or symptoms of depression, try taking 40 to 80 milligrams of echinacea extract every day for 6 weeks, or 40 milligrams of echinacea twice a day for 7 days, followed by a 3-week break.
Undoubtedly scientists will learn even more as they continue to investigate this medicinal flower!
Sources:
[1] https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/echinacea
[2] https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/providers/digest/travel-related-ailments-and-complementary-health-approaches-science
[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34217960/
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