6 Echinacea Benefits (& How To Add It To Your Routine)

Echinacea benefits, like boosting immunity, treating a cold and flu, and reducing anxiety, can be achieved by consuming this plant as a tea or supplement. This plant contains naturally anti-inflammatory, antiallergic and immunomodulatory properties, and is therefore widely used as a home remedy for the treatment of various conditions.

The scientific name of this plant is Echinacea spp. and the best-known species are Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea angustifolia. The parts that are normally used are the root or leaf of the plant.

Echinacea can be found in herbal stores, health food stores or pharmacies. This plant should be used under the guidance of a doctor or medicinal plant specialist.

Health benefits

The benefits of echinacea include:

1. Boosting immunity

Echinacea is rich in alkamides, polysaccharides, glycoproteins and caffeic acid derivatives. These contain anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory action, which help to strengthen the immune system, and prevent or combat respiratory infections, like the flu, colds, sinusitis or otitis.

This medicinal plant can also help fight chronic urinary or pelvic infections, as well as yeast infections or cold sores.

2. Fighting inflammation

Echinacea has anti-inflammatory properties that help fight inflammation and swelling. It can be useful to help treating toothaches and gum pain, for example. Learn about other anti-inflammatory teas you can prepare to manage swelling.

3. Healing the skin

Echinacea has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial action and can be used on the skin to accelerate the healing of superficial wounds. It can also help fight skin infections, such as abscesses or boils.

Furthermore, this plant can be used for skin conditions such as eczema, burns or insect poisoning.

4. Reducing anxiety

Some studies ^[1,2] show that echinacea has substances in its composition, such as alkamides, rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid, that contain anxiolytic action. These bind to cannabinoid receptors in the brain, helping to reduce anxiety.

However, more research is still needed to prove this benefit. Furthermore, it is important to highlight that echinacea does not replace anxiety treatment as prescribed by your doctor. Check-out other natural remedies for anxiety that you can prepare at home.

5. Regulating blood sugar

Some studies ^[3,4] carried out with cells in a laboratory setting show that echinacea contains substances with hypoglycemic properties. These can inhibit the enzymes that are responsible for digestiong carbohydrates, which can help reduce blood sugar levels.

Additionally, echinacea may help make cells more sensitive to the effects of insulin, which may be beneficial in the management of diabetes.

However, echinacea does not replace diabetes treatment as prescribed by a doctor, and more studies in humans are needed to prove this benefit.

6. Helping to fight cancer

Some studies carried out in the laboratory with pancreatic and intestinal cancer cells show that the chicoric acid present in echinacea can help reduce cell proliferation or increase cell death of these types of cancer.

However, studies in humans are still needed to prove this benefit.

How to use

The parts of echinacea that are typically are the leaves, roots and seeds. These parts contain substances from which medicinal properties are extracted and used to prepare tea, compresses or capsules.

1. Echinacea tea

Echinacea tea is a great option to take in cases of the cold or flu, as it relieves symptoms such as coughing and a runny nose.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon of echinacea root or leaves
• 1 cup of boiling water

Directions

Place 1 teaspoon of echinacea root or leaves in a cup of boiling water. Let it rest for 15 minutes, strain and drink twice a day. 

2. Echinacea capsules or tablets

Echinacea capsules or tablets may be used to help prevent infections or to support treatment for flu, colds, or urinary tract infections, for example.

The recommended dose for adults is:

• Echinacea capsule (Nature’s Way, NOW Foods, or Solaray): typically 400 mg, taken 1 to 3 times per day

• Echinacea tablet or capsule (various supplement brands): usually 300 to 500 mg per dose, taken 1 to 3 times per day

Echinacea capsules or tablets are taken by mouth and tend to be more effective when used from the onset of the first symptoms of infection.

The dose of echinacea capsules or tablets should always be determined individually by a doctor or qualified herbal medicine specialist.

3. Echinacea compresses

Echinacea can also be used on the skin, by applying a paste made from echinacea roots and leaves.

Ingredients

• Echinacea leaves and roots
• Cloth soaked with hot water.

Directions

Mash the echinacea leaves and roots, with the help of a pestle, until a paste is formed. Then, apply it to the affected area with a cloth dampened with hot water.

4. Echinacea tincture

Echinacea tincture is used to help strengthen the immune system and to help prevent or support treatment for urinary tract infections or respiratory infections, such as the flu or colds.

The recommended dose for adults is 20 to 30 drops of echinacea tincture diluted in a glass of water, taken 3 times per day, or as directed by a doctor.

Possible side effects

The most common side effects of echinacea include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, fever, sore throat, muscle pain, headache, dizziness, confusion, insomnia, or an unpleasant taste in the mouth.

Allergic reactions may also occur, such as itching or worsening asthma symptoms.

Who should not use

Echinacea should not be used in the following situations:

• Children

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women

• Multiple sclerosis

• Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or psoriasis

• Tuberculosis, leukemia, or collagen diseases

In addition, echinacea should not be used by people who have HIV or AIDS or by those taking immunosuppressive medications.

Echinacea is also contraindicated for people who are allergic to this medicinal plant or to other plants from the Asteraceae family, such as daisies, chrysanthemums, wormwood, or sunflower.

Because echinacea tincture may contain alcohol, it should not be used by people undergoing treatment for alcoholism or by those taking disulfiram.