May provide mild immune support during cold & flu season.
Effective Dose
300-500mg of extract, or equivalent dried herb
Onset
Days
Cost
Budget
Cycle
Echinacea is often used for short periods (e.g., 1-2 weeks) during cold and flu season, rather than long-term daily use.
Why not higher?
7 things you need to know
What it does
May provide mild immune support during cold & flu season.
Worth it?
5/10. Echinacea shows some promise for immune support, particularly for reducing the duration and severity of colds. However, effects are often mild and not consistently observed across all studies. Consider it a potentially helpful, but not essential, supplement for immune health.
How much to take
300-500mg of extract, or equivalent dried herb
Price
Cheap (under $15/month)
How fast it works
Builds up over days to weeks
Safety
Check if: may cause allergic reactions in people allergic to plants in the daisy family (ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds)., may interact with certain medications; consult a healthcare professional if taking prescription drugs.
What people say
Some users report a mild tingling sensation on the tongue or a slight warming sensation. Overall, it's not typically associated with strong or noticeable subjective effects.
Native to North America, traditionally used by Native American tribes for medicinal purposes.
"Some users report a mild tingling sensation on the tongue or a slight warming sensation. Overall, it's not typically associated with strong or noticeable subjective effects."
Research backing for this ingredient
Some evidence, more research needed
Limited
Not yet
Generally accepted with some debate
"Research on echinacea is mixed, with some studies showing benefits for cold and flu symptoms, while others report no significant effects. The variability in study designs and echinacea species used contributes to the lack of a strong consensus."
Echinacea is often used to support the immune system, particularly during cold and flu season. Studies suggest it might help reduce the length and severity of colds, although results vary.
Products below minimum dose are likely ineffective
When
Any time
How
300-500mg of extract, or equivalent dried herb
Food
Can be taken at any time of day. Some prefer to take it with food to minimize potential stomach upset.
Effects may be noticeable after a few days of consistent use, particularly during the onset of cold symptoms.
Echinacea is often used for short periods (e.g., 1-2 weeks) during cold and flu season, rather than long-term daily use.
Check for specific interactions.
Echinacea is categorized as a herb.
Scientific consensus score: 6/10.
Evidence quality: MODERATE.
Add Echinacea to your stack analyzer or compare it with other ingredients.
Not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider.