Echinacea

Echinacea is marketed for the relief of symptoms of cold and flu, such as sore throat and cough.

The scientific evidence around the use of echinacea is weak.

• A Cochrane systematic review of 24 studies with 4631 participants, testing a range of echinacea preparations, found a weak preventative benefit for the common cold, no reduction in illness occurrence and no reduction in the duration of the common cold. (1)
• The authors recommendation for consumers and clinicians is to be aware that the available echinacea products differ greatly.
• Most of these products have not been tested in clinical trials.

• Echinacea may cause an allergic reaction in sensitive patients.
• People who have asthma or atopy ( a tendency for allergic asthma, eye and skin allergies, food allergy, or hay fever) may be more likely to have allergic reactions after taking echinacea by mouth or applying it to the skin. 
• There have been reports of allergic symptoms such as skin hives, rash, itching, and redness.
• Some patients have experienced more severe symptoms such as tightening of the chest, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, mouth and lips.  
• Echinacea may cause abnormal or irregular heartbeat.
• Echinacea may interact with some prescription medicines, so check with your doctor or pharmacist.

Read more about medicines and side effects and reporting a reaction you think might be a side effect.