Echinacea is a herbal supplement that is often used at the first sign sickness, or as a preventative measure for a cold or flu, because it’s been scientifically proven with clinical trials, to have benefits and to speed up recovery.
This is why Echinacea is used as biohack, and these are the supplements we recommend and why
[wptb id=185]
Why use Echinacea? Echinacea is a very popular herb, and people commonly take it to help combat flu and colds. It is a genus of herbaceous flowering plants in the daisy family – Asteraceae, and is also known as the American coneflower. Native Americans have used this herb for centuries to treat various ailments. Today, it’s best known as an over-the-counter herbal remedy for the common cold or flu and also used to treat a number of ailments like pain, inflammation, migraines and other health issues.The herb also encourages the immune system and helps to reduce various infections. Echinacea has a complex mix of active substances, some of which are said to be antimicrobial, while others are believed to have an effect on the human immune system.
Types of echinacea used as medicine or herbal remedies:
- Echinacea angustifolia – Narrow-leaved coneflower
- Echinacea pallida – Pale purple coneflower
- Echinacea purpurea – Purple coneflower, eastern purple coneflower
All the above mentioned species of this herbal remedy have compounds called phenols, active substances that control the activity of a range of enzymes and cell receptors, and protect the plant from infections and ultraviolet (UV) radiation damage. Phenols have antioxidant properties, which may be good for human health.
Some of the supplements in our list can provide you with a number of benefits of these three types of Echinacea. Let’s get to know the details about each product.
1. Oregon’s Wild Harvest Echinacea
Why we picked it: High quality for those looking for an organic option.
Oregon’s Wild Harvest Echinacea is a strong echinacea supplement that uses several different types of herbs and wakes up the immune system.
Highlights:
- 400mg Echinacea per capsule (800mg per serving)
- Uses echinacea purpurea and echinacea angustifolia
- 90 Non-GMO bovine gelatin capsules
- A mix of echinacea tops and echinacea root
- Made with Certified Organic ingredients
Who Makes It:
Oregon’s Wild Harvest is an Oregon-based supplement company that grows many of their own ingredients on Certified Organic farmland.
Pros:
- Free from dairy, wheat, gluten, peanuts, soy or corn allergens
- Product verified Non-GMO by SGS, an independent, third-party lab
- Also available in liquid form
- Organic
Cons:
- Supplement may not be friendly for vegetarians and vegans due to the use of gelatin
2. NOW Foods Echinacea
Why we picked it: Halal and kosher product, simple and no-frills formula.
NOW Foods Echinacea is a simple and popular Echinacea supplement made by one of the world’s biggest supplement companies. It’s a straightforward product.
Highlights:
- 400mg Echinacea per capsule (800mg per serving)
- 250 veg capsules per bottle
- Simple formula
- Natural color variations may occur in this product
Who Makes It:
NOW Foods is a massive health product manufacturer based in Illinois. They are a leader in the supplement and natural product industry, producing more than 1,000 unique products for distribution worldwide. Since 1968 NOW has been a leader in the natural products industry. Even when healthy foods and natural supplements weren’t mainstream, the company never wavered from their mission – to provide value in products and services that empower people to lead healthier lives.
Pros:
- This product utilizes the whole Echinacea root, which has all of its natural components in the amounts found in nature.
- Halal and kosher product
- Vegan friendly
- Soy-free, nut-free and corn-free
- Available in liquid form
Cons:
- This product is limited to adults only.
3. Solaray Organic Echinacea Root
Why we picked it: High quality organic supplement, excipient-free.
Echinacea is one of the most trusted ways to prevent sickness and Solaray’s Organic Echinacea Purpurea Root gives you this herb in its purest form. Solaray Organic Echinacea is a good echinacea supplement from a trusted company. It’s made using organically grown, excipient-free echinacea root, and contains no other ingredients (except the capsule). Organic Echinacea Purpurea Root from Solaray is part of their line of organically grown herbal supplements.
Highlights:
- 450mg Echinacea root per capsule (900mg per serving)
- 100 capsules per serving
- Organically grown
- Excipient-free
- No other ingredients
Who Makes It:
Solaray is a division of Nutraceutical, a large-scale health, and wellness company. Solaray got its start in 1973 and has been making industry-leading supplements ever since.
Pros:
- Organic and herbal
- Excipient-free
- No extra ingredients
Cons:
- The supplements is not friendly for people who are allergic to the Asteraceae family of plants.
4. Nature’s Bounty Echinacea
Why we picked it: Simple, no-frills Echinacea supplement, no artificial additives
Being especially popular during the time of season change, the Echinacea supplement provided by Nature’s Bounty is preservative-free gelatin capsules and contain pure milled herb powder. Nature’s Bounty’s Natural Whole Herb products utilize ground plant parts to provide the natural components in the amounts found in nature.
Highlights:
- 400mg Echinacea per capsule/serving
- 100 capsules in each bottle
- No other ingredients
Who Makes It:
Nature’s Bounty is a large supplement company that has been in business for more than 40 years and Health-conscious people have trusted Nature’s Bounty products for decades. .Nature’s Bounty is the flagship brand of The Nature’s Bounty Co., a family of wellness brands committed to providing people with high quality products to complement their lifestyles and physical health. Every product is subjected to numerous quality tests and assays throughout the manufacturing process to verify the product’s purity and to extract its full potency. As an added measure of quality assurance, the initial ingredients, as well as the final product are tested in the company’s microbiological laboratory to make certain that the product is pure and free of any and all harmful bacteria.
Pros:
- Capsules may be opened and prepared as a tea for consumption
- Naturally stimulates immune system function
Cons:
- Product should be avoided in case of allergies to sunflowers or daisy-like flowers
5. Nature Made Echinacea
Why we picked it: Gluten-free, no artificial flavours or colours or preservatives, no yeast or starch, high standard of product purity
Nature Made Echinacea is a simple supplement featuring 350mg of whole-herb echinacea purpurea which guarantees purity and potency.
Highlights
- 350mg Echinacea per capsule/serving
- Contains some fillers
- Lower dose than most competing supplements
- Other ingredients include, cellulose gel, gelatin, stearic acid, water
Who Makes It:
Nature Made is a California-based supplement company with decades of industry experience and is the #1 Pharmacist Recommended brand in eight segments as ranked by the U.S. News & World Report – Pharmacy Times Survey, which polls pharmacists across the country about the brands they recommend..
Pros:
- No artificial colorings added
- No artificial flavors
- No preservatives
- No yeast or starch
- Gluten free
Cons:
- Not suitable for those allergic to ragweed
- Contains fillers
- Leaves bad taste in mouth
6. Nature’s Way Echinacea
Why we picked it: Free of almost all allergens, well-reviewed, manufactured by a reliable company
Nature’s Way Echinacea is a top echinacea supplement from a trusted company. It’s manufactured in the United States, non-GMO Project Verified, and free of most common allergens. Overall, this is one of the best Echinacea supplements available.
Highlights:
- 400mg Echinacea per capsule
- Non-GMO Project Verified
- Free of gluten, sugar, salt, yeast, wheat, soy, corn, dairy, and artificial ingredients
Who Makes It:
Nature’s Way is a trusted American supplement manufacturer that’s been in business since 1969. They are a proud partner of the Non-GMO Project. They also pay to have all their ingredients Tru-ID Certified, which means ingredients are third-party tested with DNA biotechnology to ensure quality and accuracy.
Pros:
- Non-GMO Project, Tru-ID Certified
- Verified organic by Quality Assurance International
- Helps support immune health
Cons:
- Not recommended for individuals with autoimmune conditions.
7. Sundown Naturals Echinacea
Why we picked it: Free of most common allergens
Sundown Naturals Echinacea Whole Herb is an effective echinacea supplement. Its formula features no fillers and is free of most common allergens.
Highlights:
- 400mg Echinacea per capsule/serving
- 100 capsules per bottle
- Certified Gluten-Free and Non-GMO
- Free of dairy, artificial ingredients, preservatives, yeast, and most other common allergens
Who Makes It:
Sundown Naturals is a large supplement company that was founded in 1977. All their products are 100% non-GMO, and they focus on making allergen-free products to suit a wide variety of customers.
Pros:
- Does not contain any artificial colors
- Echinacea purpurea has been used to make it
- Activates body’s protective processes by enhancing the function of white blood cells
- Free of most common allergens
Cons:
- Despite being the best option for people with allergies, those who are allergic to sunflowers or daisy-like flowers, should refrain from using this product
8. Gaia Herbs Echinacea Supreme
Why we picked it: High quality, organic, liquid formula, use of liquid extract promoting better absorption
Echinacea Supreme is a high quality, organic Echinacea extract from a trusted company. It utilizes a proprietary extract blend including echinacea purpurea and echinacea angustifolia. It uses a liquid extract, packaged in capsules, for better absorption and bio availability.
Highlights:
- 350mg Echinacea blend per capsule (700mg per serving)
- Uses Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea angustifolia
- Fast-dissolving liquid phyto-cap
- Liquid extract formula for better absorption
- Made with organic ingredients
Who Makes It:
Gaia Herbs is a large supplement and herbal product manufacturer headquartered in North Carolina. They grow their own herbal ingredients organically and have pioneered a unique ingredient tracing system called MeetYourHerbs that lets customers trace the history and origin of each ingredient.
Pros:
- Maintains a healthy inflammatory response to seasonal stressors
- Fast acting response
- Validated full spectrum extract
- Certified organic
Cons:
- Contains alcohol.
9. Pure Mountain Botanicals Echinacea
Why we picked it: No GMOs, no added sodium benzoate or magnesium stearate
Pure Mountain Botanicals Echinacea is a simple product from a trusted company.
Highlights:
- 420mg Echinacea root per capsule/serving
- 90 capsules per bottle
- Contains Certified Organic Echinacea Root Powder
- No other ingredients (besides gel cap)
- Organic
- Vegetarian, Kosher and gluten-free
- Non-GMO
Who Makes It:
In 2013 Pure Mountain Botanicals was born with a commitment to clean ingredients, organic practices and sustainability. Aiming to make super clean and effective supplements accessible, the company we cut out the middleman and made their wholesome, carefully-crafted supplements available directly online. It’s all the good and the essentials extracted from nature, delivered right to the customers doorstep. Pure Mountain Botanicals is a supplement company committed to organic practices, clean ingredients and sustainability.
Pros:
- Made with organic Echinacea
- Vegetarian, kosher and gluten free.
- No harsh preservatives, fillers of flowing agents
- No added sodium benzoate or magnesium stearate
- No GMOs
Cons:
- Not standardized, it is full spectrum.
10. Pure Naturals Echinacea and Goldenseal Root
Why we picked it: Contains two forms of Echinacea extract, supports production of white blood cells
Pure Naturals Echinacea and Goldenseal Root is a simple product and gives one the chance to reap the benefits of four traditional herbal remedies in the simplest of ways.
Highlights:
- 450 mg Echinacea & goldenseal blend
- 120 capsules per bottle
- Contains two forms of Echinacea extract, including echinacea purpurea, pure goldenseal root, burdock root and cayenne pepper fruit extract
Who Makes It:
Pure Naturals, a rapidly expanding nutraceutical company, is a new supplement company that mostly sells products online. With an intention to make supplementation easier, the company helps create a solid nutritional base for all individuals with simple yet effective formulas and allows for optimal dosage.
Pros:
- Support the production of T-cells to strengthen the immune system
- Ease nasal congestion
- Assist with skin healing
- Provide antibiotic, anti-inflammatory benefits and immune support
- Free of gluten, sugar, starch, lactose, milk, soy, wheat, yeast, fish and sodium
Cons:
- May contain lead.
Benefits of Echinacea
Echinacea can work as a remedy for the following problems:
- Acid Indigestion
- Attention Deficit-hyperactivity Disorder (Adhd)
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Diphtheria
- Dizziness
- Genital Herpes
- Gum Disease
- Malaria
- Migraine
- Rattlesnake Bite
- Rheumatism
- Septicemia – Bloodstream Infection
- Streptococcus Infection
- Syphilis
- Flu
- Tonsillitis
- Typhoid
- Urinary Tract Infection
- Vaginal Yeast Infection
How to Take Echinacea Supplements
You should be careful while taking an Echinacea product. Most of the brands recommend taking the product with a large glass of water, or food. It can be harmful for your body to take Echinacea when you are on an empty stomach.
Most importantly, one should not continue taking Echinacea for an extended period of time. There is no proof that long-term consumption of echinacea is safe. You shouldn’t continue echinacea supplements for more than 6-8 weeks.
Before taking echinacea or any other supplement, don’t forget to consult your doctor. The doctor will be able to tell you if the supplement will interfere with other medication or not.
Who Can Take Echinacea Supplements
Unlike many other supplements, Echinacea is not for everyone. You should avoid taking echinacea if you have any of the following:
- Autoimmune disorders
- HIV infection
- AIDS
- Tuberculosis
- Multiple sclerosis
How to Pick a Good Echinacea Product
There are several factors to consider when shopping for an echinacea product. First off, one should decide if they want echinacea pills, or a liquid extract. Since the liquid extract has a harsh flavor, many people opt for the convenience of capsules. However, the liquid or powder forms can be consumed like tea or other drinks preparations for which are readily available online.
One should also consider the type of echinacea being used in the supplements.The best option is to look for either Echinacea purpurea or Echinacea angustifolia. There is no clear evidence to suggest that either of these is superior to the other or had better outcomes, but other forms should generally be avoided. Added to that, one should take notice of the ingredient list to avoid allergic reactions and other complications.
Lastly, close attention should be paid to the product itself – the dosage being offered, the ingredients being used, and the company behind it.
What To Look Out For
Consumers should keep an eye out regarding some echinacea products that are on the market. Echinacea products are commonly mislabeled. Some have been tested and found to have no actual echinacea in them at all. Laboratory tests have shown that some echinacea products are tainted with arsenic, lead or selenium.
Herbal remedies are not regulated in most countries, including the USA and UK, in the same way that medications are. This can mean that an herbal remedy, such as Echinacea, that is purchased at a drugstore might not contain what the label claims to and might have adverse effects on the consumer’s body and health.
Therefore, while purchasing any echinacea supplements, consumers should only purchase the herbal medication from reliable, well-established and trusted manufacturers.
Possible Side Effects
- Abdominal Pain
- Allergic Reactions
- Altered Fertility
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Redness (Topical Use)
- Skin Rash Accompanying Fever (Topical Use)
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Itching (Topical Use)
- Sore Throat
- Unpleasant Taste
FAQs
Q. Can people with cancer use echinacea?
Answer: Some echinacea supplements may contain ingredients which have been linked to causing cancer. However, it is crucial to find a supplement which is adequate and suitable for an individual’s necessities and liking. If necessary, supplements with such ingredients can be avoided by opting for a more organic and friendly manufacturer.
A survey in America looked into complementary and alternative medicine use in adults and found that echinacea was the most commonly used natural product.
There is no solid evidence that echinacea can contribute to the development of cancer or if it can help with cancer treatment . But some people take it because they believe it might:
- Boost their immune system
- Fight the cancer cells
- Give them some control over their cancer and its treatment
- Treat their cancer if conventional treatment can no longer offer a possible cure
Laboratory and animal studies of echinacea have shown that it stimulated immune cells and also prevented inflammation. But there are no clinical trial results to show this in humans. Studies in humans only showed changes to the immune system.
There is continuing research into its use to fight infections, viruses and cancer. In laboratory studies on human colon cancer cells, echinacea caused cell death. But this is not enough evidence to use it as a treatment for cancer.
In some studies researchers found that echinacea could cause chemotherapy to work less well. And it could cause side effects.
Q. Is it okay to take echinacea daily?
Answer: Standardized extracts have other specific doses. Some people use echinacea tea, 6-8 ounces, four times daily. Echinacea appears to be most effective when started as soon as symptoms are noticed, taken many times a day, and used for seven to 10 days.
Q. Who should not take echinacea?
Answer: People with an autoimmune disorder (such as lupus), multiple sclerosis, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), tuberculosis should avoid echinacea.
Q. Is echinacea harmful for the liver?
Answer: Using echinacea for longer than 8 weeks at a time might damage your liver or suppress your immune system. Herbalists recommend not to take echinacea if you are taking medicines known to affect your liver. There is also a rare chance of a serious allergic reaction to echinacea.
Q. Does echinacea influence blood pressure?
Answer: The result could be an increase in blood pressure. Although echinacea is considered helpful for reducing cold and flu symptoms, some evidence indicates that it also changes how medications are metabolized.
Q. What medications does Echinacea interact with?
Answer: Advil (ibuprofen), Aspirin Low Strength (aspirin), Benadryl (diphenhydramine), Calcium 600 D (calcium / vitamin D), Fish Oil (omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids), FlaxSeed Oil (flax), goldenseal, methotrexate, multivitamin, Omega-3 (omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids), Paracetamol (acetaminophen), Probiotic Formula (bifidobacterium infantis / lactobacillus acidophilus), Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin), Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), Vitamin C (ascorbic acid), Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) etc.
Q. Can Echinacea be harmful?
Answer: Echinacea can cause minor side effects. These can include an upset stomach, nausea, and dizziness. Serious side effects include allergic reactions such as rash, swelling, and difficulty breathing. It can also worsen asthma symptoms
Q. Can echinacea contribute to cancer or cancer treatments?
Answer: Few studies have been conducted on echinacea with respect to cancer or cancer treatment. Some studies suggest that echinacea could alter the effectiveness of some anticancer drugs or cause adverse effects
Q. Does Echinacea help with acne?
Answer: Research has found that topical use can reduce acne severity, as it readily destroys P. acnes, the bacteria which is most often associated with acne.
Conclusion
The Native Americans have been using this herb to treat all sorts of diseases and ailments. As an herbal remedy, echinacea gives a boost to the immune system and contributes to reducing many of the symptoms of colds, flu and other illnesses. Other than that, the herb can be used to aid anxiety, low white blood cell count, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), rheumatoid arthritis and also improve exercise performance. The herb not only provides physical relief but also caters to grooming mental health and clarity.
Sometimes echinacea can be applied as a paste or cream onto the skin for the treatment of boils, gum disease, abscesses, ulcers, burns, eczema, psoriasis, sun-related skin damage, herpes simplex, yeast infections, bee stings and hemorrhoids.
With all its benefits, the multipurpose herb caters to giving a jolt to the immune system and making the body more resistant against germs and foreign bacteria and particles. The true reach and potential of echinacea is still under research and this ongoing research about the versatility of the herb is vastly expanding the horizon of alternative medicine.
