Looking for another way to support your immune system this cold and flu season?
Echinacea may deserve a second look.
Abbey Littlejohn
Cold and flu season is in full swing.
Photo:Abbey Littlejohn
A common ingredient that youll find in many immune-supporting products like supplements and tea is echinacea.
Its been used for centuries by Native Americans for respiratory tract infections, tooth pain and snake bites.
So, should you stock up on echinacea this cold and flu season?
We talked with registered dietitians to get the lowdown on everything it’s crucial that you know about echinacea.
Not only that, lingering inflammation also means youre more likely to come down with a cold or flu.
Chronic inflammation can weaken your immune system, hampering its ability to fight off infections effectively.
Anxiety Reduction
Another benefit that echinacea might have is helping reduce the occasional bout of anxiety.
On the other hand, participants in another similar trial didnt see any changes in anxiety.
Risks and Considerations
Echinacea supplements appear to be safe and well-tolerated when taken for the short term.
Most studies examined taking echinacea for anywhere from 10 days to 5 months.
There is also not enough research on the risks of taking echinacea while pregnant or breastfeeding.
People allergic to plants in the daisy family may have an allergic reaction to echinacea.
Additionally, echinacea may also be included in lotions or other skin-care products.
Echinacea also contains anti-inflammatory compounds that may help combat the adverse effects of chronic inflammation.
Research supports the potential benefits of echinacea for immune health, such as preventing the common cold.
In healthy individuals, its generally safe to take and has a low risk of side effects.
However, more research is needed to establish whether echinacea can improve anxiety or skin health.
National Institutes of Health: National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Echinacea.
2020;7(12):292. doi:10.3390/children7120292
National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements.
Fact Sheet for Consumers.Dietary supplements: what you gotta know.
