Botanical
Echinacea
Also known as: Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia, Purple coneflower
Immune-stimulating herb that may reduce cold incidence and duration. Most evidence for E. purpurea preparations.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every Echinacea product we have scored
| # | Product | Score | Per serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nutricost Echinacea Capsules | 91 A | $0.14 |
| 2 | Nutricost Echinacea & Goldenseal Root Capsules | 84 A- | $0.08 |
| 3 | Herb Pharm Echinacea, Alcohol-Free | 81 A- | $0.43 |
| 4 | Codeage Clearhead Echinacea+ | 76 B+ | $1.10 |
| 5 | Bluebonnet Nutrition WELLNESS SUPPORT | 76 B+ | $1.33 |
| 6 | Garden of Life Organics Elderberry Immune Gummy | 75 B+ | $1.03 |
| 7 | Integrative Therapeutics EHB | 74 B+ | $1.34 |
| 8 | Bluebonnet Nutrition ECHINACEA GOLDENSEAL ROOT EXTRACTS | 73 B+ | $0.67 |
| 9 | Vital Nutrients Herbal Biotic | 71 B | $0.85 |
| 10 | Natural Factors Echinamide Softgels | 50 C | $0.25 |
| 11 | Gaia Herbs Quick Defense | 46 C- | $2.56 |
Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing. Per-serving cost is list price divided by servings per container. No brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Common questions
How much Echinacea should I take?
The typical range is 300-500mg extract 3x daily, or as directed on product. Short-term use (2-8 weeks), cycle on/off for prevention
When should I take Echinacea?
At first symptom, continue for 7-10 days. Either way.
Which form of Echinacea is best?
E. purpurea aerial parts extract — Most studied. Other forms in the catalog: E. purpurea root extract, Fresh-pressed juice, Dried herb/capsules.
Is Echinacea safe?
Commonly reported: Rare: GI upset, rash, Allergic reactions (daisy family allergy). Serious warnings: May trigger autoimmune flares, Ragweed/daisy allergy cross-reaction. Safe short-term
Which Echinacea supplement scores highest?
Nutricost Echinacea Capsules, at 91/100. Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing — no brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Primary uses
- Cold prevention
- Immune stimulation
- Upper respiratory infections
What systematic reviews concluded
Outcomes that systematic reviews of Echinacea reached a verdict on: 1 with no effect, 1 unclear. Each is quoted from a review and linked to it on PubMed. How these were read.
Reviews found no effect (1)
“Echinacea supplementation did not influence erythropoietin, hemoglobin, hematocrit, or maximal oxygen uptake in athletes; however, the evidence base is limited.” PMID 38999738
Not enough to say: immune function.
How it works
- Activates macrophages and NK cells
- Increases phagocytosis
- Modulates cytokine production
- May have direct antiviral effects
Dosage
- Typical range
- 300-500mg extract 3x daily, or as directed on product
- Timing
- At first symptom, continue for 7-10 days
- With food
- Either way
- Duration
- Short-term use (2-8 weeks), cycle on/off for prevention
- Special populations
- Adults, children with pediatric formulations
Forms
- E. purpurea aerial parts extract
- E. purpurea root extract
- Fresh-pressed juice
- Dried herb/capsules
Safety
Common side effects
- Rare: GI upset, rash
- Allergic reactions (daisy family allergy)
Contraindications
- Autoimmune diseases
- Ragweed/chrysanthemum allergy
- Immunosuppressant use
Products containing Echinacea
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Echinacea on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Known interactions
Evidence notes
Mixed but generally positive evidence for colds
Grade B: Some human trials support key claims; further confirmation needed.
Related in Botanical
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Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.