Echinacea purpurea · Root, flower, leaf
Echinacea
Traditional + some evidenceThe purple coneflower of the American prairie was one of the most widely used plants of Plains Indigenous medicine, and later of 19th-century American herbalists.
Traditionally used for
- Traditionally used by Plains peoples for wounds, aches and seasonal complaints
- Popular in American and European folk practice during cold season
What research says
NCCIH reports that some studies suggest echinacea may slightly reduce the chance of catching a cold, but evidence that it shortens colds is weak.
How people use it
- Tea from dried root or aerial parts
- Tinctures and capsules from reputable makers
Safety and interactions
- May cause allergic reactions, especially in people allergic to daisy-family plants
- Can cause stomach upset
- Ask your doctor if you have an autoimmune condition or take immunosuppressants
Always talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using echinacea as a supplement, especially with prescription medicine, in pregnancy or before surgery.
Sources
Reviewed October 25, 2026. Evidence tier: Traditional + some evidence: Long traditional use; human research is limited, small or mixed. How we rank evidence.