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SupplementModerate evidenceImmunity

Echinacea

EMA monograph for upper respiratory infection prevention and adjunct treatment.

Why

EMA monograph for upper respiratory infection prevention and adjunct treatment. Cochrane evidence is mixed but cleanest for E. purpurea aerial parts.

How it works

Alkamides and polysaccharides modulate macrophage and dendritic-cell activity; EMA HMPC recognises traditional use for short-term upper-respiratory infection support.

Expected onset · Best used acutely; effect on symptom severity within days, not weeks

How to take

Dosage

For E. purpurea expressed juice (fresh herb): 6–9 ml/day in divided doses, per EMA monograph. For dry extract preparations follow product label.

Timing

Start at first sign of cold; continue through symptomatic period only

Safety

Do not use for more than 10 days. Avoid in autoimmune disease, immunosuppression, progressive systemic disorders (TB, MS, HIV), or hypersensitivity to Asteraceae family.

Evidence

At a glance

EMA HMPC monograph registers Echinacea purpurea aerial parts as a Traditional Herbal Medicinal Product for short-term prevention and treatment of common cold, traditional-use registration based on long historical use. Modern Cochrane evidence is mixed; cleanest signal for E. purpurea expressed juice. Use acutely, not longer than 10 days.

Where to get it

Shop Echinacea on Amazon

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