We explored the potential of Echinacea purpurea, specifically in the form of Echinaforce®, to help manage acne, which is caused by the bacterium Propionibacterium acnes. The study aimed to see if this herbal remedy could serve as a viable treatment option due to its well-known antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties.

Remarkably, we found that Echinacea was effective in killing not only a standard laboratory strain of P. acnes but also several clinical isolates. This suggests that it could reduce the bacterial load that contributes to acne flare-ups.

Additionally, we observed that when P. acnes was introduced to human bronchial and skin cell cultures, it caused significant inflammation marked by the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and IL-8. However, the application of Echinaforce® completely reversed this inflammatory response, bringing the cytokine levels back to normal.

Overall, our findings suggest that Echinacea could offer a dual benefit for those struggling with acne: it may help reduce the growth of the bacteria responsible for breakouts while also calming the inflammation that comes with it. This makes Echinaforce® an exciting alternative treatment for acne sufferers seeking natural options.

Effective for hormonal acne

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232 people found this helpful

Excellent for hormonal acne. I buy it in six-packs as I consume it quickly. Although I am not particularly fond of the taste, it becomes manageable. I initially dealt with severe hormonal acne along my jawline and chin. After learning about spironolactone, I discovered spearmint tea could be beneficial, as it interacts with excess androgen. I started with two cups daily and observed a drop in blemishes, from 27 on day one to just five by day ten. After a month, my jawline was clear, and so I reduced my intake to one cup daily, which has maintained my clear skin. While it didn't significantly help other breakouts, this tea proved invaluable for my hormonal acne.

Updated: Apr 2025

We investigated the potential of Echinacea angustifolia to reduce anxiety through various tests in both laboratory animals and healthy volunteers. The study design included tests like the elevated plus-maze and the conditioned fear test on rats, which helped us observe the anxiolytic effects of the echinacea extract.

We found that the extract noticeably decreased anxiety levels in the elevated plus-maze and improved responses to contextual fear conditioning without causing any harmful side effects at high dosages. Furthermore, the extract showed no impact on memory, movement, or reward-seeking behavior in rats.

On the human side, we administered a pharmacological formulation containing the echinacea extract to volunteers who had elevated anxiety levels as measured by the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. After a week of taking high doses, participants reported a significant decrease in anxiety, which persisted for two more weeks after stopping treatment. However, the lower dose of echinacea did not yield significant changes in anxiety levels.

Overall, this study suggests that Echinacea angustifolia could be a promising option for helping manage anxiety, at least in higher quantities.

Improved sleep quality

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13 people found this helpful

Excellent for anxiety. This tea is reported to decrease anxiety, and it truly does. I have PTSD and struggle with sleep; since trying it, I've been sleeping significantly better. I drink it both hot and cold, and it works equally well. It’s a lifesaver.

Updated: Apr 2025

Arthritis details

SCIENTIFIC SCORE

Possibly Effective

Based on 5 Researches

Potential Echinacea-based arthritis treatment

Jiang L, Li W, Wang Y, Zhang X, Yu D, et al. Effects of cichoric acid extract from Echinacea purpurea on collagen-induced arthritis in rats. Am J Chin Med. 2014;42:679. doi:10.1142/S0192415X1450044X

We explored the anti-arthritic effects of cichoric acid extract from Echinacea purpurea using a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model in rats. This study involved orally administering different doses of the extract over a period of 28 days to assess its effectiveness in reducing symptoms.

Measurements were taken for paw swelling and body weight, alongside weighing organs like the thymus and spleen to evaluate any associated changes. The results were promising, showing that all doses of the cichoric acid extract significantly reduced swelling in the rats' paws, improved their body weight, and lowered the organ index compared to untreated arthritis rats.

Additionally, the levels of inflammatory markers in the blood, like TNFα, IL-1β, and PGE-2, decreased notably after treatment with the Echinacea extract. Histopathological analysis further indicated that there was marked anti-arthritic activity, particularly at the highest dosage of 32 mg/kg, where levels of inflammatory proteins in the synovium (joint tissue) also decreased.

Overall, the findings suggest that cichoric acid may hold potential as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Strong anti-inflammatory

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24 people found this helpful

I've been using this same brand locally for years. My usual stores were out of stock, which allowed me to purchase it for less. I have osteoarthritis and tried many medications, unfortunately suffering side effects from all. However, drinking two to three cups daily keeps the pain manageable without adverse effects. It is a potent anti-inflammatory—consult your doctor before mixing it with other medications. The dandelion is not just healthy, it's also pleasant tasting!

Updated: Apr 2025

Bloating details

4 people found this helpful

Drinking up to 4 bags of peppermint tea daily has transformed my life. I previously tried numerous dietary adjustments to remedy my digestive issues, but nothing worked until I started with peppermint tea. From my first cup, I noticed no more stomach pains or gas, and I felt a dramatic improvement in my symptoms, especially when I miss a day. This tea also can effectively reduce bloating quickly, as I recently observed it helping a friend fit into her dress. Traditional Medicinals offers the best product, providing the freshest flavour and superior results.

Nausea details

23 people found this helpful

A miracle product for acid reflux and digestion! This tea is life-changing for my LPR condition. I brew it perfectly for relief, and it also alleviates simple indigestion and nausea effectively. I’ve saved significantly by buying it in bulk.

Updated: Apr 2025

Cough details

Elderberry aids COPD symptoms

Kirichenko TV, Sobenin IA, Markina YV, Gerasimova EV, Grechko AV, et al. Clinical Effectiveness of a Combination of Black Elder Berries, Violet Herb, and Calendula Flowers in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: The Results of a Double-Blinded Placebo-Controlled Study. Biology (Basel). 2020;9. doi:10.3390/biology9040083

In our recent study, we investigated the potential benefits of a natural preparation called Inflaminat, which includes black elderberry, violet herb, and calendula flowers, on cough and other symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Conducted over six months, this randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial involved 60 patients with moderate COPD.

We observed that those taking Inflaminat experienced a significant improvement in their symptoms as measured by the Breathlessness, Cough, and Sputum Scale. Specifically, their scores decreased from an average of 3.0 to 1.9, indicating less breathlessness and fewer cough symptoms. Additionally, their lung function improved, with a marked increase in the FEV1 measurement from 66% to 73%.

Importantly, participants in the placebo group showed no similar improvements, reinforcing the effectiveness of the natural remedy. Furthermore, we found no side effects associated with the preparation. Our findings suggest that herbal remedies, particularly those containing elderberry, could be valuable in alleviating cough and improving respiratory function in patients suffering from COPD.

Helped my cough

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17 people found this helpful

Needed this during COVID! Let me tell you, when I tested positive for COVID last summer, this tea was the only thing that alleviated my throat pain and cough—it was the best tea I've ever had! I don't typically review products, but I truly believe in this one! If my local grocery store had it, I wouldn’t have felt compelled to review it but seriously, this tea is fantastic in taste and comfort. If Amazon had the Slippery Elm version, I would have opted for that, but still, it's fabulous for a bad sore throat.

Updated: Apr 2025

Flu details

SCIENTIFIC SCORE

Possibly Effective

Based on 16 Researches

Echinacea shows flu treatment promise

Rauš K, Pleschka S, Klein P, Schoop R, Fisher P. Effect of an Echinacea-Based Hot Drink Versus Oseltamivir in Influenza Treatment: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Double-Dummy, Multicenter, Noninferiority Clinical Trial. Curr Ther Res Clin Exp. 2015;77:66. doi:10.1016/j.curtheres.2015.04.001

We explored the effectiveness of Echinaforce Hotdrink, an echinacea-based formulation, against oseltamivir, a standard flu treatment. In a randomized, double-blind trial involving 473 patients with early flu symptoms, we found that both treatments led to similar recovery rates.

Echinaforce showed a promising profile with fewer complications and side effects, making it an appealing option for those looking for self-care alternatives in flu treatment. This study sheds light on the potential of echinacea as a viable treatment for influenza.

Highly recommended.

Most Useful Review

4 people found this helpful

I used to purchase this when it was called Gypsy Cold Care. It's still just as good. If you have a sore throat or cough with a cold, there is nothing like it. I cannot recommend it enough. It tastes nice and is packed with beneficial herbs that work. I’ve included it in care packages and began distributing it at my new job when a nasty cold/flu bug circulated. Many are now believers. It’s hard to find locally, so I was very pleased to discover it online, plus it’s cheaper.

Updated: Mar 2026

Chronic Cough details

1 people found this helpful

I adore this tea for soothing my throat. It calms the pain while drinking and has an amazing aroma and sweet flavour, even without sugar. It diminishes my cough and is brilliant for when I have a cold, plus it is caffeine-free.

Updated: Apr 2025

Cold Sores details

I felt a bit under the weather, so I tried this tea, and I'm glad I did. It quickly relieved my symptoms of cold sores.

Updated: Apr 2025

Bone Pain details

Elderberry has effects that include clearing heat, detoxifying, dispelling wind and dampness, promoting blood circulation, and relieving bone pain.

Updated: Apr 2025

Cold details

SCIENTIFIC SCORE

Possibly Effective

Based on 5 Researches

Elderberry reduces cold duration

Tiralongo E, Wee SS, Lea RA. Elderberry Supplementation Reduces Cold Duration and Symptoms in Air-Travellers: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Nutrients. 2016;8:182. doi:10.3390/nu8040182

We explored whether elderberry could help reduce the duration and severity of colds for economy class passengers traveling internationally. In a well-structured randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving 312 participants, we looked at how a standardized elderberry extract affected respiratory health during air travel.

Participants tracked their cold episodes, duration, and symptoms in daily diaries, using a scoring method to quantify their experiences. They also completed surveys about their upper respiratory symptoms and quality of life at different points: before traveling and four days post-travel.

While we noted that the group taking the placebo experienced more cold episodes, the difference wasn't statistically significant. However, those taking elderberry had a significantly shorter duration of cold days and a lower average symptom score overall, suggesting that elderberry may significantly lessen the impact of colds during air travel.

Further research is essential to validate our findings and to better understand the broader health benefits of elderberry, both physical and mental.

Effective immune support

Most Useful Review

10 people found this helpful

"I'm usually unwell during the fall with sinusitis and bronchial congestion. I decided to try some natural preventive measures I'd heard about. Although Echinacea Plus wasn't endorsed by Dr. Oz, I'd often heard physicians recommend echinacea, elderberry, and zinc for preventing colds and alleviating chronic allergies. I ordered the tea, pleasantly surprised to receive six boxes. I've been drinking two to three cups daily and sucking on elderberry lozenges. This is the first fall I've not needed numerous over-the-counter medications or prescriptions. If you're prone to allergies or respiratory issues, I strongly recommend adding these natural products to your health regimen."