Last update
3/13/2026
Reviewed By
Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 7 Researches
7.9
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 12 Reviews
8.1
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 0.7 ml
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Echinacea root (Echinacea purpurea) (O) (F) extract
814 mg (E)
†
Top Medical Research Studies
9
Echinacea shows flu treatment promise
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.
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.
Read More
9
We explored the effects of Echinacea Plus herbal tea on flu symptoms in a well-structured study. Ninety-five participants with early symptoms like runny noses and sore throats were randomly assigned to drink either the tea or a placebo over five days.
After 14 days, results showed that those who consumed Echinacea felt relief faster than those on the placebo. This suggests that Echinacea tea could be a helpful remedy during cold or flu onset without any reported side effects.
After 14 days, results showed that those who consumed Echinacea felt relief faster than those on the placebo. This suggests that Echinacea tea could be a helpful remedy during cold or flu onset without any reported side effects.
Read More
8
We investigated the effects of Echinacea's alkylamides on flu and cold symptoms. This study focused on a specific alkylamide, Dodeca-2,4-Dienoic acid isobutylamide, highlighting its strong antiviral properties against both rhinovirus and the influenza virus.
Results indicated that this alkylamide also effectively reduces the production of IL-8, a cytokine linked to cold symptoms. Overall, the findings suggest that this particular component of Echinacea shows promise for future flu and cold treatments.
Results indicated that this alkylamide also effectively reduces the production of IL-8, a cytokine linked to cold symptoms. Overall, the findings suggest that this particular component of Echinacea shows promise for future flu and cold treatments.
Read More
Most Useful Reviews
9
Reliable for flu
1 people found this helpful
Better than antibiotics! I've used Herb Pharm products for 35 years, and all their formulas are excellent. The Echinacea is my go-to for any cold or flu. It never fails to work. I appreciate the availability of alcohol-free formulas, which I believe are as effective as the alcohol-based ones. I highly recommend all their products.
Read More
7.5
Helped clear symptoms
12 people found this helpful
Good for natural remedies. I experienced flu-like symptoms, and this product was referred to me. It helped clear and drain my mucus effectively. This is a good natural remedy.
Read More
7.5
Kids product success
5 people found this helpful
Great for kids; it tastes much better than alcohol suspensions. I bought this for my children during cold and flu season. Finding an alcohol-free version was essential, and they easily swallowed it. It has helped them recover from colds much faster than before.
Read More
Medical Researches
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 7 Researches
7.9
- All Researches
9
Echinacea shows flu treatment promise
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.
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.
Read More
9
We explored the effects of Echinacea Plus herbal tea on flu symptoms in a well-structured study. Ninety-five participants with early symptoms like runny noses and sore throats were randomly assigned to drink either the tea or a placebo over five days.
After 14 days, results showed that those who consumed Echinacea felt relief faster than those on the placebo. This suggests that Echinacea tea could be a helpful remedy during cold or flu onset without any reported side effects.
After 14 days, results showed that those who consumed Echinacea felt relief faster than those on the placebo. This suggests that Echinacea tea could be a helpful remedy during cold or flu onset without any reported side effects.
Read More
8
We investigated the effects of Echinacea's alkylamides on flu and cold symptoms. This study focused on a specific alkylamide, Dodeca-2,4-Dienoic acid isobutylamide, highlighting its strong antiviral properties against both rhinovirus and the influenza virus.
Results indicated that this alkylamide also effectively reduces the production of IL-8, a cytokine linked to cold symptoms. Overall, the findings suggest that this particular component of Echinacea shows promise for future flu and cold treatments.
Results indicated that this alkylamide also effectively reduces the production of IL-8, a cytokine linked to cold symptoms. Overall, the findings suggest that this particular component of Echinacea shows promise for future flu and cold treatments.
Read More
8
We observed how a standardized version of Echinacea could potentially impact flu-related symptoms. This herbal extract was tested against various respiratory viruses, revealing its ability to inhibit the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in human cell lines.
Echinacea not only curbed cytokine levels associated with respiratory infections but also demonstrated strong actions against viral replication. These findings suggest that Echinacea might be effective in easing cold and flu symptoms, possibly helping to manage respiratory issues more broadly.
Echinacea not only curbed cytokine levels associated with respiratory infections but also demonstrated strong actions against viral replication. These findings suggest that Echinacea might be effective in easing cold and flu symptoms, possibly helping to manage respiratory issues more broadly.
Read More
7
We examined how Echinaforce Junior (EFJ) affects acute cold and flu symptoms in children aged 4-12. In this multicenter trial, 79 kids received either three or five EFJ tablets daily, and parents tracked symptoms. Notably, the five-tablet regimen shortened cold episodes by about 1.7 days and had a high safety rating. Most cases resolved within ten days, with a notably low antibiotic use of just 4.6%. Overall, we found EFJ to be a safe and effective option for treating acute cold and flu symptoms in children.
Read More
User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 12 Reviews
8.1
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
9
Reliable for flu
1 people found this helpful
Better than antibiotics! I've used Herb Pharm products for 35 years, and all their formulas are excellent. The Echinacea is my go-to for any cold or flu. It never fails to work. I appreciate the availability of alcohol-free formulas, which I believe are as effective as the alcohol-based ones. I highly recommend all their products.
Read More
7.5
Helped clear symptoms
12 people found this helpful
Good for natural remedies. I experienced flu-like symptoms, and this product was referred to me. It helped clear and drain my mucus effectively. This is a good natural remedy.
Read More
7.5
Kids product success
5 people found this helpful
Great for kids; it tastes much better than alcohol suspensions. I bought this for my children during cold and flu season. Finding an alcohol-free version was essential, and they easily swallowed it. It has helped them recover from colds much faster than before.
Read More
9
No flu symptoms
2 people found this helpful
Great immune system booster! I've been taking black elderberry syrup for years and started Echinacea recently. I take them together and have had no sniffles, coughs, or sore throats during this particularly virulent flu season. Highly recommend!
Read More
6
Effective against flu
2 people found this helpful
I'm a true believer in the Herb Pharm brand. No other brand compares, as I've tried several whilst my usual brand was out of stock. For over thirty years, I've relied on this product for my family. If I sense anything coming on, I begin taking it in plenty of water and tea. For rapid absorption, I take a dropper full with water and swallow after a couple of minutes. My colds last only a few days, and when I’ve had the flu, it’s been the same. I'm thrilled to have found this product, which is a staple in my household and much more affordable than other ineffective alternatives.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
6
Effective against flu
2 people found this helpful
I'm a true believer in the Herb Pharm brand. No other brand compares, as I've tried several whilst my usual brand was out of stock. For over thirty years, I've relied on this product for my family. If I sense anything coming on, I begin taking it in plenty of water and tea. For rapid absorption, I take a dropper full with water and swallow after a couple of minutes. My colds last only a few days, and when I’ve had the flu, it’s been the same. I'm thrilled to have found this product, which is a staple in my household and much more affordable than other ineffective alternatives.
7.5
Boosted immunity
Very good product. After taking it, I feel it helps improve my immune system and reduces my chances of getting the flu.
7.5
Helpful for toddlers
Love it! It helps us fight off colds and flu, making it perfect for my toddler.
7.5
Natural recovery aid
The best plant for recovery from flu that God created! The taste isn’t great, but it’s better than taking antibiotics. For added benefits, I take it with oregano and olive leaf extract.
7.5
Prevents illness
Good potency with quality ingredients. You want root, not flower. The nice taste keeps us from suffering during cold and flu season. My son happily takes it and rarely gets sick. Good value for the size but doesn’t last long.
References
- Puchalski K, Gerstel JA, Jimoh A, Shokoohinia Y, Langland J. Effects of and Alkylamides on Respiratory Virus Replication and IL-8 Expression In Vitro. Molecules. 2025;30. 10.3390/molecules30020386
- Weishaupt R, Bächler A, Feldhaus S, Lang G, Klein P, et al. Safety and Dose-Dependent Effects of for the Treatment of Acute Cold Episodes in Children: A Multicenter, Randomized, Open-Label Clinical Trial. Children (Basel). 2020;7. 10.3390/children7120292
- 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. 10.1016/j.curtheres.2015.04.001
- Bieuvelet S, Seyrig C, Leclerc C. [A preliminary survey on the interest of eating probiotics, cypress and echinacea to prevent the apparition of winter infections]. Phytotherapie (Paris). 2011;9:120. 10.1007/s10298-011-0613-x
- Sharma M, Anderson SA, Schoop R, Hudson JB. Induction of multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines by respiratory viruses and reversal by standardized Echinacea, a potent antiviral herbal extract. Antiviral Res. 2009;83:165. 10.1016/j.antiviral.2009.04.009
- Randolph RK, Gellenbeck K, Stonebrook K, Brovelli E, Qian Y, et al. Regulation of human immune gene expression as influenced by a commercial blended Echinacea product: preliminary studies. Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2003;228:1051. PubMed
- Lindenmuth GF, Lindenmuth EB. The efficacy of echinacea compound herbal tea preparation on the severity and duration of upper respiratory and flu symptoms: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study. J Altern Complement Med. 2000;6:327. PubMed
Data last updated:
