Last update
5/28/2026
Reviewed By
Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 7 Researches
7.9
USERS' SCORE
Moderately Good
Based on 49 Reviews
7.8
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 3 Capsules
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Organic Echinacea purpurea (stem, leaf, flower)
1.2 g
**
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
Effective remedy
4 people found this helpful
I have been using Nature's Way Echinacea with the green cap for over 20 years, as I had no success with the purple and yellow caps. I take it at the first sign of discomfort, such as a cold or flu, sore throat, ear ache, or tooth ache, consuming two capsules every two hours. It seems to help with all of these issues. Often, after the third dose, I forget to take any more because my symptoms have disappeared. ConsumerLab.com rates this brand highly, and compared to others, it has worked wonders for me.
Read More
7.5
Strong immune booster
4 people found this helpful
Great product! Echinacea is essential for those with reduced immunity, although there are contraindications. Research indicates it acts as an antibiotic and is a powerful immune system stimulant. It aids in treating influenza, among other conditions, and inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria.
Read More
7.5
Prevents flu effectively
2 people found this helpful
It helps. I was the only person who didn't catch the flu in our salon. I've been taking them for ten days now, and clearly they work well, though you need nine a day. Next time, I will try something with a higher potency.
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.
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User Reviews
USERS' SCORE
Moderately Good
Based on 49 Reviews
7.8
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
9
Effective remedy
4 people found this helpful
I have been using Nature's Way Echinacea with the green cap for over 20 years, as I had no success with the purple and yellow caps. I take it at the first sign of discomfort, such as a cold or flu, sore throat, ear ache, or tooth ache, consuming two capsules every two hours. It seems to help with all of these issues. Often, after the third dose, I forget to take any more because my symptoms have disappeared. ConsumerLab.com rates this brand highly, and compared to others, it has worked wonders for me.
Read More
7.5
Strong immune booster
4 people found this helpful
Great product! Echinacea is essential for those with reduced immunity, although there are contraindications. Research indicates it acts as an antibiotic and is a powerful immune system stimulant. It aids in treating influenza, among other conditions, and inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria.
Read More
7.5
Prevents flu effectively
2 people found this helpful
It helps. I was the only person who didn't catch the flu in our salon. I've been taking them for ten days now, and clearly they work well, though you need nine a day. Next time, I will try something with a higher potency.
Read More
9
Happy camper
1 people found this helpful
When combined with Nature's Way Golden Seal, this herb effectively prevents colds and flu for me, especially if I take it at the onset of symptoms. While I can’t guarantee it will work for everyone, I’m certainly a satisfied user!
Read More
9
Supports immune recovery
Echinacea is recommended for treating and preventing acute respiratory viral infections, including the flu. The plant's high concentration of essential oils, acids, and antioxidants helps to combat viruses quickly and reduces recovery time. The capsules are small, and the quality is excellent.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
9
Must-have remedy
Very effective! Whenever I sense a cough or runny nose coming on, or if my kids catch a virus from school, I take this three times a day—three pills each time. It's usually gone after just two days! This is essential for the flu season.
7.5
Effective product
A good product, effective for flu symptoms, but you must take it at the earliest opportunity.
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
