Last update
3/25/2026
Reviewed By
Overview
SCIENTIFIC SCORE
Possibly Effective
Based on 7 Researches
7.9
USERS' SCORE
Good
Based on 110 Reviews
8
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 2 Veg Capsules
Amount Per Serving
%DV
Total Carbohydrate
< 1 g
< 1%**
Echinacea Root (Echinacea purpurea)
800 mg
†
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
Viral immunity boost
26 people found this helpful
I have taken echinacea for two and a half years, and since I started taking two 400mg capsules in the morning and one at night, I haven’t experienced any virus, not even the common cold. It feels miraculous to be illness-free for such a long time. Previously, I would suffer from bronchitis every winter/spring, with a cough lasting 2-3 months. I'm grateful to be virus-free, and my husband has had the same positive experience after starting echinacea at the same time. It has significantly built up my immune system—who needs a flu shot?
Read More
0
Ineffective product
4 people found this helpful
I believe this product doesn't work. Following a 20% discount, I fell ill after using it, having previously avoided sickness with earlier manufacturers of echinacea. I noticed a change in the product's efficacy and didn’t repurchase it. Testing it on myself has been a disappointing experience, as the previous echinacea had served me well during my time working in infectious resuscitation.
Read More
10
Prevents colds effectively
1 people found this helpful
I take it consistently whenever I have a cold or flu. Since I commenced taking Echinacea capsules, I haven’t caught a cold at all.
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
Good
Based on 110 Reviews
8
- All Reviews
- Positive Reviews
- Negative Reviews
9
Viral immunity boost
26 people found this helpful
I have taken echinacea for two and a half years, and since I started taking two 400mg capsules in the morning and one at night, I haven’t experienced any virus, not even the common cold. It feels miraculous to be illness-free for such a long time. Previously, I would suffer from bronchitis every winter/spring, with a cough lasting 2-3 months. I'm grateful to be virus-free, and my husband has had the same positive experience after starting echinacea at the same time. It has significantly built up my immune system—who needs a flu shot?
Read More
0
Ineffective product
4 people found this helpful
I believe this product doesn't work. Following a 20% discount, I fell ill after using it, having previously avoided sickness with earlier manufacturers of echinacea. I noticed a change in the product's efficacy and didn’t repurchase it. Testing it on myself has been a disappointing experience, as the previous echinacea had served me well during my time working in infectious resuscitation.
Read More
10
Prevents colds effectively
1 people found this helpful
I take it consistently whenever I have a cold or flu. Since I commenced taking Echinacea capsules, I haven’t caught a cold at all.
Read More
10
Best remedy ever
The best remedy for cold and flu.
Read More
10
Rapid symptom relief
Wonderful! It truly works. As soon as I feel a cold threatening my immunity, I take four capsules twice daily. After two days, all my symptoms subside, making any influenza much calmer.
Read More
Frequently Asked Questions
10
Rapid symptom relief
Wonderful! It truly works. As soon as I feel a cold threatening my immunity, I take four capsules twice daily. After two days, all my symptoms subside, making any influenza much calmer.
9
Faster recovery
During flu season and amidst Covid, I felt initial discomfort in my throat and had a stuffy nose. After taking two capsules twice daily alongside cold medicine, I felt I recovered significantly faster the next day.
9
Health support
Echinacea is the best herb for supporting health when sick with cold and flu! After a week of regular intake, I bounce back to health. It's fabulous!
9
Viral immunity boost
26 people found this helpful
I have taken echinacea for two and a half years, and since I started taking two 400mg capsules in the morning and one at night, I haven’t experienced any virus, not even the common cold. It feels miraculous to be illness-free for such a long time. Previously, I would suffer from bronchitis every winter/spring, with a cough lasting 2-3 months. I'm grateful to be virus-free, and my husband has had the same positive experience after starting echinacea at the same time. It has significantly built up my immune system—who needs a flu shot?
9
Effective recovery
Great quality! I've been using these for the last couple of years; they help the immune system fight flu, colds, and viruses. Previously, recovery took 6-12 weeks, but now if I catch something, it only takes a week. I highly recommend it.
0
Ineffective product
4 people found this helpful
I believe this product doesn't work. Following a 20% discount, I fell ill after using it, having previously avoided sickness with earlier manufacturers of echinacea. I noticed a change in the product's efficacy and didn’t repurchase it. Testing it on myself has been a disappointing experience, as the previous echinacea had served me well during my time working in infectious resuscitation.
9
Family staple
Echinacea is a family staple during the non-summer months. It is one of the best immune system boosters that has repeatedly prevented us from falling ill or developing a cough. I've switched from tincture to vegetable capsules for their higher dosage and cost-effectiveness. It’s suitable for all ages, and I would definitely recommend it.
9
Year-round immunity
Echinacea is essential for our family each year outside of summer. It’s an excellent immune system booster that has often saved us from flu and coughs. I used to prefer tincture form but opted for veg capsules this time due to better dosage and pricing. Highly recommended for its benefits!
9
Ideal for onset
Very effective! This is my second order, and I recommend it to those around me. It's great for early signs of colds or flu and helps boost my defences for better well-being.
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:
