1. Support White Blood Cells and Strengthen Immunity

Although much about echinacea's effects on the body are not yet fully understood, it clearly supports the function of white blood cells. The herb supports white blood cells in two primary ways:

1. Affects macrophages (a type of white blood cell)
2. Activates dendritic cells (another type of white blood cell)

Macrophages are white blood cells that destroy forgeign substances and dead cells in the blood.

Once activated, they release inflammatory cytokines and recruit other white blood cells to eliminate infections.

By increasing macrophage activity, echinacea can boost natural killer cells in a way that minimizes irritation from inflammation.

Dendritic cells are white blood cells that help the body recognize foreign molecules. Echinacea may optimize dendritic function and increase the release of immune molecules like IL-1beta and TNF-alpha.

Plus, it also increases antioxidants and supports cell structure.

In a 2007 rodent study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, mice were treated with echinacea extract for seven days before being immunized with the red blood cells of sheep.

Researchers found that echinacea effectively increased immune cell populations.

According to the study's authors, "These findings demonstrate that echinacea is a wide-spectrum immunomodulator that modulates both innate and adaptive immune responses."

In a similar rodent trial, echinacea significantly increased total white blood cell counts within the first two weeks of administration.

2. Fight Infection

Echinacea can fight viral, bacterial, and fungal infections.

In a 2014 study published in the journal Phytomedicine, researchers found that the alkamides in echinacea can treat fungal infections by destroying fungal cell walls.

Other infections that echinacea may be able to treat include:

• Influenza
• Herpes
• Rhinovirus
• Typhoid
• Vaginal yeast infections
• Urinary tract infections
• Syphilis
• Malaria
• Gum disease

Here's what the research has to say about echinacea's ability to fight infections:

• In a meta-analysis of 14 clinical trials, researchers concluded that echinacea may cut the chance of catching a cold in half.
• On a similar note, a 2009 laboratory study concluded that echinacea can alleviate respiratory disorders by inhibiting viral growth and cytokine production.
• Similarly, a 2015 meta-analysis concluded that echinacea may reduce the risk of recurrent upper respiratory tract infections through its antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects.
• A 2010 study published in Phytomedicine found that echinacea may exert antibacterial properties against C. difficile, S pyogenes, H. influenzae, and P. acne.
• In a separate 2010 study, researchers determined that echinacea can kill parasites in human cells.

3. Reduce Inflammation

Echinacea may also reduce certain types of inflammation. For example, a 2009 laboratory study in the journal Phytotherapy Research found that echinacea consumption can alleviate inflammation caused by a viral infection.

According to a 2002 study, echinacea extracts can reduce inflammation in rats through oral and topical use.

Human studies have also been promising. In a small pilot study, a three-day echinacea treatment effectively reduced inflammation in six patients exhibiting cold and flu symptoms.

4. Support Mental Health

Echinacea may reduce anxiety and depression.

In a 2013 study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research, researchers tested the anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) potential of Echinacea angustifolia extract on rats and humans.

The herb effectively decreased anxiety-related behaviors in rats at doses ranging from 1000 to 3000 mg/kg of body weight.

At the same time, healthy adults with mild anxiety were given 20-40 mg of echinacea extract once-a-day for a week. The higher dose of 40 mg effectively reduced anxiety after just three days of treatment. The lower 20 mg dose, however, did not have any significant effects on anxiety.

According to a 2015 report, echinacea may achieve its anti-anxiety effects by acting on cannabinoid receptors in the body.

This same study concluded that echinacea extract may exert antidepressant effects in rats by stimulating L-DOPA (the amino acid precursor to dopamine).

5. Heal the Skin

Echinacea purpurea cream may protect the skin from oxidative stress and reduce signs of aging by hydrating the skin and reducing wrinkles.

Here's what the research has to say about echinacea and skin health:

• In a 2010 human study, echinacea cream was tested on 10 healthy volunteers aged 25-40 years. After one month of daily treatment, wrinkles decreased between 9.47% and 14.92%.
• Another study found that echinacea can inhibit the breakdown of hyaluronic acid (an important part of skin cells). When hyaluronic acid breaks down, it causes the tissue to loosen and become inflamed.
• According to a study published in the journal Planta Medica, echinacea can protect collagen from free radical damage caused by UVA/UVB radiation. In other words, echinacea may help protect your skin from the sun.
• In a 2011 study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research, echinacea reversed inflammation induced by the bacteria P. acnes.
• According to a 2017 study, echinacea may treat atopic eczema. In the study, 49 patients were treated with topical echinacea for three months. Echinacea significantly reduced redness and swelling by interacting with cannabinoid receptors in the skin.

6. May Relieve Asthma

Echinacea's effects on the immune system may also relieve asthma.

Recent studies indicate that echinacea preparations can reverse the secretions of asthma-related cytokines in bronchial cells.

In a 2015 animal study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, researchers treated guinea pigs suffering from ovalbumin-induced allergic asthma with an oral echinacea complex for 14 days.

Echinacea proved to be equally effective at reducing symptoms as the corticosteroid medication budesonide.

According to the study's authors, "Pharmacodynamic studies have confirmed significant bronchodilatory and anti-inflammatory effects of echinacea complex that was similar to effects of classic synthetic drugs. These results provide a scientific basis for the application of this herb in traditional medicine as a supplementary treatment of allergic disorders of the airways, such as asthma."

7. May Reduce Pain

Many Native American tribes, including the Lakota, used echinacea as a pain remedy.

It appears to be most effective at reducing pain associated with intestinal issues, herpes, measles, headaches, toothaches, tonsillitis, and sore throats.

A 2008 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition indicates that echinacea extract may influence the perception of pain by inhibiting the TRPV1 receptor: a receptor that's the prime target of many over-the-counter analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs.

E. purpurea extracts seem to have the strongest anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects, with E. angustifolia having somewhat less.

Side Effects of Echinacea

Although rare, high doses of echinacea may lead to side effects like:

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Stomach aches
• Rash

Side effects are more common among people who have seasonal allergies.

Patients with autoimmune diseases may also be more likely to experience side effects.

Due to their pharmacological similarities, if you're allergic to chamomile, you may also be allergic to echinacea.

Because of echinacea's effects on the immune system, it's best to consult a medical professional before taking echinacea if you have a history of systemic diseases like multiple sclerosis, AIDS, or tuberculosis.

However, for the vast majority of individuals, echinacea products can be a safe and effective way to stimulate the immune system and enhance your health.

Echinacea is commercially available in several forms, including alcohol tinctures, water-based liquid extracts, teas, tablets, and capsules.

Always inspect your dietary supplements thoroughly, as many do not disclose which type of echinacea they use.

For the most part, herbal supplements made from E. purpurea are typically your best bet for potential health and wellness benefits.