Purple coneflower

Echinacea angustifolia

Native American

Photo credit: Chris Light

Safety information

Toxicity: Low; occasional GI upset, rash/allergy (Asteraceae sensitivity).

Contraindications: Asteraceae (ragweed/daisy) allergy; caution in autoimmune disease and immunosuppression due to immunomodulation; pregnancy data limited.

Interactions: Theoretical interaction with immunosuppressants; possible CYP3A4 effects.

Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Pregnancy data limited.

Evidence level

Clinical

Supported by clinical trials in humans.

Preparations

chewed root · root

Part used: root

Evidence:Folk

poultice · root

Part used: root

Evidence:Folk

infusion · aerial parts

Part used: aerial parts

Evidence:Folk

decoction · root

Part used: root

Traditional use: toothache, sore throat, coughs, colds, snakebite, burns, rheumatism/arthritis, general analgesic

Proposed mechanism: alkamides, caffeic-acid derivatives, polysaccharides — immunostimulatory

Evidence:Clinical

General preparation guide →

Associated conditions

Toothache Sore throat Arthritis / gout snakebite Common cold Rheumatism

Nutritional notes

n/a

Healing traditions

Native American

Sources (3)

Frontiers Pharmacol. 2021
Kindscher (Springer 2016)
HerbalGram review

All sources →