Echinacea Guide

Echinacea is an herb traditionally used to help relieve cold symptoms and upper respiratory tract infections. Learn how it’s used and what to consider when choosing a supplement.¹

✅ Reviewed by Jamieson's Science Team

Quick Answers

What is echinacea?

Echinacea is a group of flowering plants used in herbal medicine, including species such as Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea angustifolia.¹,²

What is echinacea used for?

Health Canada recognizes echinacea for helping relieve cold and upper respiratory tract infection symptoms.¹,²

When should you take echinacea?

For Echinacea purpurea, Health Canada recommends taking it at the first sign of infection.¹

Can everyone take echinacea?

Not necessarily. People with certain immune-system conditions or those taking immunosuppressants should speak with a healthcare practitioner first.¹

What is echinacea?

Echinacea is a flowering herb used in traditional herbal medicine. Different supplements may use different echinacea species, plant parts, and extracts. 

Health Canada recognizes Echinacea purpurea and other echinacea species for specific cold and upper respiratory tract uses.¹,² 

How is echinacea used?

Echinacea has traditionally been used in herbal medicine to help relieve cold symptoms and symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections.¹ 

For some preparations, Health Canada also recognizes echinacea as supportive therapy to help relieve symptoms and shorten the duration of upper respiratory tract infections.¹ 

Which health goals can echinacea support?

Immune Support

Echinacea is traditionally used to help fight off infections, especially those affecting the upper respiratory tract.¹

Cold Symptom Relief

Echinacea can help relieve symptoms associated with common colds and upper respiratory tract infections.¹

Upper Respiratory Support

Certain echinacea preparations may help shorten the duration of upper respiratory tract infections.¹

How can echinacea fit into your routine?

Echinacea is often used when cold or upper respiratory symptoms first appear. 

  • Start early: Echinacea purpurea is typically taken at the first sign of infection.¹ 
  • Use it short term: Echinacea is generally used around periods of cold symptoms rather than year-round. 
  • Support recovery: Rest, hydration, and adequate nutrition remain important when you’re unwell. 
  • Watch symptoms: Seek healthcare advice if symptoms become severe or persist. 

*It is important to consult your trusted healthcare practitioner before adding any new natural health supplement to your routine. 

What should you look for in an echinacea supplement?

Start with what you need, then choose a product that fits your life.

  • Check the species: Different echinacea species aren’t necessarily interchangeable. 
  • Check the plant part: Products may use the root, herb top, or both.¹ 
  • Compare extracts: Extract ratios and equivalent herb amounts can vary. 
  • Choose your format: Jamieson offers capsule and softgel formulas. 
  • Read the cautions: Check immune-system, medication, and allergy warnings.¹ 
  • Look for an NPN: Choose a licensed natural health product with an eight-digit NPN. 
  • Look for quality: Jamieson products are backed by the Jamieson 360 Quality Promise. 

For more than 100 years, Jamieson has combined scientific expertise with rigorous quality testing. Every product is backed by the Jamieson 360 Quality Promise.

*It is important to consult your trusted healthcare practitioner before adding any new natural health supplement to your routine. 

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FAQs
Does echinacea help with colds?

Yes. Health Canada recognizes echinacea for helping relieve cold symptoms and symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections.¹

Can echinacea shorten a cold?

Certain echinacea preparations are recognized by Health Canada for helping relieve symptoms and shorten the duration of upper respiratory tract infections.¹

When should I start taking echinacea?

Health Canada’s Echinacea purpurea monograph recommends taking it at the first sign of infection.¹

Sources

1. Health Canada. Echinacea — Echinacea purpurea Monograph. Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate. Updated December 19, 2025.[Text Wrapping Break]https://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/atReq?atid=echinacea.purpurea2 

2. Health Canada. Natural Health Products Ingredients Database — Echinacea monographs and ingredient information.[Text Wrapping Break]https://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/monosReq?monotype=single&wbdisable=false