What Echinacea Does for Your Immune System, Skin, and Mood

Echinacea is a popular herbal supplement people often reach for during the cold season, but its effects go beyond the immune system.

1. Your Immune System May Get Extra Support

Echinacea is best known for helping your immune system respond to viruses. Some people take echinacea supplements when they feel a cold coming on, although research on its effectiveness is mixed. Several studies suggest that it may help alleviate respiratory symptoms. However, more research is needed.

2. Your Skin May Become Less Irritated

Echinacea has anti-inflammatory compounds that may help calm skin redness, itching, and breakouts. Early research has shown potential benefits for conditions like:

• Acne
• Eczema
• Itchy, dry scalp
• Minor skin irritation

Some small studies look promising, but more research is still needed—especially in humans.

3. You May Notice Less Inflammation and Pain

Echinacea contains plant compounds that may help your body dial down inflammation. A few preliminary studies show it may help:

• Lower immune cells that increase inflammation
• Increase immune cells that lower inflammation
• Ease joint discomfort

Human research is limited, but echinacea has a long history of traditional use for pain relief.

4. It May Help With Mild Anxiety

Some small human trials suggest echinacea may have a calming effect. Participants taking 40 to 80 milligrams (mg) of echinacea saw improvements in:

These findings are early and not definitive, but they highlight a potential mental health benefit beyond immunity.

5. It Might Impact Your Blood Sugar Levels

Echinacea contains compounds called caffeic acid derivatives that may influence how your body absorbs glucose. Early research suggests potential benefits related to blood sugar management. However, this area remains under investigation.

What Echinacea Was Traditionally Used For

Native American communities have utilized echinacea for generations due to its healing properties. Today, it’s still used in many forms, and its traditional uses go far beyond immune support.

Traditionally, echinacea was used for:

• Toothaches
• Stomach pain
• Snake bites
• Skin disorders and wound healing
• Chronic arthritis
• Cancer

Traditional practices have guided echinacea use for generations, and although research is ongoing, there isn’t quite enough modern evidence to confirm these effects.

Is Echinacea Safe for Me?

• Short-term use only: Echinacea is generally considered safe for most adults when used in short-term doses. The long-term safety of this medication is unknown, and excessive or prolonged use may increase the risk of side effects.
• Possible side effects: Upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, skin rash, and—rarely—severe allergic reactions, especially if you’re allergic to plants in the sunflower family.
• Who should avoid it: People with autoimmune conditions, liver disease, certain cancers or blood disorders, HIV/AIDS, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Use caution if you have diabetes, given its potential to lower your blood sugar.
• Extra caution for children: Children may be more susceptible to developing rashes from using echinacea, so consult a pediatric healthcare provider before giving it to children.
• Drug interactions: Echinacea can interact with specific medications, including chemotherapy, immunosuppressants, medications processed by the liver, and even caffeine (which may stay in your system longer).

It’s best to review supplement labels with a healthcare provider to discuss any potential interactions with other supplements or medications. It’s also vital that you carefully read the ingredient list and nutrition facts panel of a supplement to know which ingredients are included.

Similar Supplements to Consider

If you’re exploring herbal options with overlapping benefits, you may also see:

Always use only one supplement at a time for a specific goal, and consult with a healthcare provider or pharmacist before use.