Does Echinacea Really Fight Respiratory Tract Infections in Kids?
Echinacea is the most famous immune herb. But is it’s reputation deserved? Can it really help your kids fight off respiratory tract infections? That’s what this new systematic review set out to see.
This systematic review included 5 controlled studies of 1,640 children aged 1-12 years. Each of the kids in the studies had an acute cough or a respiratory infection with nasal discharge, congestion, sneezing or sore throat. The form of echinacea used was Echinacea purpurea.
One study found no benefit. But that’s where the bad news ends. One study, which added vitamin C and propolis to the echinacea, reduced respiratory tract infections by 332.5%, antibiotic use by 76.3% and significantly reduced influenza. A second found shorter cold duration and reduced use of antibiotics with echinacea. The third study found a 55% reduction in cold duration and significantly fewer days with fever. And the fourth found a 28% lower risk of recurring infection and a significantly longer period of time between infections.
The overall finding was that echinacea reduces both the frequency and severity of respiratory tract infections in children, meaning the powerful immune herb both prevents and treats infections.
J Family Community Med. October-December 2025;32(4):273-283.
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For much more on preventing and treating respiratory infections, see our book The Family Naturopathic Encyclopedia.
For much more on echinacea, see our book Healthy Herbs: Your Everyday Guide to Medicinal Herbs and Their Use.
For comprehensive natural help with your health, including respiratory health, make an appointment to see Linda Woolven now. Linda’s clinic is now open for in person and virtual appointments.
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