special subjects
Echinacea
Does echinacea work?
Studies ofechinacea's role in preventing and/or treating the common cold are inconsistent. The largest factor contributing to inconsistency is the variability of plant preparations (including different plant parts and species) and the supplement's ingredients. Some preliminary evidence shows that takingechinaceamay help decrease some of the inflammatory molecules (cytokines) that are involved in COVID-19 infection and may help diminish occurrence of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) that occurs in some people. However, this has not been substantiated. No rigorous scientific studies support claims thatechinaceahelps prevent cancer or improves immunity, blood sugar, anxiety, and inflammation, or promotes wound healing. 