What is it used for?
(Traditionally) used in Herbal Medicine to help relieve the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections [Source note 2].
(Traditionally) used in Herbal Medicine to help relieve sore throats [Source note 3].
Notes:
The above uses can be combined on the product label if from the same traditional or non-traditional system of medicine (e.g., Traditionally used in Herbal Medicine to help relieve the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections and sore throats).
For multi-ingredient products:
What this guide covers
The solidus (/) indicates that the terms and/or statements are synonymous. Either term or statement may be selected by the applicant on the label.
Who does this guide cover?
As specified below.
How is it taken?
Oral
Which forms are covered?
this reference excludes foods or food-like dosage forms as indicated in the Compendium of references Guidance Document.
Acceptable dosage forms by age group:
Children 2 years: The acceptable dosage forms are limited to emulsion/suspension and solution/liquid preparations (Giacoia et al. 2008; EMA/CHMP 2006).
Children 3-5 years: The acceptable dosage forms are limited to chewables, emulsion/suspension, powders and solution/liquid preparations (Giacoia et al. 2008; EMA/CHMP 2006).
Children 6-11 years, Adolescents 12-17 years, and Adults 18 years and older: The acceptable dosage forms for oral use are indicated in the dosage drop-down list of the source’s list of accepted product forms.
Quantities
Dry, Powdered, Non-Standardized Extracts (Dry extract*, Tincture, Fluid extract, Decoction, Decoction concentrate, Infusion, Infusion concentrate)
| Subpopulation(s)¹,² | Subpopulation(s)¹,² | Dried root/rhizome (g/day) / Minimum | Dried root/rhizome (g/day) / Maximum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Children | 2-4 years | 0.17 g | 0.5 g |
| Children | 5-9 years | 0.25 g | 0.8 g |
| Children | 10-11 years | 0.5 g | 1.5 g |
| Children | |||
| Adolescents | 12-14 years | 0.5 g | 1.5 g |
| Adolescents | 15-17 years | 1.0 g | 3.0 g |
| Adults | 18 years and older | 1.0 g | 3.0 g |
¹Children and adolescent doses were calculated as a proportion of the adult dose [Source note 4]. The use of Echinacea angustifolia in children is supported by the following references: McIntyre 2005; Bove 2001; Schilcher 1997.
²Adult dose supported by the following references: Barnes et al. 2007; Blumenthal et al. 2000; Bradley 1992.
Note: Solvents allowed for the method of preparation “Non-standardized extracts (Dry extract)” as part of this reference are ethanol and/or water only.
How is it used?
The reference does not require an additional label statement in this section. This does not establish an absence of risk.
How long is it used?
Ask a healthcare professional for use beyond 8 weeks [Source note 5].
Warnings and precautions
Ask a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.
Ask a healthcare professional before use if you have a progressive systemic disease such as tuberculosis, collagenosis, multiple sclerosis, or an immune system disorder [Source note 6].
Ask a healthcare professional before use if you are taking medications to suppress the immune system [Source note 7].
When should it be avoided?
The reference does not require an additional label statement in this section. This does not establish an absence of risk.
Possible side effects
The reference does not require an additional label statement in this section. This does not establish an absence of risk.
Storage
Must be established in accordance with the requirements described in the applicable product regulations.
Preparation details
Ingredient identity, preparation requirements, and other details that define the scope of this guide.
Ingredients and preparations
| Proper name(s) | Common name(s) | Source information / Source material(s) | Source information / Part(s) | Source information / Preparation(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Echinacea angustifolia |
| Echinacea angustifolia |
| Dry |
References: Proper name: USDA 2024; Common names: USDA 2024; Gardner and McGuffin 2013; Bradley 1992; Source information: Barnes et al. 2007; Grieve 1971.
Other ingredients
Must be chosen from the current source ingredient database and must meet the limitations outlined in the database.
Preparation and quality requirements
The finished product specifications must be established in accordance with the requirements described in the source authority source’s product quality guidance.
The active ingredient must comply with the requirements outlined in the source ingredient database.
Guide change history
Updates to this SupplementSafety.org guide.
Minor updates
Updated guide wording, organization, and source presentation. Added our editorial change history.
Initial release
Initial SupplementSafety.org guide prepared from source reference material.
Validation: Not yet completed. Editorial updates do not constitute clinical validation.
Sources
Source information
This guide organizes source material about uses, preparations, amounts, and precautions. Read the conditions alongside each statement; the information may apply only to particular preparations or populations.
The source document includes supporting references. We have not independently summarized or assessed every cited study for this guide.
- Source document version
- March 28, 2025
- Source captured
- Aug 15, 2026
- Editorial work
- Editorial preparation. Independent clinical review has not been recorded for this guide.
Full citations are available through the link above. Verification is required to open them; reading this guide does not require verification.
Taking a medication too?
Explore our supplement–medication interaction checker. Its coverage and review status are shown with the results; a missing finding does not establish that a combination is safe.