By Linda Woolven and Ted Snider, The Natural Path
Echinacea is the most famous immune herb. But is its 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 32.5%, 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.
Source
J Family Community Med. October-December 2025;32(4):273-283.
Find it at Nutrition World
Echinacea, plus the vitamin C and propolis used in one of the studies:
- Echinacea: Nature's Answer Echinacea Extract (Alcohol Free), Vitality Works Echinacea Fresh Liquid Extract and Nature's Way Echinacea Leaf Stem Flower (liquid and capsule forms)
- For kids: KAL Vitamin C-Rex Kids Chewables and Beekeeper's Naturals Kids Propolis Immune Support Lollipops (kid-friendly vitamin C and propolis)
Check with your child's pediatrician before starting a new supplement.
Browse the full immune support collection, or stop by the store at 2401 PGA Blvd in Palm Beach Gardens and we'll help you compare labels. Questions? Call (561) 626-4377.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.