How much Echinacea should I take daily?
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Recommended Daily Dosage of Echinacea
Echinacea Angustifolia Dosage for Rhinovirus Infections
The dosage of Echinacea angustifolia can vary significantly depending on the specific condition being treated. For rhinovirus infections, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a daily dose of 3 grams of Echinacea angustifolia root, which is substantially higher than the 900 mg dose used in some clinical trials. This higher dosage is also supported by the Canadian Natural Health Products Directorate.
Echinacea Angustifolia for Anxiety and Mood Enhancement
In studies examining the anxiolytic and mood-enhancing effects of Echinacea angustifolia, doses of 20 mg and 40 mg taken twice daily (totaling 40 mg and 80 mg per day) were used. These doses were found to improve positive and negative affect scores and emotional well-being, although they did not significantly reduce anxiety compared to a placebo. Another study confirmed that a dose of 40 mg twice daily (80 mg per day) was effective in reducing state anxiety scores significantly.
Echinacea Purpurea for Respiratory Tract Infections
For treating acute respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in adults, higher doses of Echinacea purpurea have been shown to be more effective. New formulations delivering up to 16,800 mg per day for the first three days, followed by 2,240-3,360 mg per day, resulted in faster viral clearance and a trend towards quicker clinical recovery. Conventional doses of 2,400 mg per day are typically used for prevention.
Echinacea for Common Cold in Children
In children, Echinacea has been used safely and effectively at doses of 1,200 mg to 2,000 mg per day. A regimen of five tablets daily (totaling 2,000 mg) was more effective in reducing the duration of cold episodes compared to three tablets daily (1,200 mg).
General Recommendations for Echinacea Dosage
For general immune support and treatment of cold and flu symptoms, a common dosage is three tablets three times daily, totaling 1,518 mg per day, with an additional dose on the third day. This regimen has been shown to modulate immune gene expression and support an anti-inflammatory and antiviral response.
Conclusion
The appropriate daily dosage of Echinacea varies depending on the specific condition and formulation used. For rhinovirus infections, a daily dose of 3 grams of Echinacea angustifolia root is recommended. For anxiety and mood enhancement, 80 mg per day of Echinacea angustifolia may be effective. For treating RTIs in adults, higher doses of Echinacea purpurea (up to 16,800 mg per day initially) are beneficial, while children may safely use up to 2,000 mg per day for cold symptoms. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.
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