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What is Echinacea?

Echinacea is a genus of flowering plants in the daisy family (Asteraceae), native to North America. Three species are used in herbal medicine: Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia, and Echinacea pallida. The aerial parts (flowers and leaves) and roots of the plant are used for their bioactive compounds, which include alkamides, caffeic acid derivatives (such as chicoric acid and echinacoside), polysaccharides, and glycoproteins. These compounds are thought to work synergistically — the whole herb profile offering more than any single isolated constituent.

Echinacea has one of the longest histories of traditional use among medicinal herbs in North America, where it was used by Native American tribes for various purposes. Today it is one of the most widely used herbal supplements in Europe and North America. The traditional use of echinacea in herbal medicine is well documented, and modern research continues to investigate its bioactive constituents and their mechanisms of action. Echinacea preparations are standardised to specific marker compounds to ensure consistent quality from batch to batch.

Traditional use

Echinacea has a well-established tradition of use as a herbal supplement, particularly during the colder months and seasonal transitions. Its traditional use is recognised across European and North American herbal medicine traditions.

Why we use Echinacea in Nutri-Leaf formulas

Nutri-Leaf Immune Complex includes echinacea in a formula alongside zinc, selenium, vitamin C from rose hip, and ginger. The echinacea used is standardised to ensure consistent levels of its key bioactive compounds. By combining echinacea with complementary nutrients, the formula pairs a traditional herbal profile with zinc, selenium, and vitamin C, which contribute to the normal function of the immune system.

Products containing Echinacea

The Nutri-Leaf product featuring echinacea is Immune Complex, where it works alongside zinc (10mg), selenium (50µg), vitamin C from rose hip, and ginger in one daily capsule.

Explore our Immune Support health guide to learn more about nutrients that support immune health. Learn more about our approach to herbal ingredients on the Ingredient Philosophy page.

Food supplements are not a substitute for a balanced and varied diet and a healthy lifestyle.