Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Echinacea is traditionally used in herbal medicine for its purported immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties. Historical records and ethnobotanical sources indicate that North American Indigenous peoples and later herbal practitioners used echinacea preparations for a variety of infections and inflammatory conditions, including eye ailments such as conjunctivitis (commonly known as "pink eye"). Traditional applications typically involved topical washes or poultices made from the plant’s roots or aerial parts. However, the evidence supporting its effectiveness for conjunctivitis is almost entirely anecdotal and based on folkloric use rather than systematic evaluation.

Modern scientific studies of echinacea have primarily focused on its role in supporting immune function and reducing the duration of upper respiratory tract infections. There is a lack of robust clinical research or randomized controlled trials investigating echinacea for the treatment of conjunctivitis specifically. As such, while echinacea has a traditional use for this condition, there is minimal empirical evidence supporting its efficacy for conjunctivitis. Its use remains rooted in herbal tradition rather than scientific validation.

More about Echinacea (unspecified)
More about Conjunctivitis

Other ingredients used for Conjunctivitis

Other health conditions supported by Echinacea (unspecified)

Products containing Echinacea (unspecified)