Evidence supporting the use of: Echinacea angustifolia
For the health condition: Ear Infection or Earache
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Echinacea angustifolia has a long history of use in traditional Native American and herbal medicine, primarily for immune support and for treating infections, including those affecting the upper respiratory tract. Its application for ear infections or earache stems from this general tradition of using Echinacea to address various infectious conditions, rather than specific documented efficacy for otitis media or earache. There are anecdotal and historical accounts of Echinacea being used to reduce inflammation and support the body’s defenses against infection, which has led some herbalists to recommend it for ear infections as part of a broader immune-supportive regimen.
However, scientific evidence directly supporting the effectiveness of Echinacea angustifolia for ear infections or earaches is minimal to non-existent. Most clinical studies on Echinacea have focused on its potential to prevent or reduce the duration of the common cold and upper respiratory tract infections, with mixed results. No high-quality randomized controlled trials have evaluated its use specifically for ear infections in children or adults. Thus, while the traditional use exists, it is not well backed by scientific research for this particular indication.
In summary, while Echinacea angustifolia is traditionally used for a range of infections and immune support, its use for ear infections or earache is based on broader traditional practice rather than robust clinical evidence.
More about Echinacea angustifolia
More about Ear Infection or Earache
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goldenseal
onion
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mustard seed
oregano
plantain
rosemary
schizonepeta
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mullein
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ferula assafoetida
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caesalpinia crista
myrrh
sweet flag
sweetgums
morinda
zanthoxylum
eucalyptus
paw paw
melaleuca alternifolia
indigo leaves
geranium
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Anamu
Alchornea
Asafoetida
Aerva lanata
Alsonia scholaris
Asteracea
Abuta
Amor seco
Blepharis
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Butea monosperma
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Bombax
Bergenia
Borneol
Coconut
Calendula
Cinnamomum
Calotropis gigantea
Cajuput
Centipeda
Calamus
Costus
Celosia
Didymocarpus
DIVI-DIVI
Devil's Club
Erodium cicutarium
Elephant's Head
Euphorbia
Eugenol
Ficus religiosa
Ficus simplicissima
Fleabane
Goldthread
Gnaphalium
Garlic
Golden eardrops
Little ironweed
Mallow
Poppy
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Echinacea angustifolia
AbscessesAdenitis
Bites and Stings
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Canker Sores
Cold Sores
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (lymphatic)
Congestion (sinus)
Cuts
Ear Infection or Earache
Fever
Glands (swollen lymph)
Herpes
Infection