Evidence supporting the use of: Echinacea (unspecified)
For the health condition: Ear Infection or Earache
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Echinacea is primarily used for ear infections or earache based on traditional and folk medicine practices rather than robust scientific evidence. Historically, Native American groups and herbal practitioners have used Echinacea for a variety of infections and inflammatory conditions, including respiratory and sometimes ear infections, due to its reputed immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties. However, while Echinacea is well-known for its traditional use in treating colds and upper respiratory tract infections, specific use for ear infections or earache is less well-documented in both ethnobotanical and clinical literature.
Scientific studies assessing Echinacea’s effectiveness for ear infections are extremely limited. Most research has focused on its role in preventing or treating the common cold, with mixed results. A few small studies and anecdotal reports have suggested potential benefits, possibly related to Echinacea’s immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. However, no substantial clinical trials have demonstrated Echinacea’s efficacy in treating ear infections or earache specifically. Major medical organizations and systematic reviews do not recommend Echinacea for this condition due to insufficient evidence.
In summary, while Echinacea is sometimes used traditionally for infections and inflammation, its use for ear infections or earache lacks strong scientific support. Individuals considering Echinacea for ear infections should consult healthcare professionals, especially since earaches can have diverse causes requiring specific treatments.
More about Echinacea (unspecified)
More about Ear Infection or Earache
Other ingredients used for Ear Infection or Earache
myrobalanbetel
blackberry
chamomile
Coptis chinensis
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
goldenseal
onion
Indian tinospora
mustard seed
oregano
plantain
rosemary
schizonepeta
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
xylitol
mullein
xanthium (cockleburs)
gastrodia
papaya
Indian bael
neem tree
nut grass
alpinia galangal
clerodendrum indicum
ferula assafoetida
hedychium spicatum
anise
blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
myrrh
sweet flag
sweetgums
morinda
zanthoxylum
eucalyptus
paw paw
melaleuca alternifolia
indigo leaves
geranium
Achyranthes
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
Guava
Garlic
Golden eardrops
Little ironweed
Mallow
Poppy
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Echinacea (unspecified)
AbscessesAllergies (respiratory)
Bladder Infection
Boils
Bronchitis
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Canker Sores
Chicken Pox
Chills
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Conjunctivitis
Cuts
Dermatitis
Ear Infection or Earache
Fever
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Inflammation
Influenza
Injuries
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen)
Pain (general remedies for)
Pneumonia