Evidence supporting the use of: Echinacea purpurea
For the body system: Lymphatics
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Echinacea purpurea, commonly known as purple coneflower, has a long history of traditional use by Native American populations and in herbal medicine systems, particularly for supporting immune function. Its application for the lymphatic system is largely based on these traditional uses, where echinacea was thought to help "cleanse the blood" and support the body's natural defenses, which are closely related to lymphatic health.
While modern research has focused primarily on echinacea's effects on immune response—such as stimulating phagocytosis and increasing leukocyte mobility—there is limited direct scientific evidence linking Echinacea purpurea specifically to enhanced lymphatic function. Most available studies examine cold and flu prevention or symptom reduction, not direct lymphatic activity. However, because the lymphatic system is a key part of the immune system, the traditional rationale is that immune-modulating herbs like echinacea could also benefit lymphatic health.
In summary, while Echinacea purpurea's use for lymphatic support is justified by tradition and an understanding of its immune-related properties, there is not strong direct scientific validation for this specific application. The evidence level reflects the traditional basis and indirect support rather than robust clinical trials targeting the lymphatic system itself.
Other ingredients that support Lymphatics
alfalfaastragalus
bayberry
blackberry
bupleurum falcatum
burdock
cat's claw
chamomile
citrus oil
citrus pectin
turmeric
dandelion
dyer’s woad root
echinacea purpurea
fruit blend (proprietary)
garlic bulb
ginger
goldenseal
gotu kola
onion
green tea
horse chestnut
lemon
licorice root
maitake mushroom
marshmallow
nettle
oregon grape
parsley
reishi mushroom
rosemary
scrophularia root
serratiopeptidase
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
water
watercress
watermelon
sarsaparilla
red clover
jiaogulan
boneset
mullein
typhonium
lobelia
neem tree
punarnava
rubia cordifolia
lingzhi
yarrow
pau d'arco
elecampane
ganoderma
sheep's sorrel
polyporus
cleavers
stillingia
noni
herbal blend (proprietary)
AHCC
Ajuga
Aescin
Andrographis
Asteracea
Alkylglycerols
Blue Flag
Black-Eyed Susan
Brassica
Bindweed
berry
Bee products
Bupleurum
Bittersweet
Coumarin
Calendula
Coriolus mushroom
Codonopsis
Citrus
Cruciferous
Chinese Ligustrum berry
cypress
Chaparral
Cowslip
Ceanothus integerrimus
Cytokines
Castor Oil
Culvers Root
Deerbrush
Echinacea
Escin
Fruit
Figwort
Galium
Products containing echinacea purpurea
Nature's Sunshine CleanStart Mild
Nature's Sunshine Candida Clear
Nature's Sunshine Dieter's Cleanse
Nature's Sunshine Echinacea / Golden Seal
Nature's Sunshine Echinacea / Golden Seal
Nature's Sunshine Echinacea (Purpurea)
Nature's Sunshine Elderberry D3fense
Nature's Sunshine Enviro-Detox
Nature's Sunshine Immune System
Nature's Sunshine IN-X
Nature's Sunshine SUMA (Combination)
Nature's Sunshine Ultimate Echinacea
Nature's Sunshine Uña de Gato (Cat's Claw)
Nature's Sunshine Yeast/Fungal Detox