Several laboratory and animal studies suggest that echinacea contains active substances that boost immune function, relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and have hormonal, antiviral, and antioxidant effects.

How much echinacea should I take to boost my immune system?

That said, research has found the following doses to be effective in aiding immunity ( 11 ): Dry powdered extract: 300–500 mg of Echinacea purpurea, three times daily. Liquid extract tinctures: 2.5 ml, three times daily, or up to 10 ml daily.

How does echinacea stimulate the immune system?

Figure 3: Echinacea stimulates macrophages and other cells of the innate immune system, causing them to become activated and release cytokines. Increases in phagocytic activity and the uptake of foreign particles also result following exposure of the immune cells to Echinacea.