{"title":"Echinacea","description":"\u003ch2\u003eBuy Echinacea: Coneflower in Capsules, Tablets and Gummies\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEchinacea, also known in Dutch as coneflower, is one of the best-known herbs from the North American plant tradition. The plant belongs to the composite family, and the most commonly used species in supplements is \u003cem\u003eEchinacea purpurea\u003c\/em\u003e. No authorized health claims have been established for echinacea itself within the European Union, so we describe this herb factually: what it is, where it comes from, and the forms in which you can find it. If an echinacea product combines echinacea with vitamin C, vitamin D, or zinc, authorized health claims do apply to those nutrients: vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc contribute to the normal functioning of the immune system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this collection, you will find echinacea in various forms and combinations. For example, there is the classic \u003cstrong\u003eEchinacea purpurea 400 mg\u003c\/strong\u003e in capsules from Swanson and a concentrated \u003cstrong\u003e10:1 extract 500 mg in tablets\u003c\/strong\u003e from Vit4ever, both based on pure coneflower. There are also combination formulas containing echinacea along with other ingredients: Vit4ever's \u003cstrong\u003eImmune Complex\u003c\/strong\u003e, LUTO Supplements' \u003cstrong\u003eImmunity Gummies\u003c\/strong\u003e with vitamin C, echinacea, elderberry, and propolis, and German Elite Nutrition's comprehensive \u003cstrong\u003eImmunity Essentials\u003c\/strong\u003e with vitamin C, D3, and zinc plus seven plant extracts. This allows you to choose between pure echinacea or a combination formula.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is echinacea?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEchinacea is a genus of perennial plants with striking purple-pink flowers and a distinctive spiny flower base, which gives the plant its name (the Greek \u003cem\u003eechinos\u003c\/em\u003e means hedgehog). The plant originally comes from the prairies of North America. In supplements, \u003cem\u003eEchinacea purpurea\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eEchinacea angustifolia\u003c\/em\u003e, and \u003cem\u003eEchinacea pallida\u003c\/em\u003e are mainly used, with \u003cem\u003epurpurea\u003c\/em\u003e being by far the most common. Both the above-ground herb and the root are processed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhere does echinacea come from?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConeflower was traditionally used by the indigenous peoples of North America and later became established in Europe as a garden and medicinal plant. Today, echinacea is grown on a large scale for the production of dietary supplements and herbal preparations. The plants are harvested and dried, after which the herb or root is ground into powder or processed into a concentrated extract.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat species of echinacea are there?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWithin the Echinacea genus, three species are mainly used in supplements. \u003cem\u003eEchinacea purpurea\u003c\/em\u003e is the best-known and most processed species and is used both as an herb and as a root. \u003cem\u003eEchinacea angustifolia\u003c\/em\u003e is a narrow-leaved variety whose root is traditionally used. \u003cem\u003eEchinacea pallida\u003c\/em\u003e is a third species that you encounter less often. The species differ in the plant compounds they contain and in the plant part used; the label indicates which species is in the product.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is the difference between echinacea as an ornamental plant and as a supplement?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConeflower is well known to many people as a garden plant: an ornamental plant with purple-pink flowers that is planted in borders and beds for its appearance. In supplements, specially grown and harvested plants are used, whose herb or root is dried and processed into powder, capsules, tablets, gummies, or a concentrated extract. A decorative plant from the garden is therefore different from a standardized supplement, in which the species, plant part, and dosage are precisely specified.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eForms and variants compared\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEchinacea is available in several dosage forms. \u003cstrong\u003eCapsules and tablets\u003c\/strong\u003e contain dried herb powder or an extract and are convenient for on the go. An \u003cstrong\u003eextract\u003c\/strong\u003e, such as Vit4ever's 10:1 preparation, is more concentrated: one part extract is obtained from ten parts plant material. \u003cstrong\u003eGummies\u003c\/strong\u003e, such as LUTO Immunity Gummies, are a pleasant chewable form and often combine echinacea with other ingredients. Also pay attention to the difference between \u003cem\u003epure\u003c\/em\u003e echinacea products and \u003cem\u003ecombination formulas\u003c\/em\u003e containing echinacea along with vitamins, minerals, or other herbs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eEchinacea in combination with vitamins and minerals\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany combination formulas combine echinacea with nutrients that do have an authorized health claim. Vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc contribute to the normal functioning of the immune system. In addition, vitamin C contributes to the protection of cells against oxidative stress and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. You will find such combinations in products like Immune Complex, Immunity Gummies, and Immunity Essentials, in which the echinacea extract is described as a plant-based ingredient and the claims apply exclusively to the vitamins and minerals in question.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDosage: how much echinacea per day?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe correct amount depends on the form and concentration of the product. Pure herb capsules often contain several hundred milligrams of herb per capsule, while a concentrated 10:1 extract with a lower dosage provides the same plant equivalent. In combination products, the manufacturer determines the daily dose based on all the ingredients together. Therefore, always follow the recommended daily dosage on the packaging and do not exceed it. If in doubt, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you are taking medication, consult a doctor or pharmacist first. Always follow the directions for use on the packaging for the exact usage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow long can you use echinacea?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHow long you use an echinacea product varies by preparation and manufacturer. Some products are intended for a defined period, others for occasional use. The packaging states whether a maximum duration of use is recommended and whether the product should be used intermittently. Follow these instructions and consult a doctor or pharmacist if you use it for a long time or have any doubts. Always follow the directions for use on the packaging regarding the duration of use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhen do you take echinacea?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe time of intake depends on the form and the manufacturer's instructions. Capsules and tablets are generally taken with some water, while gummies are chewed. Some people spread the daily dose throughout the day, depending on what the label says. There is no generally prescribed time; follow the intake schedule and directions for use stated with your product.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhich echinacea is right for you?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo product is best suited for everyone; what is right for you depends on your preference. If you want a pure herbal preparation, choose a standalone echinacea product containing only coneflower, such as Swanson's capsules or Vit4ever's 10:1 extract. If you are looking for a broad formula, combination products like Immune Complex, Immunity Gummies, or Immunity Essentials may be interesting. Also consider the species used, the plant part, the strength of the extract, and whether the product is suitable for a vegan or vegetarian diet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWho is echinacea intended for?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEchinacea is popular among people interested in traditional herbs. For those who prefer a pure herbal preparation, standalone echinacea products are suitable, while a combination formula is interesting if you want to combine several ingredients in one product. Echinacea is generally not intended for young children; check the age recommendations on the label.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat to look for when buying echinacea?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen purchasing, look at the species used (\u003cem\u003epurpurea\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eangustifolia\u003c\/em\u003e, or \u003cem\u003epallida\u003c\/em\u003e) and the plant part used (herb or root). Also pay attention to the strength: if a standardized extract or an extract ratio such as 10:1 is stated, you will know how concentrated the product is. Further check whether the product is suitable for a vegan or vegetarian diet, and whether it is free from additives you want to avoid, such as gluten, lactose, or gelatin. For combination products, it is useful to review the full list of ingredients so you know which other vitamins, minerals, and herbs are included.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso view our other collections: \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/vitamine-c\"\u003eVitamin C\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/zink\"\u003eZinc\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/vitamine-d3\"\u003eVitamin D3\u003c\/a\u003e, and \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/kruiden-planten\"\u003eHerbs \u0026amp; Plants\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"swanson-echinacea-400-mg-100-capsules","title":"Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) 400mg | 100 capsules | Swanson","description":"\u003ch2\u003eSwanson Echinacea\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe classic herb for the cold season: Swanson's \u003cstrong\u003eechinacea\u003c\/strong\u003e provides 400 mg of purpurea herb per capsule. In Dutch, this plant is called the coneflower, because of its purple petals and spiky flower center. It is a plant-based herbal supplement that has been used for centuries, originally by the indigenous people of North America.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat echinacea is\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEchinacea is a member of the composite family (Asteraceae), the same family as the daisy. For this product, Swanson uses the above-ground herb of Echinacea purpurea. The characteristic plant substances are called polysaccharides, alkamides, and flavonoids. Good to know: you are getting the whole herb here, not a single substance that has been extracted from it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFull Spectrum 400 mg herb\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach capsule contains 400 mg of ground echinacea herb, the Full Spectrum form. While some brands use a standardized extract, Swanson opts for the whole herb with its natural profile of plant substances. An important usage point: echinacea is intended for periodic use. The advice is to take it for a maximum of eight weeks continuously and then take a break. This way, you use it periodically, for a few weeks at a time, and not indefinitely.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eEchinacea and the cold season\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEchinacea has traditionally been known as the herb people turn to as soon as the days get shorter. That reputation explains its popularity in autumn and winter. Echinacea supports the body's natural defenses* and contributes to well-being in the cold season and supports the upper respiratory tract*. In addition, echinacea has a soothing effect on the mouth and throat*. Echinacea supports the condition of the skin and contributes to the health of skin, hair, and nails*.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn short: echinacea in its complete form, 400 mg herb per capsule, a hundred pieces in a jar, intended for periodic use. A trusted choice for those who want to have the coneflower in their home when the season calls for it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e*Health claim pending European approval.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Swanson","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47527536361810,"sku":"Swanson-044","price":8.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0609\/9006\/2812\/files\/Swansonechinacea.jpg?v=1704549529"},{"product_id":"echinacea-echinacea-purpurea-extract-500mg-365-tabletten-vit4ever","title":"Echinacea Purpurea 500mg | 365 Tablets | Vit4ever","description":"\u003ch2\u003eEchinacea 10:1 extract by Vit4ever\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEchinacea purpurea\u003c\/strong\u003e is one of the best-known plants in the world of herbal extracts, also known as purple coneflower because of its purple-pink flowers. Vit4ever processes the plant into a concentrated 10:1 extract and presses it into 500mg tablets. With 365 tablets in the jar, you have a year's worth of doses at once, without having to weigh powder or count drops.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat exactly a 10:1 extract means\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith a 10:1 extract, approximately 10 kilos of fresh plant are reduced to 1 kilo of extract. The difference with regular dried herb lies in the concentration. You get more of the plant in a single 500mg Echinacea tablet than if you were to use loose dried Echinacea purpurea. Vit4ever deliberately chooses this ratio, because it makes a compact tablet possible instead of a handful of capsules per day. What many people do not know: Echinacea purpurea consists of a mixture of plant substances, including polysaccharides, flavonoids, and chicoric acid, which occur naturally in the root and aerial part of the plant. Due to the extraction process, those substances are present in concentrated form in this 10:1 extract, instead of being diluted as in the raw plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy the way, there are several Echinacea species, including Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea pallida, and Echinacea angustifolia. They look similar, with their characteristic flower and recurved petals, but differ in the precise composition of plant substances. Vit4ever chooses Echinacea purpurea because it is the most commonly used species in herbal extracts. That makes the choice no coincidence: it is the variant you see most often in supplements, precisely because its cultivation and processing are the best documented.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout Echinacea purpurea\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe plant itself, known in English as purple coneflower, originally grows in the prairies of North America. There, Echinacea was used for centuries in traditional herbal mixtures, before the plant found its way into European health food stores and webshops. Today, Echinacea purpurea is firmly established on the shelves alongside other well-known herbal extracts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany people also wonder how the 10:1 extract actually differs from regular Echinacea powder or a separate tincture. The answer lies in the processing step: with powder, the plant is simply finely ground, while with an extract, a part of the plant is first extracted and concentrated. As a result, the ratio between plant material and the final product is very different. Vit4ever deliberately chose the 10:1 extract because it yields a fixed, repeatable ratio. Every jar with 365 tablets therefore always contains the same amount of extract per tablet, without fluctuations between batches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFrom plant to tablet: how the extract is made\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe process begins with the harvest of the Echinacea purpurea plant, usually the aerial part with flower and leaf. That plant material is dried and then processed under controlled conditions into a concentrated extract. During that step, most of the water content disappears, leaving the present plant substances in a compact form. That concentrate is then pressed into a tablet, together with microcrystalline cellulose as a filler. That filler ensures that every tablet has the same shape and density and does not crumble in the packaging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe result is a 500mg tablet that consists entirely of the 10:1 extract and the filler, without colorings, flavorings, or other additives. That makes the ingredients list clear: there are exactly two names on the label. For those who have occasionally turned over a supplement and saw a long list of unknown E-numbers, that is a noticeable difference. With Echinacea from Vit4ever, you know exactly what you are taking, without added flavorings, colorings, or preservatives. The tablets are also gluten-free and lactose-free, which makes them suitable for people with a food intolerance who are still looking for an Echinacea purpurea extract in tablet form. For those who occasionally compare labels: the shorter the ingredients list, the easier it is to see exactly what you are taking, and that is no different with this product.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePractical for daily use\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith 365 tablets per jar and a guideline of 1 tablet per day, you get exactly 365 doses, or a year's worth of daily use from one package. That saves reordering. The tablets are also vegan: there is no gelatin or other animal material in the formula, only the plant extract and the filler. Therefore, this Echinacea purpurea extract from Vit4ever fits into almost any diet, from flexitarian to fully plant-based.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor those who prefer not to have separate drops or powder at home, this tablet form provides a clear alternative: 1 tablet, with a glass of water, every day at the same time. It is also convenient on the go, because you can easily take a tablet with you in a bag or pill box, unlike a glass dropper bottle that can leak or break. And because every tablet contains exactly 500mg of extract, you never have to estimate how many drops correspond to a full dose, as is the case with a tincture. That makes the tablet form not only practical at home, but also for travel, at the office, or simply in your bag next to your other daily essentials.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn short: Echinacea purpurea 10:1 extract by Vit4ever is a compact, vegan supplement with a clear composition of exactly two ingredients. No complicated formula, no unnecessary extras, just a concentrated extract of the purple coneflower in a tablet that lasts a year.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vit4ever","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51055743730002,"sku":"vit4-457","price":21.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0609\/9006\/2812\/files\/vit4ever-echinacea-echinacea-purpurea-extract-500mg-365-tab-1.jpg?v=1793623871"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.luto-supplements.nl\/en\/collections\/echinacea.oembed","provider":"LUTO Supplements","version":"1.0","type":"link"}