A Vogel grow and press their echinacea fresh rather than working from dried material, which is their whole approach and has been since the 1960s. Echinaforce is made from freshly harvested organic plants.
They are also a registered herbal medicine rather than a food supplement, which means they have been through a regulatory process most products on our shelves have not. The pack carries the approved wording; we are not going to paraphrase or extend it.
Echinaforce comes as tablets and as drops, and the drops are the traditional format taken in a little water. Viridian's capsules and Herb Pharm's tinctures are food supplements rather than registered medicines, which is a different regulatory category.
Whichever you choose, follow the instructions on that particular pack. They differ between products and between formats, and the tinctures in particular are not interchangeable by volume.
Echinacea is in the daisy family, so anyone allergic to daisies, ragweed, marigolds or chrysanthemums should avoid it. That catches more people than you might expect.
It is also generally not recommended for anyone with an autoimmune condition or taking medication that suppresses the immune system, and not in pregnancy or breastfeeding without advice. If any of that applies, ask your GP or pharmacist first.
FAQ
Who should not take echinacea?
Anyone allergic to plants in the daisy family, and generally anyone with an autoimmune condition or taking immunosuppressant medication. Ask your GP if that applies.
What is the difference between Echinaforce and the other products?
Echinaforce is a registered herbal medicine with approved wording on the pack. The capsules and tinctures are food supplements, a different regulatory category.
Tablets or drops?
Both are available. The drops are the traditional format taken in water; tablets are simpler. Follow the instructions on the pack you buy.
Can I take it during pregnancy?
Not without advice. Speak to your midwife or GP first.
