Echinaforce^® Echinacea is a licensed medicine made from fresh extracts of Echinacea purpurea herb (95%) and root (5%). It is available as drops (tincture in 15ml, 50ml & 100ml bottles) and as tablets (42 tablets & 120 tablets):

• Echinaforce^® Echinacea drops: This is the original extract formulated by Alfred Vogel and contains the tinctures of Echinacea purpurea herb and root. 0.6ml drops  equivalent to 285mg whole fresh plant. Also contains 65%v/v ethanol.
• Echinaforce^® Echinacea tablets: This is the tabletted version of Echinaforce^® drops. Each tablet contains the extract of Echinacea purpurea herb and root equivalent to 270mg whole fresh plant. Also contains lactose, starch, magnesium stearate.

Echinacea is a plant native to America but is now cultivated extensively in Europe. The plants which go into our product are cultivated organically in Switzerland at our own herb farms.

Up to 10 species of Echinacea have been identified, but only three (E. purpurea, E. angustifolia and E. pallida) are used medicinally. Echinacea purpurea is considered to be the one which has been most widely researched and this is the species we use.

A.Vogel Echinacea drops (tincture) and tablets may be used by adults and children over the age of 12 years to fight the symptoms of colds and flu.

Dosage of Echinaforce^® drops:
Adults, elderly and children over 12 years: 15 drops (0.6ml) of tincture in a small amount of water, 2 to 3 times daily.

Dosage of Echinaforce^® tablets:
Adults, elderly and children over 12 years: Two tablets, 2 to 3 times daily.

These remedies are for oral use only.

• Do not take more than the recommended dose. Taking too much (overdose) is unlikely to be harmful.

There is no evidence to suggest that using any Echinacea product during pregnancy or breastfeeding will be harmful to the unborn or newborn child.

However, as only a few scientific studies have been done on the use of the herb during these stages of life, the UK Department of Health considers that the benefits of using Echinacea in these situations are outweighed by the risks. Hence. it does not recommend using Echinacea in pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Do not use if you are:

• Allergic to products containing Echinacea
• Pregnant
• Breastfeeding

You should also be aware that our Echinacea drops, like all herbal tinctures, contains ethanol (alcohol). Each dose of tincture contains up to 350mg of ethanol - equivalent to 8.8ml of beer (less than a tablespoon) or 3.7ml of wine (less than a teaspoon). If you suffer from alcoholism, the alcohol content may be harmful. If you are in a high-risk group (eg. patients with liver disease or epilepsy) you should consider the alcohol content before taking this product.

1. What are the health benefits of Echinaforce^®?

Our Echinacea drops and tablets may be used to relieve the symptoms of the common cold and flu, helping the body fight these and other similar infections of the upper respiratory tract.

2. How does it work?

It works by strengthening the body's immune system - the benefit of this is that the body is able to fight infections better.

3. Are summer colds different from ordinary common colds experienced during the winter?

No, these are similar infections. However, summer colds may give rise to more symptoms relating to the throat (irritated, sore or tickly throat) because of the prevalence of air-conditioning. Nevertheless, summer and winter colds behave and respond to treatment in the same way.

4. How do I know if I have the flu?

It can sometimes be difficult to tell. Flu (or influenza) produces similar symptoms to the common cold but these are usually more severe. In addition, you may experience fever, sweats and muscle aches.

5. Can I take Echinaforce^® if I've had the flu jab or vaccination?

There are no contraindications to the use of Echinacea drops or tablets either before or after the flu vaccination.

6. What about swine flu, bird flu and any other new flu infections that may come our way during the winter?

Swine flu, avian flu (bird flu) and other variants of flu are all infections caused by the influenza virus. Echinaforce^® will help strengthen the immune system and relieve the symptoms of these infections in the same way it does with other flu infections or the common cold.

7. What is a head cold?

There really is no proper definition for the term 'head cold'. It is a commonly used expression usually indicating that symptoms, such as a blocked nose or sore throat, are confined to the head.

8. Can I take Echinacea when pregnant or breastfeeding?

The use of the herb during pregnancy or whilst breastfeeding is not recommended in the UK. If you wish to take Echinaforce^® in these situations, it is recommended that you consult a doctor or other healthcare professional.

Although there is no evidence that use of Echinacea by pregnant or breastfeeding women will be harmful, only a few studies have been performed to demonstrate that it is safe to do so. In the absence of more conclusive evidence, the UK Department of Health takes the view that the benefits of using products containing Echinacea herb during pregnancy or breastfeeding are outweighed by the risks.