Echinacea vs Elderberry: What Each Is Studied For
Echinacea and elderberry are both used for colds, but they are different plants with different evidence and different cautions. What NIH says about each, and no winner.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
Safety first. Natural products can cause side effects and interact with medicines. Read herb safety and interactions before you use anything on this page.
Poison and allergy points first. NIH says raw or unripe elderberries and other parts of the elder tree, such as leaves and stem, contain poisonous cyanide-producing substances that can cause nausea, vomiting and severe diarrhea. [1] If this may have happened, see what to do first or call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 (US). Echinacea can cause allergic reactions that may be severe. [2]
The question
Which is better for colds? The sources we read do not rank them. They are different plants used for different things in studies.What each plant is
| Echinacea | Elderberry | |
|---|---|---|
| Plants | Echinacea purpurea, E. angustifolia, E. pallida; the first is accepted in GBIF [2][3] | Sambucus nigra, the black or European elder [1][3] |
| Relatives | Closely related to sunflowers, daisies and ragweed [2] | A tree; berries are the part promoted [1] |
| Traditional use (not proof) | Native Americans used E. purpurea for respiratory infections, tooth pain and snakebite [2] | Folk medicine for colds and flu [1] |
What research shows
| Question | Echinacea | Elderberry |
|---|---|---|
| Preventing colds | May slightly reduce your chances of catching a cold [2] | Not described as prevention on NIH's page |
| Shortening or easing a cold | Unclear whether it shortens a cold [2] | Some preliminary research suggests it may relieve symptoms [1] |
| COVID-19 | Not covered on NIH's page | NIH says there is no good evidence to support its use [1] |
| Overall strength | Promising but limited | Preliminary |
A 2014 review of both herbs found 20 echinacea efficacy trials with positive and negative results in similar numbers, calling its efficacy dubious. [4] The same review found three elderberry trials that concluded it was effective against influenza, but only 77 people received it. [4] Proper evidence not found for a direct head-to-head trial (PubMed title search, echinacea and elderberry, returned only that review and a laboratory study).
No universal winner
Read the full profiles of echinacea and elderberry, and see immune wellness and when to get help.Frequently asked questions
Is echinacea or elderberry better for a cold?
The sources do not say. Echinacea may slightly reduce the chance of catching a cold; elderberry has preliminary evidence for symptoms. [2][1]
Is elderberry safe raw?
No. Raw or unripe berries and other parts of the tree contain poisonous cyanide-producing substances. [1]
Can echinacea cause allergy?
Yes, and it may be severe. NIH notes echinacea is closely related to ragweed and daisies. [2]
Can I take both?
Proper evidence not found in the sources we read. Ask a pharmacist.
Do either work for COVID-19?
NIH says there is no good evidence for elderberry for COVID-19. [1]
More details: evidence, limits and cautions
The details behind this page: cautions, limits of the evidence and where sources disagree. Open any note to read it.
Safety
- Medicines: NIH says echinacea has conflicting evidence about drugs metabolized by the liver, and theoretical reasons to suspect interactions with immunosuppressants or caffeine. [2] For elderberry NIH says to talk with a provider before use if you take medicine. [1] See how interactions work.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: little is known for either. [2][1] The 2014 review advised against recommending either for colds in pregnancy because of lack of evidence of efficacy and safety. [4]
- Children: NIH says to talk to the child's provider before giving echinacea; some children in a trial developed rashes. [2]
References
- NCCIH (US National Institutes of Health), Elderberry, last updated November 2024. Read 2026-10-23.
- NCCIH (US National Institutes of Health), Echinacea, last updated November 2024. Read 2026-10-23.
- GBIF Secretariat, GBIF Backbone Taxonomy species match, used for accepted plant names. Read 2026-10-23.
- Echinacea and elderberry: should they be used against upper respiratory tract infections during pregnancy?, 2014 review, PubMed. Read 2026-10-23.