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Sweet Echinacea Review – 8 Things You Didn’t Know

By Sasha de Beausset Aparicio, MSc

Reviewed by Rebecca Williams, MD, MA, MB, BChir

Last Updated:

Evidence Based | Facts | Formula | Health Benefits | Warnings | Price | How To Use | Bottom Line

Sweet Echinacea is offered as a nutritional supplement designed to assist with the health of the immune function in children. The supplement was developed by the company Herbs for Kids, specialized in delivering traditional herbal extracts for children. Their range of supplements includes a high number of formulations designed to help in the treatment of common diseases affecting children like: allergies, mood disorders, digestive discomfort, respiratory and immune problems, etc. All their products are marketed as alcohol-free and based on appropriate doses of active substances adjusted to the specific needs of children.

Sweet Echinacea is addressed to children aged 1 to 12 years old. For optimal effects, the therapeutic dose varies from 3 ml to 12 ml daily. It is claimed to offer antiviral and antibacterial protection in a safe way. The key ingredient is Echinacea purpurea root, a highly researched herbal extract commonly included within dietary supplements aimed to boost immune function. The extract form this plant is introduced here as a proprietary blend obtained from certified organic grown or ethically wild crafted herb.

Sweet Echinacea is advertised as delicious tasting suitable to use from the first signs of cold or flu. Unfortunately, official information about the formula is rather limited (the manufacturer’s site offers no details regarding the suggested doses, benefits or side-effects).

Facts

1) Sweet Echinacea Quick Facts

Sweet Echinacea formula is based on a single active ingredient which is the herbal extract of the popular plant Echinacea purpurea. The herb has been used as a traditional remedy for hundreds of years. Echinacea’s most important benefits are in enhancing the immune protection and providing a potent antimicrobial and antiviral support. The plant’s properties are allegedly owed to the phenols group of compounds (shown to protect the body against infections and offer powerful antioxidant support) and the alkamides in its composition (shown to have increased anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective properties). However, many researchers are not convinced of the potency of the plant in preventing or reducing common cold symptoms or in other ways it may benefit the immune function.

Although a large number of studies involving Echinacea were conducted, many of them are considered subjective (as they were conducted by the manufacturers of Echinacea based supplements). Other studies deny any noticeable benefit based on the resulted scientific data.

Side effects caused by the use of this substance include fever, nausea, vomiting, headache, dry mouth, insomnia or disorientation. Special precautions are recommended for those who already suffer from certain conditions such allergies to daisies, allergic rhinitis, liver disorders, connective tissue disorders, HIV or AIDS or tuberculosis and other auto-immune disorders.

The suggested use for Sweet Echinacea is:
– Children aged 1-2 years (up to 24 lbs) 1 ml, taken 3 times daily

– Children aged 3-6 years (24-48 lbs) 1-2 ml, used 3 times daily

– Children aged 7-11 years (49-95 lbs) 2 ml, taken 3-4 times daily

– Children up to 12 years (>95 lbs) 3 ml, taken 3-4 times daily

Formula

2) What Are Sweet Echinacea Ingredients?

Sweet Echinacea contains the following ingredients: Proprietary herbal blend (extract of Echinacea purpurea root), Kosher Coconut and/or Palm Kernel Glycerine, purified water, and citric acid.

3) Is Sweet Echinacea Right for You?

Sweet Echinacea is an herbal dietary supplement based on the benefits of the Echinacea purpura plant.
The herb is used as a conventional treatment for various kinds of infections, particularly against colds. The herb’s active compounds have the ability to strengthen the immune system and make it more efficient in attacking foreign organisms like viruses, bacteria, and abnormal cells (such as cancer cells). The main warning is that the plant is effective only when used correctly. Its pivotal role is in prevention, and less in the actual treatment. Echinacea facilitates the multiplication of immune system cells and enhances their ability to fight against external threats. The extract also increases the activity of T-cells, the blood cells responsible for fighting blood infections that lead to diseases like AIDS and lymphoma. Studies have shown that Echinacea stimulates phagocytosis (the capacity of white blood cells to consume invading organisms) and production of interferon (essential for the immune system’s ability of fighting cancer). It is also able to inhibit hyaluronidase, an enzyme found in bacteria used as an access point to healthy cells. The substance has been used increasingly more as an external healing agent, as it was shown to promote the growth of new tissue and prevent wound infections.

Existing research has not validated the benefits of this substance for the majority of the health claims. Insufficient evidence refers to the use of Echinacea in the treatment of urinary tract infections, eczema, allergies, ADHD, and flu. A daily recommended value was not established. Echinacea is considered likely safe for short-term use, but the side effects caused by long-term usage were not determined. In children’s case, one of the most common side effects is the occurrence of an allergic reaction, particularly if the child has an existing allergy to ragweed, daisies, marigolds or moms. Some specialists consider that Echinacea based supplements should not be administered to children less than 12 years old.

There are testimonials online about Sweet Echinacea. What is being said includes: I have noticed that this product boosts the immune response and reduces both length and severity of illness if taken with regularity and at the first signs of a virus. / My son who is extremely picky took this no questions asked; I was surprised. It has a pleasant taste, and the liquid form sure makes it easier to administrate / Seems to be very effective, and children love the taste.

Health Benefits

4) Sweet Echinacea Health Benefits

  • The formula is based on a clinically researched active ingredient
  • A 30 day money-back guarantee is available for the formula
  • The manufacturer is experienced and specialized in developing children supplements
  • Consumer testimonials largely support the claimed benefits of the formula

Warnings

5) Sweet Echinacea Product Warnings

  • Scientific evidence revealed contradictory results regarding the effectiveness of the key active substance
  • The manufacturer does not offer a free trial period
  • Some scientists don’t recommend Echinacea based supplements for children with ages under 12 years old
  • The official site offers no details about the formula

Price

6) Sweet Echinacea Price

Sweet Echinacea is offered in three different amounts: 1 oz., 2oz. And four oz.bottles. The 4 oz. bottle is marketed to contain 40 servings of 3 ml each. However, at a maximum dose of 3ml, 3-4 times per day, the content of one bottle is sufficient for about ten days. This would mean that a full month’s dose would be ensured by buying three bottles of this supplement increasing the monthly treatment cost considerably.
The supplement can be purchased by placing a direct online order on the manufacturer’s site. Products are delivered internationally. The shipping charges and the delivery method are disclosed only after completing the first steps of the ordering form. For US orders exceeding $99, the manufacturer offers free shipping. A 30-day money back guarantee is available starting with the ship date. The offer is available for a single opened product from multiple packs of identical supplements. The security of online transactions is guaranteed.

How To Use

7) How to Use Sweet Echinacea

No testimonials are available online, making an assessment of the formula rather difficult.

Bottom Line

8) Our Bottom Line

Sweet Echinacea nutritional formula is marketed as an alcohol free, great tasting and highly effective product, recommended as an immune system booster suitable for children. The formula comes in three different quantities (1oz, 2oz., and 4oz. bottles). The 4 oz. bottle is sufficient for minimum 10 days (when the maximum dose is administered) and maximum 40 days (for minimum doses). The price for a month supply varies with age.

The effectiveness of this formula seems to be supported by consumers, but does not benefit of any scientific support. Moreover, clinical trials involving the active plant extract have revealed controversial results. Some researchers claim complete ineffectiveness in the treatment of common colds and many other conditions included in the plant’s list of benefits. There are many other competitors that offer similar formulations, some of them at lower prices.
Given that a relatively increased number of adverse reactions and drug interactions have been identified for this type of supplements, it is recommended to ask a professional opinion before using the formula on your child.

4/5 - (2 votes)
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Roberta

The supplement has worked excellent for both my children. I used to have some concerns about the possible side effects, but the doctor said as long as there are no symptoms of adverse reactions, I should not worry. He was right, my children not only love the formula’s taste, but it has helped them stay healthy even in the wintertime, which is pretty uncommon for children at their age. Before this, they used to catch the cold very fast from their colleagues, or from each other. Now they barely have a few mild symptoms which go away in just 2 or 3 days. This is a very good and effective formula!

Simone Lewis

I heard so many wonderful things about Echinacea and its benefits in young children. Two years ago I decided to try this product when my daughter showed the first symptoms of the flu. I noticed that the symptoms were less severe and the recovery, faster. I use this product every year starting with autumn until the late months of spring. My child has not been sick for almost a year, so I am very happy with this product!