Celebrating 70 Years of Echinaforce®
History of Echinacea Purpurea
Rooted in Tradition, Backed by Science
- Echinacea was a key part of Native Americans’ healing knowledge, as
shown by archaeological finds from 1600s Lakota Sioux villages. - Traditional healers used Echinacea to treat wounds, burns, toothaches,
sore throats, coughs, stomach cramps, as well as insect and
snakebites. - Native American tribes shared their rich medical knowledge with
European settlers, sparking a growing interest in the plant’s healing
properties. - Since the 19th century, Echinacea has repeatedly gained popularity for
its immune-boosting effects—making it one of the most promising
natural immunomodulators today.
The Milestones in 70 Years of Echinaforce®
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Early 1950s
Alfred Vogel begins growing Echinacea seeds from South Dakota (USA) in his Swiss herbal gardens in Teufen and Engadin.
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1955
Alfred Vogel invents the first Echinacea tincture from these plants and introduced it to the market as Echinaforce®.
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Since 1980s
Echinaforce® gains global recognition for helping to relieve the sympoms of cold & flu by supporting the immune system.
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Since 1990s
Researchers are investigating the ingredients and therapeutic efficacy of Echinacea.
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2004
A research team at ETH University in Zurich, Switzerland, deciphers the mechanism of action of the substances in Echinaforce®.
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2008
Specifically for children, Echinaforce® Junior lozenges with a mild orange flavour are launched.
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2020
A Swiss newspaper article during the COVID-19 pandemic drove high demand for Echinaforce®, leading to a temporary stockout.
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Today
Echinaforce® is represented in over 30 countries around the world, for the prevention and treatment of respiratory infections.
The magic of Echinaforce®: What Makes it Unique
Sustainably & Organically Grown
Top quality for maximum effectiveness – this is the guiding principle
behind A.Vogel‘s herbal plant cultivation. Our organic seeds come
from our own harvest and are grown using controlled organic farming
methods. Our soil is chemical-free, enriched with our own compost
and weeded by hand.
We strictly adhere to the high standards of EU organic regulations.
Fresh Plant Effectiveness
Within 24 hours of harvesting, Echinacea is processed in A.Vogel‘s own production. From the freshly cut plants to maceration and final formulation (tinctures, tablets, or capsules), every step is carefully monitored to ensure the highest quality standards.
Scientific research has shown that fresh Echinacea retains higher levels of active compounds compared to dried forms.
Harvested fresh, processed within 24 hours – preserving the natural power in every product.
Quality and Innovation – Our Commitment
At A.Vogel, we guarantee quality and safety through strict Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards and rigorous testing for purity, potency, and contaminants. For Echinaforce®, more than 160 quality steps – from seed to bottle – ensure that each product contains consistently active ingredients in stable, optimal concentrations.
Innovation and a pioneering spirit drive us forward.
Even after 70 years of Echinaforce®, we continue to develop new formulations and combinations by blending traditional plant knowledge with the latest scientific insights, constantly expanding our portfolio.
«Echinacea seems to have been used as a remedy for more ailments than any other plant.»
American anthropologists Melvin R. Gilmore, 1911/1913
