Echinacea has been fairly well studied compared to most other herbal remedies and is considered safe and possibly effect at reducing the severity and duration of cold symptoms. There is no conclusive evidence that it prevents colds. However, these studies were performed on adults, and there is little information about its safety in children. There is a possibility that high dosages of echinacea may damage reproductive cells, specifically sperm-producing cells; and although giving echinacea to children probably won't cause sterility, this isn't known with 100% certainty. Furthermore, recent studies have cast doubt on echinacea's effectiveness at preventing or relieving colds in children, so there may not be any reason to give them echinacea.

As with any medication or herbal or nutritional supplement, discuss the situation with your doctor before use.
Source(s):
http://life.familyeducation.com/medications/safety/40457.html
http://nccam.nih.gov/news/alerts/echinacea/


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