Echinacea is a flowering plant that grows in the United States and Canada. It is also called echinacea. It is a member of the daisy family of plants. Echinacea has been a popular herbal remedy for centuries. Today, it is often used to prevent or treat viruses that cause colds, sore throats, or the flu.
You can find echinacea products at most pharmacies or health food stores. It comes in teas, capsules, pills, liquid extracts, or dried herbs. It is one of the most popular herbs in the United States.
Path to better health
Many people use echinacea as a dietary supplement for infections such as the common cold. They believe it stimulates the immune system. This helps the body better fight the infection. This may cause the illness to not last as long. Some people take it when they feel well to avoid getting an infection.
If you want to treat your cold or flu with echinacea, talk to your GP first. Also, be sure to do your research. The FDA does not have to approve dietary supplements before they are sold. In some supplements, the ingredients do not match what the label says. Find a company that tests the quality of their products. Then you’ll know you’re taking the right thing.
Read the package label carefully. Echinacea can have many different concentrations and doses. It can also come mixed with other supplements. Follow the instructions on the packaging. Take only the recommended dose. Taking more than the recommended amount can be dangerous.
Most brands say to avoid taking echinacea on an empty stomach. They recommend taking it with food or a large glass of water. Do not take echinacea for more than a few weeks. Long-term safety has not been studied in depth.
Talk to your doctor before taking echinacea or other supplements. They can tell you if it will interfere with other medications you take. They can also recommend what dose you should take.
Store all herbal products out of the reach and sight of small children. Store them in a cool, dry place so they don’t lose effectiveness. Don’t keep them in bathrooms, which get hot and humid.
Things to consider
Works?
There have been many studies on the effect of echinacea on the common cold. So far, researchers have not found conclusive evidence of its effectiveness. They do not believe that taking it after a cold will shorten the time of illness. Taking it when you feel well may slightly reduce your chances of catching a cold.
What are the side effects?
Echinacea may cause minor side effects. These may include upset stomach, nausea, and dizziness. Serious side effects include allergic reactions such as rash, swelling, and difficulty breathing. It can also get worse asthma symptoms. Talk to your doctor right away about any side effects you are having.
Some people are allergic to plants in the daisy family. These could include daisies, ragweed, marigolds or chrysanthemums. This may increase your risk of having an allergic reaction to echinacea.
Who should not take echinacea?
Echinacea is generally safe, but not for everyone. Do not take echinacea if you have any of the following conditions:
Additionally, you should not take echinacea if you take immunosuppressants. May interact with these medications.
Talk to your doctor before taking echinacea if any of the following apply to you.
- You take other medications regularly or are being treated for a chronic condition (echinacea may interact with other medications and reduce their effectiveness or cause unwanted side effects)
- Drink alcohol, smoke, or use illegal drugs (these substances can affect how echinacea works)
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
Questions to ask your doctor
- Will echinacea help my cold?
- Is it safe for me to take?
- What is the best dose for me?
- How long should I take it?
- What else can I do to relieve my symptoms or shorten the duration of my cold?
Resources
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Echinacea
