But if used for long periods of time, you may be more susceptible to nausea, diarrhea, and headaches. Do not take two doses at one time. Improves Skin Problems. Other uses not proven with research have included treating anxiety, migraine headache, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), gingivitis, tonsillitis, genital herpes, human papilloma virus (HPV), low white blood cell counts, bladder infections, an eye condition called uveitis, and other conditions. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose. Echinacea Side Effects Allergy is the most common side effect of echinacea. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Coronavirus in Context: Interviews With Experts, Sign Up to Receive Our Free Coroanvirus Newsletter, Personalized Treatments for Your Cold Symptoms, Understanding Treatment of the Common Cold. You should not use this product if you are allergic to echinacea or if you have: an autoimmune disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or psoriasis. Herbal remedies could relieve urinary tract infections by combating the microorganism, decreasing irritation, and healing tract tissues. Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice. Echinacea tea offers a tingling feeling that is refreshing and invigorating. Benefits of Echinacea & Goldenseal. "Harvard Health Letter, February 2005. Echinacea is known to be very good in treating ear infection. Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have any allergies, especially plant allergies (especially ragweed, mums, marigolds, or daisies). Echinacea purpurea is the species most often used as a natural remedy and in folk medicine. Remember, herbal remedies may have risks, just like any drug. It may also reduce healing time as it helps treat wounds and sores with its antiseptic components. Echinacea has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating the common cold, or vaginal yeast infections. Follow all directions on the product label and package. You've tried everything. Extracts of echinacea do seem to have an effect on the immune system, your body's defense against germs. Natural Virus Killer. But that sneezing, hacking, and all-around lousy feeling won't go away. Generic Name: echinacea (eck i NAY sha)Brand Name: Dosage Forms: oral tablet (-). Also, there's a chance that what you buy at the drugstore may not actually have what the label says it does. Also, it's possible the herbal remedy may be useful against some, but not all, of the more than 200 viruses that cause colds. Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on April 13, 2020. Karsch-Völk M. Cochrane Database of Systemic Reviews, February 2014. If you choose to use echinacea, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Medline Plus: "Flu." Researchers are trying to find out. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Echinacea, a perennial native to North America, produces large, impressive daisy-shaped flowers in shades of pink, purple, yellow and orange. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information -. A lot of people are taking echinacea daily as a preventative measure, but some people only take it when they either notice the first signs of a cold starting up, or during the cold. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Echinacea boasts a strong flavor that is heavy on the floral notes. Flavor Profile. Echinacea, also known as American coneflower, is a wild herb that grows in the plains of North America. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Examples are some medications for heart problems -- like amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone) -- and some anti-fungal treatments. COVID-19 There are 9 distinct species of this plant, though only Echinacea purpurea is considered a remedy. The leaves, flower, and root of several species of the echinacea plant are used to make medicine. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. If you're interested in using echinacea or another alternative treatment, talk to your doctor. Get a good night’s rest with these remedies. Echinacea has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating the common cold, or vaginal yeast infections. Echinacea internally and topically is one of the best remedies for boils and abscesses. However, research has shown that echinacea may not be effective in these conditions. Herbs are usually secure thanks to strengthening and toning the body’s systems (but not always). This herb works wonderfully for colds and flu. It's possible that some versions are better than others. Echinacea has special nutrients that fight bacterial and viral infections. It's a flowering plant that grows in the U.S. and Canada, and it's been used as medicine for centuries. Today, echinacea is used to combat the common cold. However, human-based research is often limited. It is not certain whether echinacea is effective in treating any medical condition. Research shows it increases the number of white blood cells , … Written by Cerner Multum. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements. Still, sometimes it's hard to compare the results of different studies, because they look at different types and strengths of echinacea, as well as different parts of the plant or root. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. But research is mixed on whether echinacea really keeps you healthy. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. During the 1800s, claims for the curative properties of the plant ranged from blood purification to treatment of dizziness and rattlesnake bites. Although the benefits of echinacea for the common cold are uncertain, the risks seem to be low. Avoid coffee, tea, cola, energy drinks, or other products that contain caffeine. 1. There are nine species. 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