Echinacea 101
Ever try some echinacea tea when you're feeling sick? You're not alone. Echinacea has been used for years to treat or prevent colds, flu, and other infections. Echinacea is believed to stimulate the immune system to help fight infections.
What the Science Says
While popular opinion and marketing claims echinacea to be a cold buster,
studies have received mixed results. Some indicate that echinacea does not
appear to prevent or shorten the course of colds or other infections. Other
studies show that echinacea may be beneficial in treating upper respiratory
infections. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine,
National Institutes of Health (NCCAM), is continuing to support the study of
echinacea for the treatment of upper respiratory infections.
Side Effects and Cautions
Like other herbal supplements and over-the-counter medications, there is a risk
of side effects to taking echinacea. When taken by mouth, echinacea usually
does not cause side effects. However, some people experience allergic
reactions, including rashes, increased asthma, and anaphylaxis (a
life-threatening allergic reaction). In clinical trials, gastrointestinal side
effects were most common.
People are more likely to experience allergic reactions to echinacea if they are allergic to related plants in the daisy family, which includes ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies. Also, people with asthma or atopy (a genetic tendency toward allergic reactions) may be more likely to have an allergic reaction when taking echinacea.
Remember: It is important to inform your health care providers about any herbal or dietary supplement you take, including Echinacea. This helps to ensure safe and coordinated care.
For more information, visit: http://nccam.nih.gov/health/echinacea/
Source: National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), National Institutes of Health
