Echinacea









Echinacea


Natural product category
Herb
What is this natural product used for?
Echinacea has been used as an immune stimulant for a variety of conditions, such as colds and flu. It has also been used topically to support wound healing, including burns, canker sores, eczema, herpes, and abscesses.
How does it work?
Echinacea appears to stimulate the immune system by helping to increase the production and activity of valuable, germ-fighting cells. These cells work to help the body fight infections and possibly reduce the time one has a cold or the flu. Echinacea supports the immune system to help the body build resistance to these types of illnesses.
How is it best taken?
  • Oral:
  • Take with food.
  • Take this product with a full glass of water.
  • Take this product at a similar time every day.
  • Use for more than 10 days for an acute infection is not recommended. When used as a preventive product, use should be cycled for 3 weeks on, 1 week off.
  • Topical:
  • For skin only. Keep out of mouth, nose, and eyes (may burn).
  • Wash hands before and after use.
  • Do not put coverings (bandages, dressings, make-up) over the area unless told to do so by healthcare provider.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
  • To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
What are the precautions when taking this natural product?
  • Check medicines and natural products with healthcare provider. This natural product may not mix well with other medicines or natural products.
  • Use with caution if you have kidney disease. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Use with caution if you are a transplant recipient, if you are taking therapeutic immunosuppression, or if you have an autoimmune condition.
  • Avoid potassium-containing salt substitutes and potassium supplements. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Use with caution if you have an allergy to the Asteraceae/Compositae family of plants (ragweed, daisy, aster, chrysanthemum) and/or other pollens.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicines or natural products. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
What are the possible side effects of this natural product?
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
  • Itching.
  • Rash.
  • Fever.
What should I monitor?
  • Temperature.
  • Worsening of infection.
Reasons to call healthcare provider
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Fever and/or chills.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Severe diarrhea.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this natural product?
  • Store in original container at room temperature.
  • Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
Plant part used
Roots, leaves, whole plant-depends on species
Dosage forms
Oral, topical
Drug interactions
Immune suppressants (cyclosporine, tacrolimus, sirolimus, methotrexate), corticosteroids
General statements
Under current law in the United States, herbal supplements are classified as dietary supplements and fall under the regulations of the food service industry. This includes the manufacturing practices imposed by the local agriculture departments for food manufacturers. Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) are currently not required by the FDA, yet many companies follow GMPs, and the industry is improving self-imposed practices. Use herbs with extreme caution in the following groups:
  • Children younger than 2 years of age
  • Pregnant or lactating women; some herbs are contraindicated in pregnancy, make sure to observe warnings.
  • If you are taking pharmaceutical medications (prescription and others), always review for potential herb-drug interactions with your healthcare provider.
  • If you are taking other natural products, always review for potential herb-herb, or herb-natural product interactions with your healthcare provider.
  • Individuals having known allergies to plants. If you fall into this category, speak with your healthcare provider before using an herbal product. Both large doses of herbs and herbs taken over a long period of time may increase the risk for adverse effects. Many herbs, due to a variety of their chemical ingredients, may cause temporary adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, and stomach distress.
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