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Echinacea - echinacea, purple coneflower, coneflower, American coneflower
Latin Names -Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea pallida
What It Is Used For
- Echinacea has traditionally been used to treat or prevent colds, flu,
and other infections.
- Echinacea is believed to stimulate the immune system to help fight
infections.
- Less commonly, echinacea has been used for wounds and skin problems,
such as acne or boils.
How It Is Used
The aboveground parts of the plant and roots of echinacea are used fresh or
dried to make teas, squeezed (expressed) juice, extracts, or preparations for
external use.
What the Science Says
- Studies indicate that echinacea does not appear to prevent colds or
other infections.
- Studies to date have not proven that echinacea shortens the course of
colds or flu. For example, two NCCAM-funded studies did not find a benefit
from echinacea, either as Echinacea purpurea fresh-pressed juice for
treating colds in children, or as an unrefined mixture of Echinacea
angustifolia root and Echinacea purpurea root and herb in adults.1,2
Other studies have shown that echinacea may be beneficial in treating upper
respiratory infections.3
- NCCAM is continuing to support the study of echinacea for the treatment
of upper respiratory infections.
Side Effects and Cautions
- 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.
- It is important to inform your health care providers about any herb or
dietary supplement you are using, including echinacea. This helps to ensure
safe and coordinated care.
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