Echinacea Side Effects

What is Echinacea Used For?

Echinacea is one of the most widely used herbal remedies out there. It has also been studied widely, so we understand its effects and possible side effects.

Echinacea is most commonly used as an immune system stimulant, to shorten the duration of colds and infections and lessening swollen glands. It is also used externally to treat wounds, because it is a potent antibacterial that keeps germs from attacking healthy cells.

Because it is so widely used, Echinacea is a relatively affordable herb whether purchased in pill form, raw roots or as a tincture or tea.

Potential Echinacea Side Effects

Echinacea is generally regarded as safe for most people to take for a short period of time. It is not, however, recommended for some people, such as:

• People who are allergic to ragweed, marigolds or similar plants
• People with autoimmune disorders
• People with HIV
• People on immune-system suppressing drugs
• People with white blood cell or collagen disorders
• People with tuberculosis
• People who are taking steroids should talk to their doctor before starting Echinacea

Many of the diseases mentioned above affect the immune system. Because Echinacea is an immune-system stimulant, it may actually speed the progression of these diseases or make them worse.

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are nursing a baby, check with your doctor before taking Echinacea. The effects of the herb on babies and young children have not been well-documented. Therefore, you should also talk to your doctor before giving the herb to a small child.

In addition to people who should avoid taking Echinacea, there are other potential problems associated with the herb, especially if it is taken for a long period of time without interruption.

Especially for people who are taking steroids along with Echinacea, there is a risk of liver problems when the herb is taken for more than eight weeks at a stretch. Other people may find that their immune function actually goes down after taking Echinacea for more than eight weeks, which defeats the purpose of using it.

Most doctors recommend using Echinacea for six to eight weeks at a time, then taking a couple months off before taking another course. Some say that when treating a cold, the best option is to take the herb for three weeks and then take a week off, repeating if necessary through the winter months.

Other Potential Side Effects

These Echinacea side effects are not as common as the ones listed above, and therefore should be reported to your doctor if you experience them:

• Stomach upset
• Nausea or dizziness
• Increase in asthma symptoms
• Allergic reactions such as rashes or swelling
• Fever

If you have any of these side effects, or anything else that is bothersome or seems unusual, talk to your doctor. You may need to avoid taking Echinacea and try a different treatment.

As with any herb or medication you want to try, it is always a good idea to talk to your doctor or an experienced herbalist about your particular situation before starting a course of treatment, particularly if you have any health problems or are taking any prescription medications.

Herbs actually are medicine and they can interact with the over-the-counter and prescription drugs that we take along with them. It is important to understand these potential interactions and other side effects before starting the use of Echinacea so that you know what to look for if you begin to experience side effects.

This may seem like quite a long list of potential problems associated with Echinacea, but the truth is that side effects from taking the herb are quite rare, particularly if you do not fall into one of the categories of people who should not take it at all. With an understanding of the potential problem, you can take the herb with confidence.