Echinacea – Uses, Side Effects, Warnings, And More

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Overview

Sunflowers and ragweed are linked to the plants known as echinacea, which include E. Angustifolia, E. purpurea, and E. pallida. As a medicinal component, the leaf, flower, and root are all utilized.

In the United States, species of the genus Echinacea can be found naturally occurring east of the Rocky Mountains. It appears that echinacea stimulates the production of molecules in the body that reduce inflammation. It is also possible that it will strengthen the immune system of the body.

Although echinacea is most widely used to treat the common cold and other diseases, there is insufficient evidence from scientific studies to support the majority of these applications. In addition, there is insufficient data to support the utilization of echinacea for COVID-19.

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What Are the Benefits and Applications?

There is some evidence that it can treat the common cold. If you’re an adult and you take echinacea orally while you’re still healthy, it might help avoid some colds, but the benefit is definitely not very significant. It does not appear that taking echinacea after acquiring a cold will make the symptoms any better. It is unclear whether or not echinacea is beneficial for youngsters.

There is a growing interest in employing echinacea for a variety of additional applications; however, there is insufficient trustworthy data to determine whether or not this would be beneficial.

Adverse Reactions

When consumed via the oral route: In the near term, echinacea consumption is probably risk-free for the vast majority of people. There have been no reported adverse effects from using echinacea in any of its many forms for up to ten days. Up to six months of risk-free use has been reported for certain products, including Echinaforce (A. Vogel Bioforce AG).

Stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, vomiting, and rash are the most common adverse effects that patients experience. Some individuals are more likely to experience adverse responses than others, particularly those individuals who are allergic to ragweed, mums, marigolds, or daisies.

When administered topically for a limited amount of time, echinacea may not have any adverse effects. Up to twelve weeks of risk-free use of an echinacea-containing lotion called Linola Plus Cream has been reported. When echinacea is applied topically to the skin, it can cause the area to become red and itchy.

Important Safety Instructions and Cautionary Notes

Echinacea could be considered safe for use during pregnancy if it is consumed by mouth for a period of up to seven days. There is not enough trustworthy information available to determine whether or not taking echinacea for more than seven days in a row is safe.

There is not enough trustworthy information available to determine whether or not echinacea can be used safely while a woman is breastfeeding. To be on the safe side, you should avoid using it.

When administered orally or topically to children for a period of up to ten days, echinacea may not have any adverse effects. The oral consumption of echinacea is thought to be safe for most children aged 2 to 11 years old; nevertheless, rashes brought on by allergic reactions are possible. There is considerable cause for concern that youngsters may be more susceptible to experiencing severe allergic reactions to echinacea than adults.

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People who suffer from this disorder have a higher risk of developing an allergic reaction to echinacea because it is in their genes to be allergic to certain substances. If you suffer from this ailment, avoiding contact with echinacea is highly recommended.

Echinacea may have an effect on the immune system that could make “auto-immune illnesses” such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a skin disorder known as pemphigus vulgaris, and other conditions worse. If you suffer from an autoimmune condition, you should avoid taking echinacea.

What are the interactions?

Interaction that is Not Overbearing

Take precautions when using these two together.

There is an interaction between caffeine and ECHINACEA.

There is some evidence that echinacea slows down the rate at which the body breaks down coffee. Consuming echinacea in conjunction with caffeine may lead to elevated amounts of caffeine in the blood as well as an increased vulnerability to the negative effects of caffeine, such as irritability, headache, and an increased rate of heartbeat.

Medications that are metabolized by the liver, also known as substrates for the cytochrome P450 3A4 enzyme, can interact with echinacea.

The liver is responsible for the transformation and breakdown of certain drugs. There is a possibility that echinacea will alter the rate at which the liver breaks down certain drugs. It is possible that the effects and side effects of these medications will vary as a result of this.

Medications that are metabolized by the liver, known as substrates for cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2), can interact with echinacea.

The liver is responsible for the transformation and breakdown of certain drugs. There is a possibility that echinacea will alter the rate at which the liver breaks down certain drugs. It is possible that the effects and side effects of these medications will vary as a result of this.

Immunosuppressants, also known as medications that lower the immune system, interact with the herb echinacea.

Echinacea has been shown to stimulate the body’s immune system, increasing its overall effectiveness. Certain drugs, such as those taken after a transplant, can reduce the amount of activity that is carried out by the immune system. It is possible that the effects of these medications will be lessened if you take echinacea in conjunction with these treatments.

There is a reaction between etoposide (VePesid) and echinacea.

It’s possible that echinacea will slow down the rate at which your body breaks down etoposide. It is possible that the adverse effects of etoposide will be exacerbated if you take echinacea at the same time.

A Slightly Interacting Party

Take caution when using these two together.

Echinacea and midazolam (Versed) both interact with one another.

It appears that echinacea has an effect on the rate at which the body breaks down midazolam. It’s possible that combining echinacea with midazolam will make the latter’s adverse effects worse, while making the former less effective.

ECHINACEA and the blood thinner Warfarin (Coumadin) interact.

Warfarin is taken to reduce the likelihood of blood clots forming. Echinacea may hasten the breakdown of warfarin, which could lead to a reduction in the effectiveness of the drug. It’s possible that this will raise your risk of developing a blood clot. Always remember to get your blood examined on a regular basis. It’s possible that your current dose of warfarin needs to be adjusted.

Prezista (darunavir) is known to interact with echinacea.

It is possible that echinacea will alter the rate at which darunavir is broken down in the body. Taking echinacea in conjunction with darunavir may either raise the likelihood of experiencing negative side effects or lessen the effectiveness of the drug. However, it is unclear if this should be a major issue.

There is a drug interaction between docetaxel (Taxotere) and ECHINACEA.

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There is a possibility that echinacea will slow down the rate at which docetaxel is metabolized in the body. Echinacea, when used in conjunction with docetaxel, may either increase the likelihood of experiencing negative side effects or lessen the effectiveness of the drug. However, it is unclear if this should be a major issue.

Intelence (etravirine) has a drug interaction with echinacea.

It’s possible that echinacea will slow down the rate at which your body breaks down etravirine. It is possible that taking echinacea in conjunction with etravirine will either exacerbate the adverse effects of the medication or lessen its efficacy. However, it is unclear if this should be a major issue.

Echinacea has a drug interaction with the combination of Lopinavir and Ritonavir found in Kaletra.

It’s possible that echinacea will slow down the rate at which your body breaks down lopinavir and ritonavir. It is possible that taking echinacea in conjunction with lopinavir and ritonavir will either exacerbate the negative effects of these medications or lessen their efficacy. However, it is unclear if this should be a major issue.

Dosing

Echinacea can be purchased in the form of dietary supplements, liquids, lotions, mouthwashes, and throat sprays, to name just a few of the many various types of products available. Dosages are extremely variable depending on the kind of product that is being utilised. Talk to a medical professional about your symptoms to find out what kind of treatment and dosage would work best for your particular problem.