What is echinacea purpurea good for?
Echinacea has been shown to improve immunity, blood sugar, anxiety, inflammation, and skin health. It may even have anti-cancer properties. However, human-based research is often limited. It’s considered safe and well tolerated for short-term and long-term use. Today, echinacea products are primarily promoted as a dietary supplement for the common cold and other respiratory tract infections, based on the idea that certain species of echinacea may stimulate the immune system.Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea pallida) is commonly used for the prevention of colds and other respiratory tract infections. Orally, it is also used as an antiseptic, antiviral, and immune stimulant.A note about safety: Vitamin C is generally considered safe; however, high doses can cause digestive disturbances such as diarrhea and nausea. Echinacea has not been proven to help prevent or treat colds. Echinacea is an herbal supplement that some people use to treat or prevent colds.Echinacea should be avoided in patients with autoimmune disorders, multiple sclerosis, advanced HIV infection, tuberculosis, and organ transplants because it may stimulate T cells. Allergic reactions are possible in patients with allergies to ragweed, chrysanthemum, marigold, daisies, or related allergens.
What are the side effects of Echinacea purpurea?
E. However, some people have allergic reactions to echinacea, which may be severe. The most common side effects of echinacea are digestive tract symptoms, such as abdominal pain, nausea, or stomach pain. That being said, more recent studies in humans are needed before making any recommendations. Echinacea has been shown to improve immunity, blood sugar, anxiety, inflammation, and skin health. It may even have anti-cancer properties. However, human-based research on these benefits is often limited.Various echinacea products have been used safely for up to 10 days. Some products, such as Echinaforce (A. Vogel Bioforce AG), have been used safely for up to 6 months. The most common side effects are stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, vomiting, and rash.Herb-Drug Interactions Tamoxifen: Concurrent use of echinacea resulted in subtherapeutic systemic exposure of prodrugs such as tamoxifen in vitro, thereby reducing their efficacy.Echinacea potential benefits have long been discussed as it’s been used as a traditional herbal remedy since at least the 18th century for a range of conditions like pain relief. Today, echinacea is most commonly based on traditional use only to help relieve symptoms of the common cold.
What is the difference between echinacea and Echinacea purpurea?
Echinacea angustifolia develops a deep taproot extending 3-4 feet into the soil, while Echinacea purpurea has a fibrous root system that spreads more horizontally. Both species produce the characteristic purple coneflowers with yellow pollen, though Echinacea angustifolia’s petals tend to be shorter and more narrow. Echinacea, also known as the purple coneflower, is an herbal medicine that has been used for centuries, customarily as a treatment for the common cold, coughs, bronchitis, upper respiratory infections, and some inflammatory conditions.Echinacea purpurea, the eastern purple coneflower, purple coneflower, hedgehog coneflower, or Echinacea, is a North American species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae.Fighting diabetes: A recent study has demonstrated the effects of echinacea on people with diabetes. The plant’s active ingredients absorb glucose from fat cells. However, it is recommended to consult a doctor before using this plant if you have diabetes.
Does echinacea make you sleepy?
But echinacea alone won’t make you sleepy. Many herbal teas contain multiple ingredients, some of which could create a sedative-like effect. For example, if your tea also contains valerian root or chamomile, you’re probably feeling the effects of those herbs — not the echinacea. If you don’t consume caffeine, echinacea shouldn’t impact your sleep. But if you do, it could, because Echinacea purpurea can slow down how quickly your body eliminates caffeine, which can disrupt your sleep if you’re consuming coffee or energy drinks later in the day.
Is it safe to take echinacea daily?
Using echinacea for longer than 8 weeks at a time might damage your liver or suppress your immune system. Herbalists recommend not to take echinacea if you are taking medicines known to affect your liver. Check with your doctor first if you are having any other drugs, herbs, or supplements. Most brands say you should avoid taking echinacea on an empty stomach. They recommend taking it with food or a large glass of water. Don’t take echinacea for more than a few weeks.Drug Interactions with Echinacea Echinacea taken for longer than 8 weeks may interact with medications that can cause liver damage, thereby increasing the risk of liver damage. Echinacea may negate the beneficial effects of immunosuppressants, which are used, for example, to prevent rejection of organ transplants.