Echinacea - A flowering plant that grows in large quantities in the USA and Canada. Today, it is often used to prevent or treat viruses that cause the common cold, sore throat, or flu.
You can find Echinacea products at most pharmacies or health food stores. It is found in teas, capsules, pills, liquid extracts, or dried herbs. This is one of the most popular herbs in the United States, and in Ukraine it is used with concern. Why and what useful properties does it contain? And who better not use it?
Beneficial features
Many people use echinacea as a dietary supplement for infections like the common cold. They believe that it stimulates the immune system. Which helps the body better cope with the infection, and the disease will not last so long. Some people take it when they are still healthy to prevent infection.
If you want to treat a cold or flu with echinacea, talk to your family doctor first. In addition, make sure that you will not be subject to an obscure purpose. In some additives, the ingredients do not match what is written on the label. Explore the company that released this product. Then you will know that you are taking the right supplement.
Read the label on the package carefully. Echinacea can be of different types and doses. It can also be combined with other supplements. Follow the instructions on the package. Take only the recommended dosage. Taking more than the recommended amount can be dangerous.
Most brands say you should avoid fasting with Echinacea. They recommend taking it with food or a large glass of water. Do not take echinacea for more than a few weeks. Long-term safety has not been thoroughly studied.
In the medical literature, Echinacea is first referred to as a “popular medicine.”
Talk with your doctor before taking echinacea or other supplements. He or she can warn if it is not combined with the medicines you are taking. They may also recommend which dosage should be taken.
Keep all herbal products out of the reach of children. They should be in a cool, dry place so that they do not lose effectiveness. Do not store them in bathrooms that are hot and humid.
What to consider
Many studies have been conducted on the effect of Echinacea on the common cold. So far, researchers have not found conclusive evidence of its effectiveness. They do not believe that taking it after you catch a cold will shorten your illness time.
Did you know? Dr. Mayer invented a drug that cleanses the blood well. The tincture includes echinacea, hops and wormwood. To confirm the fact, he allowed a rattlesnake and gave it to bite itself. After a bite, he smeared the wound with tincture and drank a small amount before bedtime. When in the morning he woke up there was practically no wound, and he felt excellent. King wrote about Meyer that he, in order to prove the veracity of the action of the tincture, offered to send this snake and a dose for healing to King.
Side effects
Echinacea may cause minor side effects. These may include indigestion, nausea, and dizziness. Serious side effects include allergic reactions such as a rash, swelling, and shortness of breath. It can also worsen asthma symptoms. Talk with your doctor about any side effects you experience.
Some people are allergic to plants in the chamomile family. These may include chamomile, ragweed, marigold or chrysanthemum. This may increase the risk of an allergic reaction to echinacea.
Who is contraindicated to take
Echinacea is generally safe, but not for everyone. Do not take Echinacea if you have any of the following conditions:
- autoimmune disease (such as lupus);
- multiple sclerosis ;
- human immunodeficiency virus (HIV);
- acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS);
- tuberculosis.
In addition, you should not take echinacea if you are taking immunosuppressants. It may interact with these medicines.
Talk with your doctor before taking echinacea if any of the following apply to you:
- You regularly take other medicines or are being treated for a chronic disease. Echinacea may interact with other medicines. This may reduce their effectiveness or cause unwanted side effects.
- You drink alcohol, smoke or use illegal drugs. These substances may affect the performance of Echinacea.
- Are you pregnant or breastfeeding.
Any herbs are much better than pills, if taken correctly. To do this, you need to regularly consult a doctor, and do not conduct research on yourself to determine side effects.
