The Web Health

Subscribe

Echinacea

Generic name: echinacea [eck-i-NAY-sha]
Dosage format: oral tablet (-)
Drug class: herbal products

What is the Echinacea ?

Echinacea is an herb that is also known as the Purple ConeFlower, Black Sampson and Black Susans, Fleur a Herisson, Hedgehog, Igelkopf Wurzel, Indian Head, Kansas Snakeroot, Red Sunflower, Rock-Up-Hat, Roter Sonnenhut, Rudbeckia Pourpre, Scurvy Root, Snakeroot, and many others.Echinacea is used in alternative medicine as a beneficial treatment for commonly-assisted cold or vaginal yeast infections.Echinacea has also been utilized to treat ear infections or enhance fitness performance. However, research has revealed that echinacea is not efficient in these situations.Other uses that aren't supported by research include the treatment of migraine headaches, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), gingivitis, tonsillitis, genital herpes human papillomavirus (HPV), low white blood cell bladder infections, an eye disease known as uveitis, and various other ailments.

It isn't certain if echinacea is beneficial for treating any medical issue. Medical use of this item is not approved by the FDA. Echinacea is not recommended as a substitute for medications that are prescribed by your physician.Echinacea is usually sold as a supplement to herbal remedies. There are no controlled manufacturing guidelines in place for many of the herbal compounds, and some supplements sold on the market have been discovered to contain contamination with harmful metals or substances. Health supplements and herbal remedies should be bought from a reputable source to reduce the risk of contamination.Echinacea is also utilized for reasons not mentioned in this guideline for products.

Side effects of Echinacea

See a doctor immediately. Get medical attention immediately if you notice symptoms that indicate an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of your lips, face, and tongue.While not all adverse effects are well-known, echinacea is thought to be safe if it is taken for a short amount of time.

Common adverse effects of echinacea could include:

  • Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea;
  • The fever, sore throat,
  • Muscles or joint discomfort;
  • Unfavorable or unusual taste in the mouth;
  • Dry mouth numbness in your tongue
  • Headache, dizziness, confusion,
  • Sleep problems (insomnia).

Echinacea applied to the face in cosmetic form may cause bumps or a red, itchy rash.This isn't a complete list of all the side effects. Other side effects could occur. Contact your physician to seek medical advice on adverse effects. You can report any side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Follow the directions on the label and the package. Inform your health care providers about your allergies, medical conditions, and any other medications you take.

Prior to use this drug

If your body is allergic to echinacea or suffers from:

  • An autoimmune disorder like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or psoriasis, an autoimmune disorder.

Consult a pharmacist, doctor, or other healthcare professional to determine if it's safe to take this medication in case you are allergic to any of the ingredients in plants, particularly plant allergies (especially mums, ragweeds, marigolds, daisies, or ragweed).Consult a physician before using echinacea if you are nursing or pregnant.Avoid giving any herbal or health supplement to children without medical guidance. Echinacea is not recommended for children younger than 12 years old.

How to take Echinacea

When you're considering the use of herbal supplements, make sure you seek the advice of a doctor. You might also think about consulting an expert who has been trained in the use of herbal or health supplements.If you decide to take echinacea, take it as indicated on the label or as recommended by your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. Don't use more of this supplement than indicated by the manufacturer on its label.Echinacea is thought to be most effective when it is taken before the earliest signs of an illness. Although it is not a cure for the symptoms of a cold, it may aid in making the symptoms of a cold less acute.Do not consume topically (for the face) the echinacea herb by mouth. The forms that are topical are only for use on the skin.Avoid using different types (tablets or liquids, tinctures, teas, etc.) of Echinacea in the same dose without medical guidance. Using different formulations in combination increases the chance of overdosing.Consult your physician to discuss your condition if the one you're treating with echinacea is not improving or becomes worse when you use this product.Place it in a cool, dry place free of heat and moisture.

What happens if I miss the dose?

Do not miss the missed dose, and then take the next scheduled dose. Don't take two doses at once.

What happens if I overdose?

For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help Line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.

What should be avoided?

Beware of tea, coffee, or cola, energy drinks, and other drinks that contain caffeinated beverages. The consumption of echinacea along with caffeinated drinks may cause more caffeine-related negative effects like headaches, heart rate increases, and feeling anxious.

Interaction with other drugs

Benadryl, diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine, turmeric, promethazine DM, and Ginkgo biloba