What is echinacea extract good for?
Recent research has shown that echinacea extract has antiviral effects, which may protect against many viruses that affect the respiratory system, including coronaviruses. This extract helps the body produce IFN-γ, which is involved in immune function and controlling inflammatory chemicals. 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.It is an herb of balance and protection. Echinacea is often used in spells for prosperity, drawing in money, and in defensive magic. It also has the power of amplification, enhancing the magical energies of others herbs, as well as magical tools used for spells and rituals.One study found that echinacea’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties work together to slow the growth of Propionibacterium, a common acne culprit. The anti-inflammatory echinacea benefit is especially great for deep cystic breakouts, which tend to be red and painful.Echinacea may strengthen your immune system, helping you fight colds and flus caused by viruses or bacteria. Some research shows that the echinacea plant contains chemicals that help your body create white blood cells.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.
What are the pros and cons of taking echinacea?
Research supports the potential benefits of echinacea for immune health, such as preventing the common cold. In healthy individuals, it’s generally safe to take and has a low risk of side effects. However, more research is needed to establish whether echinacea can improve anxiety or skin health. At the onset of a cold, Gandhi recommends taking echinacea for seven to 14 days to strengthen the immune system and help fight the infection. Since herbs and supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there is no standard recommended dosage for echinacea.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.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.
Why is echinacea so effective?
Many research studies done by doctors in Germany indicated that echinacea is effective primarily by increasing the number of white blood cells, thus boosting the immune system and thereby increasing the body’s ability to fight infections. Another one of echinacea’s benefits for your skin is anti-aging. Echinacea is rich in tannins. These astringent (tightening) molecules can shrink pores and lead to firmer, taut-looking skin with diminished wrinkles and fine lines.
Who should avoid echinacea?
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. There is no evidence that echinacea is harmful whilst breastfeeding, but no studies have been done that show it is safe either, so it should be used with caution. The evidence for echinacea working to prevent or treat a cold is limited (Karsch‐Völk et al.There are some main groups of people that are advised to take extra caution or avoid echinacea altogether, including: children under 12 years old.Stay on the safe side and avoid use. Auto-immune disorders such as such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a skin disorder called pemphigus vulgaris, or others: Echinacea might have an effect on the immune system that could make these conditions worse.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.Can I take Echinaforce® during my pregnancy? Yes you can, this was confirmed by a Canadian study and, more recently by a Norwegian cohort study which confirmed no increased risk of malformation or adverse pregnancy outcomes after the use of Echinacea during pregnancy.
What happens if I take echinacea every day?
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. 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.The most common side effects of echinacea are digestive tract symptoms, such as abdominal pain, nausea, or stomach pain. It’s possibly safe for children to consume E.
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. Caffeine. Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination. Echinacea might decrease how quickly the body breaks down caffeine. Taking echinacea along with caffeine might increase levels of caffeine and increase the risk of side effects from caffeine, such as jitteriness, headache, and fast heartbeat.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.Common side effects of echinacea may include: unusual or unpleasant taste in the mouth; dry mouth, numb feeling in your tongue; headache, dizziness, confusion; or.