What is echinacea root used for?
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. If you are regularly taking other medicines, check with your doctor before taking echinacea. You should also tell your doctor if you drink beverages with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way echinacea works.Although echinacea supplements are most commonly found in pill form, the plant can also be found in teas, juices, and creams. Echinacea contains several chemicals that may provide health benefits. Researchers believe that two chemicals in particular, polysaccharides and glycoproteins, boost your immune system.Echinacea may not be helpful if you have any of the following conditions: an autoimmune disorder (such as lupus), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). If you are pregnant or breastfeeding you should talk with your doctor before you start taking echinacea.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.
Can echinacea damage the liver?
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. 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.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. The long-term safety has not been studied thoroughly.Benefits of the Echinacea Plant Before consuming please ensure to consult your doctor especially if you have a precondition of any kind. Note that the whole plant is edible, flowers, petals and even the roots.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. It’s possibly safe for children to consume E.
Is echinacea a natural antibiotic?
Natural antibiotics such as medical honey and echinacea may help to fight bacterial infection because they contain antimicrobial properties. The use of natural antibiotics is evidence-based in some cases, but more research studies are needed. There is not one type of antibiotic that cures every infection. Antibiotics specifically treat infections caused by bacteria, such as Staph. Strep. E.Antibiotics usually cure bacterial infections. They sometimes go away on their own or can be treated without antibiotics, but it’s always best to check with a healthcare provider for the best way to treat them.
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 may help with skin health, infection symptoms, and anxiety and depression, among other benefits. You can take the fresh or dried plant as a tea, supplement, juice, or tincture.