Echinacea Treatment for Cold Symptoms and Side Effects

Echinacea has traditionally been used to treat or prevent:

The belief is that it stimulates the immune system to help fight infections.  Studies to date have not proven that echinacea shortens the course of colds or flu.

More importantly, some experience side effects, such as:

Gastrointestinal side effects were most common during clinical trials.

If you are allergic to plants in the daisy family, which includes ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds and daisies, then you are more likely to experience allergic reactions to echinacea.

Also, if you have asthma, or atopy (a genetic tendency toward allergic reactions), you will be more likely to have an allergic reaction while taking echinacea.

Bottom line is that echinacea is an unproven treatment for cold symptoms and its potential side effects may not be worth your taking a chance.

Always inform your health care provider about any herb or dietary supplement you are using or plan to use to ensure safe and coordinated care.

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