Echinacea is known as purple coneflower which is one of the most popular herbs worldwide. They are found only in central and eastern North America. They grow open wooded areas and in moist to dry prairies. Echinacea is the group of flowering plants in the daisy family. Altogether, this group has nine species, but only three are used in herbal supplements that are Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea Angustifolia, and Echinacea pallida. The upperparts and roots of plants are used in tablets, tinctures, extracts, and teas. Echinacea plants contain an impressive variety of active compounds, such as phenolic acids, alkamides, rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, polyacetylenes, and many more.
Benefit :
Many health benefits, such as reduced inflammation, lower blood sugar levels, and improved immunity.
Echinacea is contain antioxidants, such as flavonoids, rosmarinic acid, and cichoric acid, which may help defend your body against oxidative stress.
Echinacea helps you fight colds and flu caused by viruses or bacteria.
Echinacea plant contains chemicals that help to create white blood cells in your body.
Side effect :
There have been side effects such as:
- Rashes
- Itchy skin
- Nausea
- Shortness of breath
- Hives
- Swelling
- Stomach pain
Dosing:
- Dry powdered extract: 300–500 mg three times daily of echinacea purpurea
- In Liquid extract tinctures take 2.5 ml three times daily, or up to 10 ml daily.
Keep in mind that these are for short-term use.
Interaction:
- The caffeine that interacts with echinacea might increase levels of caffeine and increase the risk of side effects from caffeine, such as jitteriness, headache, and fast heartbeat.
- Medications changed and broken down by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates) interacts with echinacea cause side effect of this medication.
- Etoposide (VePesid) interacts with ECHINACEA increasing its side effect.
- Medications changed and broken down by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates) interacts with ECHINACEA
- Medications Immunosuppressants interact with ECHINACEA that decrease the immune system
Precaution :
In Pregnancy, echinacea is possibly safe when taken by mouth for up to 7 days. Avoid longer use of these.
