How much echinacea should i take

Individuals allergic to ragweed or other flowers may experience severe allergic reactions to echinacea. People with other types of allergies may be at increased risk for an allergic reaction as well.

Concentrations of echinacea vary among manufacturers, as does the mixture of plant species and the various parts of the echinacea plant. Before purchasing echinacea, ask your doctor to make a recommendation of a credible brand. You can also talk to an herbal supplement professional at a credible health food or vitamin store for suggestions. Echinacea supplement manufacturers recommend various dosages, so check the label or ask your doctor to recommend how much echinacea you should take.

Test-tube studies have shown that echinacea extracts may suppress cancer cell growth and even trigger cancer cell death 25 , In one test-tube study, an extract of Echinacea purpurea and chicoric acid naturally found in echinacea plants was shown to trigger cancer cell death In another test-tube study, extracts from echinacea plants Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia and Echinacea pallida killed human cancer cells from the pancreas and colon by stimulating a process called apoptosis or controlled cell death There was some concern that echinacea could interact with conventional cancer treatments, such as doxorubicin, but newer studies have found no interaction 28 , 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 on these benefits is often limited. There have been cases where people experienced side effects, such as 3 :. However, these side effects are more common among people with allergies to other flowers, such as daisies, chrysanthemums, marigolds, ragweed and more 30 , As echinacea appears to stimulate the immune system, people with autoimmune disorders or people taking immunosuppressive drugs should avoid it or consult their doctors first 3.

While it appears to be safe for short-term use, its long-term effects are still relatively unknown. Echinacea appears to be safe and well tolerated in the short term, but its long-term effects are relatively unknown. It may not be safe for people with certain health conditions or who are taking certain medications. In addition, echinacea products often may not contain what is written on the label.

That said, research has found the following doses to be effective in aiding immunity 11 :. Echinacea products are highly variable, which makes it hard to set a standard recommended dosage.

However, human-based research is often limited. While research has shown it may help prevent colds, shorten their duration or provide symptomatic relief, many studies have been poorly designed or shown no real benefit. Herbal teas have a wide variety of tastes, flavors and even health benefits. Three species of echinacea are commonly used for medicinal purposes: Echinacea angustifolia , Echinacea pallida , and Echinacea purpurea.

Many echinacea preparations contain one, two, or even all three of these species. Different products use different parts of the echinacea plant, which is why the effectiveness of echinacea may differ from one product to another.

Echinacea including one, two, or all three species is available in extracts, tinctures, tablets, capsules, and ointments. It is also available in combination with other immune-boosting herbs, vitamins, and minerals. A study performed by ConsumerLab. Buy products made by reputable, established companies that distribute their products through trustworthy and knowledgeable establishments. When possible, select products with guaranteed potency or standardized extracts. Pediatric You should work with your child's pediatrician or an herbal practitioner trained in children to determine pediatric dosing.

For general immune system stimulation, during colds, flu, upper respiratory tract infections, or bladder infections, take echinacea 3 times a day until you feel better, but not for more than 10 days. The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. However, herbs contain active substances that may trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications.

For these reasons, you should take herbs only under the supervision of a health care provider knowledgeable in the field of botanical medicine. People with tuberculosis, leukemia, diabetes, connective tissue disorders, multiple sclerosis, HIV or AIDS, any autoimmune diseases, or, possibly, liver disorders should not take echinacea.

There is some concern that echinacea may reduce the effectiveness of medications that suppress the immune system. For this reason, people receiving organ transplants who must take immunosuppressant medications should avoid this herb. In rare cases, echinacea may cause allergic reactions, ranging from a mild rash to anaphylaxis a life-threatening reaction accompanied by throat tightening, shortness of breath, and, possibly fainting.

People with asthma and allergies may be at an increased risk for developing these adverse reactions. People with allergies to plants in the daisy family compositae should not take Echinacea without the supervision of a provider.

There has been one report of an individual developing erythema nodosum a painful skin condition after taking echinacea to treat the flu. Despite concerns that echinacea may be unsafe for pregnant or breastfeeding women, evidence suggests that the use of echinacea during pregnancy does not increase the risk of birth defects or other pregnancy related health problems. More research is needed.

In the meantime, avoid using Echinacea during pregnancy or breastfeeding until more conclusive studies are conducted. If you are taking any prescription medications, including medications used during surgery, such as anesthesia medications, you should talk to your doctor before taking echinacea.

Some of the well-known interactions include the following:. Pharmaceutical and herbal products that may contribute to dry eyes. Plast Reconstr. Echinacea for treating the common cold: a randomized trial. Ann Intern Med. Inflammation and Native American medicine: the role of botanicals. Am J Clin Nutr. Use of a standardized extract from Echinacea angustifolia Polinacea for the prevention of respiratory tract infections. Altern Med Rev. Ernst E. The risk-benefit profile of commonly used herbal therapies: Ginkgo, St.

Frank LG. The efficacy of Echinacea compound herbal tea preparation on the severity and duration of upper respiratory and flu symptoms: a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study.

Find a company that quality tests its products. Then you will know you are taking the right thing. Read the package label carefully. Echinacea can come in many different strengths and dosages. It can also come mixed with other supplements. Follow the directions on the package. Only take the recommended dosage.

Taking more than the recommended amount can be dangerous. Most brands say you should avoid taking echinacea on an empty stomach. They recommend taking it with food or a large glass of water.

The long-term safety has not been studied thoroughly. Talk to your doctor before taking echinacea or other supplements. He or she can tell you if it will interfere with any other medicines you take. They can also recommend what dosage you should take. Store all herbal products out of reach and out of sight of young children.

Keep them in a cool, dry place so they do not lose effectiveness. Do not store them in bathrooms, which get hot and humid. So far, researchers have not found conclusive evidence on its effectiveness. Taking it when you are well may slightly reduce your chances of catching a cold. Echinacea can cause minor side effects.