Is echinacea clinically proven?
Some research suggests that echinacea supplements may shorten the duration of a cold and may slightly reduce symptom severity. But these results were too minor to be considered important. Some studies have found echinacea to be helpful while other studies have found no benefit in treating colds.
Does echinacea actually do anything?
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 use.
How effective is echinacea for the prevention of colds?
Extracts of echinacea do seem to have an effect on the immune system, your body’s defense against germs. Research shows it increases the number of white blood cells, which fight infections. A review of more than a dozen studies, published in 2014, found the herbal remedy had a very slight benefit in preventing colds.
Is echinacea safe to take everyday?
Adult. 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.
What happens if you take too much echinacea?
The most common side effects are stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, vomiting, and rash. Allergic reactions might occur in some people, especially in people who are allergic to ragweed, mums, marigolds, or daisies. When applied to the skin: Echinacea is possibly safe when used short-term.
Can you take echinacea with vitamin D?
Interactions between your drugs No interactions were found between echinacea and Vitamin D3. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.
Is echinacea hard on the liver?
Hepatotoxicity. In multiple controlled trials, echinacea by itself has not been linked to liver injury, either in the form of transient serum enzyme elevations or clinically apparent acute liver injury.
How long can you safely take echinacea?
Some herbalists say you shouldn’t take echinacea for longer than 8 weeks. This is due to possible side effects. But a study in Cardiff in 2012 seemed to show that it is safe to take for up to 4 months.