Echinacea is an herbal supplement most often used to treat or prevent the common cold or the flu. This eMedTV resource explores other possible benefits of echinacea, explains how the supplement works, and lists potential side effects of the product.
Echinacea may be beneficial for treating various infections, migraines, and runny or stuffy nose. This eMedTV page lists other potential benefits of echinacea, explores how this supplement may work, and discusses the use of this product in children.
There are several different echinacea species, but only three are used medicinally. This eMedTV article lists these three species of echinacea and explains which species you should choose when looking for an echinacea supplement.
Potential side effects of echinacea include dry mouth, diarrhea, and fever. As this eMedTV article explains, other unpredictable echinacea side effects are also possible due to contaminants (other herbs, drugs, or heavy metals) in certain products.
Echinacea supplements are often used as a remedy for the common cold, but does echinacea work? This page on the eMedTV site explores the effectiveness of echinacea for treating or preventing the common cold, yeast infections, and other uses.
The most effective and safe echinacea dosage has not been scientifically established yet. This eMedTV resource explores what is considered reasonable echinacea dosing and offers tips on finding an echinacea product from a reliable manufacturer.
A number of medications could theoretically cause echinacea drug interactions. As this article from the eMedTV Web site explains, echinacea might increase the level of many other medications in the blood, possibly increasing the risk of side effects.
Many people may wonder, "Is echinacea safe?" This section of the eMedTV archives offers some general echinacea safety warnings and precautions, and explains who may be at a higher risk for developing problems due to echinacea supplements.
It is not clear exactly what to expect from an echinacea overdose or whether an overdose is even possible. This eMedTV segment explores the potential effects of an overdose and explains what steps a doctor may take to treat an overdose of echinacea.
There is currently not enough scientific evidence to know if echinacea is safe for pregnant women. This eMedTV Web page provides more information on echinacea and pregnancy, and explores the safety of using the supplement while pregnant.
It is not known if echinacea is either safe or unsafe for breastfeeding women. This part of the eMedTV library offers a more in-depth look at echinacea and breastfeeding, and explores whether the herbal supplement passes through breast milk.
