Its ability to reduce inflammation may improve skin conditions like eczema.More research is needed to verify echinacea’s benefits.
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
These days, fresh or dried herbs and extracts of the echinacea plant are available for use.
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Probably one of the most popular uses of echinacea is for thecommon cold.
Despite this popularity, echinacea research results have been mixed, and there isn’t solid evidence.
Echinacea’s use in children with colds has also not been proven.
Researchers felt that the echinacea extract showed anti-inflammatory effects that warrant further investigation.
In one animal study, rats were induced withosteoarthritis(OA), a painful joint condition.
After OA onset, some rats were given echinacea extract while others were not.
Human trials are still needed.
Anxiety
Another perceived benefit of echinacea is ananxiolytic(antianxiety) effect.
Diabetes
The medicinal properties of echinacea may arise from substances called caffeic acid derivatives (CAD).
This may mean benefits in managing blood sugar and preventing pop in 2 diabetes.
Side Effects
Echinacea is well-tolerated by most people, but some may experience side effects.
Echinacea side effects may be mild or severe, and some are more common than others.
Common Side Effects
The most common side effects of echinacea affect the gastrointestinal system.
Common side effects of echinacea include:
Nauseahas also been reported as a possible side effect of echinacea.
Talk with a healthcare provider if side effects persist or don’t improve over time.
Who Shouldn’t Take It?
Echinacea is considered safe for most adults to use for short durations.
However, the safety of long-term use of echinacea is unknown.
There are some concerns that certain populations should avoid using echinacea altogether.
Remember that research on echinacea as a whole is limited.
This is especially true if you have any health conditions or take any prescription medications.
Some children have experienced rashes after using echinacea.
Talk to your healthcare provider before using echinacea in kids and take caution when giving your child echinacea.
Dosage
Currently, there are no dosage guidelines for echinacea.
More reliable scientific data are needed before standardized dosage recommendations can be made for the herb.
Echinacea dosage may vary from one product to another.
For this reason, it’s best to follow dosage directions as listed on the product label.
A healthcare provider may also be able to help you determine the proper echinacea dosage for you.
Echinacea is thought to be safe for most adults for short-term use.
Be sure to use echinacea only as directed and never take more than you should.
How to Store
Proper storage of echinacea supplements will help maintain their quality.
you’re free to store your echinacea supplements in a cool, dry place.
They should also be kept out of direct sunlight.
It’s best to keep supplements in their original bottle or packaging.
Be sure to keep echinacea supplements out of reach of pets and small children.
Discard echinacea supplements once they reach their expiration date or as indicated on the packaging.
What to Look For
Echinacea supplements can be purchased online or in some brick-and-mortar stores.
Various grocery stores carry echinacea supplements, as well as certain health or specialty shops.
Echinacea supplements are commonly found as capsules, gummies, liquid extracts, fresh herbs, and dried herbs.
Additionally, there are some supplements available that contain a blend of echinacea and other nutrients orherbs.
Naturally, echinacea isgluten-freeand vegan, and many echinacea supplements are as well.
However, some echinacea supplements may include gelatin-based capsules, which are not vegan.
With capsules, follow the manufacturer’s package instructions on how to use the product.
Tincture can be used on the skin as well as ingested.
To make tea, you might place flowers, leaves, or prepared tea products in a mug.
Add 8 ounces of hot water after boiling and let the tea steep for 15 minutes.
Strain the tea if necessary and then add a sweetener, if preferred.
Certainly, other supplements may work similarly to echinacea.
Summary
Echinacea is a genus of herbaceous, flowering plants.
There are three species of echinacea, withEchinacea purpureabeing the most researched.
Talk with a healthcare provider first if you have more questions about echinacea or are interested in trying it.
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