Echinacea

What are other names for this remedy?

Scientific and common names: echinacea angustifolia, echinacea purpurea, echinacea pallida, purple coneflower, coneflower, black sampson, black susans, comb flower, snakeroot, red sunflower, scurvy root

What is echinacea?

Echinacea is a perennial herb with narrow leaves and a thick stem. It can grow up to 3 feet high. The plant produces a single colorful flower. The plant has a sharp smell and taste. When the plant is chewed it causes tingling of the tongue and lips. Echinacea plants are native to Kansas, Nebraska, and Missouri.

What is it used for?

Echinacea has been used to:

• Prevent cold or flu or reduce the symptoms of the cold or flu.
• Treat boils, abscesses, skin wounds and sores, eczema, psoriasis, herpes simplex, bee stings, and hemorrhoids when applied to the skin.
• Stimulate the immune system.

Be aware that uses for natural remedies are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Natural remedies are classified as dietary supplements by the FDA. They are not subject to the same scrutiny and regulations as prescription medicines.

How is it taken?

Echinacea is available in extracts, tinctures, tablets, and capsules to be taken by mouth. It is also available in ointments and creams for use on the skin. Follow the directions printed on the product label or given by your health care provider.

What should I watch out for?

Do not take echinacea if you are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, or daisies.

Do not use echinacea if you have problems with your immune system such as multiple sclerosis, leukosis, collagenosis, AIDS, HIV, or tuberculosis.

Do not use echinacea for more than 8 weeks in a row because it may depress your immune system. After you stop, do not take echinacea for at least 8 weeks. After 8 weeks you can take it again for another 8-week period.

Females of childbearing age: If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, do not take this remedy without your health care provider's approval.

Remember when taking any natural remedy:

• "Natural" does not always mean safe.
• Natural remedies affect your body and may interact with prescription medicines. Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist about any natural remedies that you are using or considering.
• Natural products are not standardized. They may have different strengths and effects. Some remedies may be contaminated. Be careful which products you use.
• If your health care provider has not given you specific instructions, follow the directions that come with the package. Do not take more or take it longer than recommended. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist about anything you do not understand.
• If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, get the approval of your health care provider before you take any natural remedy.
• Do not give natural remedies to infants, children, or the elderly without advice from your health care provider.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its desirable effects, this remedy may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the remedy. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your health care provider right away. If you cannot reach your health care provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

The most common side effects when you take echinacea by mouth are fever, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, sore throat, dizziness, tingling or numb tongue.

Applying echinacea to the skin can cause redness, itching, or rash.

What products might interact with this remedy?

When you take this remedy with prescription medicines, it can change the way this remedy or any of the medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, other natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects.

• antifungals such as ketoconazole (Nizoral) and itraconazole (Sporanox)
• fexofenadine (Allegra)
• immunosuppressants such as azathioprine (Imuran), basiliximab (Simulect), daclizumab (Zenapax), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), tacrolimus (Prograf), sirolimus (Rapamune), mycophenolate (CellCept), and prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone)
• lovastatin (Mevacor)
• triazolam (Halcion).

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

Keep all natural remedies and medicines out of the reach of children.

The information included here is based on information found in scientific journals, study reports, news releases, and other publications. The author and publisher make no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy and complete nature of the information. Nothing herein should be interpreted as a recommendation by the author or publisher for the use of any natural remedy.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this remedy or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.