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Echinacea for colds
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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[What is Echinacea?
Echinacea is a plant or supplement that people often use to treat colds. Many people believe that echinacea can activate the immune system, reduce the severity and duration of the common cold. Echinacea is one of the best-selling products from the common cold in the US. People used Echinacea as a medicine for many centuries. Leaves, stems, flowers and roots are used for the production of additives, liquid extracts and teas.
But, despite its popularity, recent studies of echinacea for colds have not confirmed that it really helps. If from the Echinacea really is a benefit, many researchers believe that it is not proven.
Echinacea for cold: how does it work?
Studies of the effects of Echinacea on cold symptoms have shown mixed results. Extract of echinacea have a great effect on the immune system. Studies have shown that it increases the number of white blood cells and increases the activity of other immune cells.
But these effects can not bring real benefits when it comes to fighting the common cold. A study published in the New England Journal in 2005 showed that echinacea in treating colds was no more effective than placebo. Echinacea, the study said, also does not reduce the severity of cold symptoms.
Research of the influence of echinacea on the body
Two studies, funded by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, also found no benefit from Echinacea in treating colds for either children or adults.
Nevertheless, there is a lot of contradictory information in the study of the effect of Echinacea on colds. Studies have determined the strength of different types of echinacea, as well as the influence of various parts of the stem or roots. This complicates the comparison of the results. Echinacea, scientists believe, can help against some viruses that cause colds.
A review on June 26, 2007 indicates that taking herbal supplements with Echinacea can reduce your chances of catching a cold more than twice and reduce the duration of the cold by an average of 1.4 days.
Researchers from the University of Connecticut presented the combined results of 14 trials of Echinacea in the prevention and treatment of colds. In studies, it was said that the use of herbal supplements reduces the risk of colds by 58%, and the combination of Echinacea and vitamin C reduces the incidence of colds by 86%.
Are there side effects of Echinacea with colds?
Although the benefits of taking Echinacea for colds are doubts, the risks of side effects to researchers seem low. The most common side effect is indigestion. Some people may experience allergic reactions to Echinacea. This can lead to the following side effects:
- Rash
- Deterioration of the course of bronchial asthma (if a person has asthma)
- Anaphylactic shock (life-threatening emergency, which can cause difficulty breathing)
You may have an increased risk of an allergic reaction to Echinacea if you are allergic to other plants of the chamomile family. It can be chamomile, ragweed, chrysanthemum and marigold.
Echinacea may not be safe for people who use certain drugs. Examples of such drugs may be certain drugs for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases (for example, Cordarone and Pacerone) and some antifungal medications. The combination of Echinacea and these medicines can cause liver damage.
Some experts recommend not taking echinacea for more than eight weeks in one course. Although there is no evidence that this herb can harm after 8 weeks of intake, there is also no evidence of its absolute safety.
Keep in mind that herbal preparations, such as echinacea, are not medicines. It is a drug additive. Therefore, it is very important to comply with its dosage, which is indicated in the instructions for use. For example, you need to keep in mind that echinacea increases blood pressure, so people with hypertension should avoid it.
Other types of alternative cold treatment
Many other herbs, plants, minerals, vitamins and supplements can help eliminate cold symptoms. It can be:
But studies do not prove for certain that all these drugs can help in the treatment of colds.
If you still want to use Echinacea for a cold or apply another alternative method of treatment - contact your doctor. Remember that herbal remedies can increase the risk of side effects, especially when interacting with other medicines. Make sure your doctor knows about each plant supplement and about all the alternative treatments that you use.
Echinacea in the treatment of colds can be useful, and can generally not give any effect. It depends on the individual characteristics of your body and other medicines that you take.
Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Echinacea for colds" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.