Echinacea

Echinacea is an herb that is also known as Purple Cone Flower, Black Sampson, Black Susans, Fleur à Hérisson, Hedgehog, Igelkopfwurzel, Indian Head, Kansas Snakeroot, Red Sunflower, Rock-Up-Hat, Roter Sonnenhut, Rudbeckie Pourpre, Scurvy Root, Snakeroot, and many other names.

Echinacea has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective help in treating the common cold or vaginal yeast infections.

Echinacea has also been used to treat ear infections or to improve exercise performance. However, research has shown that echinacea may not be effective for these conditions.

Other uses that have not been proven by research include treating anxiety, migraine headache, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), gingivitis, tonsillitis, genital herpes, human papilloma virus (HPV), low white blood cell counts, bladder infections, an eye condition called uveitis, and other conditions.

It is not certain whether echinacea is effective in treating any medical condition. The medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Echinacea should not be used instead of medication prescribed by your doctor.

Echinacea is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards for many herbal products, and some supplements on the market have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be bought from a reliable source to reduce the risk of contamination.

Echinacea may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.

When thinking about using herbal supplements, talk to your doctor. You might also want to consult a practitioner who is trained in herbal or health supplements.

If you decide to use echinacea, follow the instructions on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of this product than what is recommended on the label.

Echinacea is thought to work best when taken at the first sign of a cold. While echinacea might not stop a cold, it could make cold symptoms less severe.

Do not take topical (for the skin) echinacea by mouth. Topical forms of this product are meant only for use on the skin.

Do not use different forms (tablets, liquid, tincture, teas, etc) of echinacea at the same time without medical advice. Using different forms together increases the risk of an overdose.

Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with echinacea does not get better, or if it worsens while using this product.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Follow all directions on the product label and package.

Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

You should not use this product if you are allergic to echinacea or if you have:

• an autoimmune disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or psoriasis.

Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have any allergies, especially plant allergies (especially ragweed, mums, marigolds, or daisies).

Ask a doctor before using echinacea if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice. Echinacea should not be used in a child younger than 12 years old.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Although not all side effects are known, echinacea is thought to be possibly safe when taken for a short period of time.

Common side effects of echinacea may include:

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea;
• fever, sore throat;
• muscle or joint pain;
• unusual or unpleasant taste in the mouth;
• dry mouth, numb feeling in your tongue;
• headache, dizziness, confusion; or
• sleep problems (insomnia).

Echinacea applied to the skin in a topical form can cause an itchy or red skin rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses at once.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Avoid coffee, tea, cola, energy drinks, or any other products that contain caffeine. Taking echinacea with caffeinated products can increase caffeine side effects like headache, increased heart rate, and feeling jittery.

Do not take echinacea without consulting your doctor if you are using a medication to treat any of the following conditions:

• any type of infection (including HIV, malaria, or tuberculosis);
• anxiety or depression;
• asthma or allergies;
• cancer;
• erectile dysfunction;
• heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD);
• high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a heart condition;
• migraine headaches;
• psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune disorders;
• a psychiatric disorder; or
• seizures.

This list is not complete. Other medications may affect echinacea, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and Herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.