A number of echinacea products have been used safely for up to 10 days.
DO NOT
take echinacea on an empty stomach. Instead, take it with food or with a large glass of water. Apply creams or ointments to wounds that heal slowly as needed.Recommended Dietary Intakes (RDIs) were developed to serve as a guide for determining optimal nutritional needs to prevent nutrient deficiencies. They are based on healthy adults who don't have any diseases, genetic weaknesses, or environmental exposure. It is important to note that RDIs should not be confused with an individual's nutritional needs, which vary from person to person.
Using echinacea for more than 8 weeks in a row could damage the liver or inhibit the
immune system.Herbalists recommend that individuals do not take echinacea if they are taking medications that are known to affect the liver. Despite concerns that echinacea may be dangerous for pregnant or breastfeeding women, evidence suggests that the use of echinacea during pregnancy does not increase the risk of birth defects or other pregnancy-related health problems. Different products use different parts of the echinacea plant, so the effectiveness of echinacea may differ from product to product. A study of 95 people with early cold and flu symptoms (such as runny nose, itchy throat, and fever) found that people who drank several cups of echinacea tea every day for 5 days felt better sooner than those who drank tea without echinacea.
The combination of these active ingredients is responsible for the beneficial effects of echinacea, although research suggests that the aboveground part of Echinacea purpurea is the most effective. Approximately 10% had no echinacea at all; half were mislabeled as to the type of echinacea in the product; and more than half of the standardized preparations did not contain the amount of active ingredients listed on the label. It is therefore important to choose a high-quality echinacea supplement and use echinacea as soon as possible during a cold, with multiple doses per day for the first few days. It is important to remember that taking echinacea for more than 8 weeks in a row can be dangerous and can cause damage to your liver or inhibit your immune system.
If you are taking medications that affect your liver, it is best to avoid taking echinacea altogether. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also avoid taking echinacea unless advised by their doctor. When choosing an echinacea supplement, make sure you select a high-quality product and take it as soon as possible when you start feeling cold symptoms. Taking multiple doses per day for the first few days can help reduce symptoms faster.
