Echinacea is a widely used herbal supplement that is said to be able to stimulate and support the immune system. It is also claimed to be able to reduce the side effects caused by radiation therapy and chemotherapy. However, there is no scientific evidence to back up these claims. In fact, some studies have found that echinacea could make chemotherapy work worse and cause side effects.
The most common adverse reactions associated with echinacea are digestive tract symptoms, such as nausea or stomach pain. Some people may experience allergic reactions to echinacea, which can be serious. In a clinical trial on echinacea, some children experienced skin rashes, which may have been caused by an allergic reaction. In general, echinacea is usually safe to take and serious side effects appear to be rare.
However, there is no proof that it can alleviate the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. If you are undergoing cancer treatment, it is important to learn about the treatments and how to manage any side effects.
