Question 1

does echinacea every interact with any major prescription medications?

Accepted Answer

Yes: All herbals have the potential of altering the actions of prescription drugs.  Always ask your pharmacist to run a cross check when ingesting anything; including foods.

Question 2

can i take echinacea while on immunosuppressant?

Accepted Answer

Yes.: However, taking echinacea for an extended period may itself cause some immune dysfunction.  So only take it for short periods of time.

Question 3

what's your thoughts are on using echinacea? does it really work to boost immune system, fight colds? dose/strength/name brand?

Accepted Answer

Only trust: Echinacea is a plant that indeed if processed have the ability to produce products that have medicinal, anti-inflammatory and antibiotic effect. It seemed to have the ability to boost immune system in animals, no scientific study in humans. There is no standard way they are processed for these effects and therefore no fda approved studies have been done yet.

Question 4

does echinacea help suppress herpes?

Accepted Answer

No : Systemic use is believed to act like an immunostimulant for preventing and treating infection. Recent studies suggest no benefits. 
Barrett (2002) ann intern med 137:939-46
yale (2004) arch intern med 164:1237-41.

Question 5

does echinacea work against the common cold?

Accepted Answer

Probably not much: There is some german literature that shows minor benefit.

Question 6

will echinacea work if you already have a cold?

Accepted Answer

Echinacea: Echinacea is an herb that has been touted to enhance immunity and help prevent or treat a cold. No formal studies have been published to validate its effects. So take it at your risk.

Question 7

any ideas why i might be reacting oddly to echinacea?

Accepted Answer

What is oddly?: Echinacea is an herb. Herbs can be allergenic, so your symptoms could be allergy related. If you are experiencing rash, shortness of breath, or hives i'd recommend stopping it immediately and seeking medical care now. Other symptoms could be related to echinacea's established effects on the immune system. I'd recommend not taking it for longer than 7 to 10 days.

Question 8

should i take echinacea and melatonin at the same time?

Accepted Answer

Echinacea/Melatonin: As long as they are used short term, it is fine.

Question 9

what form of echinacea is better to take: capsules or liquid?

Accepted Answer

Tinctures: Most herbalists believe that tinctures are FAR better, esp. tinctures made from the fresh plant before it is dried. See http://www.health.com/health/condition-article/0,,20251749,00.html for a more detailed explanation 
and http://www.health.com/health/article/0,,20410256,00.html
for recommended brands.

Question 10

is it ok to take echinacea if i am taking 20mg of xarelto every day?

Accepted Answer

No: Not only will echinacea not do you any good, it may interfere with xareltao. Do not take any medications, herbals, over the counter drugs, nutritional supplements or street drug without discussing with the doctor who prescribed xarelto.
For good health - Have a diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, milk and milk products, nuts, beans, legumes, lentils and small amounts of lean meats. Avoid saturated fats. Drink enough water daily, so that your urine is mostly colorless. Exercise at least 150 minutes/week and increase the intensity of exercise gradually. Do not use tobacco, alcohol, weed or street drugs in any form. 
Practice safe sex, if you have sex.

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Doctor answers about:

Echinacea angustifolia root medication

A member asked:

Does echinacea every interact with any major prescription medications?

A member asked:

Can i take echinacea while on immunosuppressant?

A member asked:

What's your thoughts are on using echinacea? does it really work to boost immune system, fight colds? dose/strength/name brand?

A member asked:

Does echinacea help suppress herpes?

A member asked:

Does echinacea work against the common cold?

A member asked:

Will echinacea work if you already have a cold?

A member asked:

Any ideas why i might be reacting oddly to echinacea?

A member asked:

Should i take echinacea and melatonin at the same time?

A member asked:

What form of echinacea is better to take: capsules or liquid?

A member asked:

Is it ok to take echinacea if i am taking 20mg of xarelto every day?

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