Question 1

what is the main active ingredient of echinacea purpurea extract?

Accepted Answer

Maybe none: There are a huge number of chemicals in this pretty flower, as in anything else from Mother Nature, but despite decades of work, nobody's convinced the scientific community that it works for any of the things it's supposed to help -- from the common cold to cancer. This is in contrast to a host of other botanicals that do real stuff. Probably this is why nobody publishes the active ingredient.

Question 2

is it necessary to refrigerate my bottle of echinacea purpurea supplement?

Accepted Answer

Here...: It's important to note that since echinacea has a short shelf life, you may want to refrigerate echinacea to help extend the time it's effective.

Question 3

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 4

does echinacea help neuropathy ?

Accepted Answer

No good evidence: Echinacea has been used orally to stimulate the immune system of the body. Echinacea is most commonly used in the treatment of the common cold.Echinacea is not recommended for use by people with multiple sclerosis.
There is some scientific evidence that echinacea can reduce the symptoms of cold or flu if started when the symptoms are first noticed and continued for 7-10 days.Not much else.

Question 5

is it safe to take echinacea while pregnant?

Accepted Answer

We don't know: Echinacea is a herb that is commonly taken for wound healing and to stimulate the immune system. Unfortunately, there is just one study and it was too small to really make assumptions about echinacea's safety.  So we don't recommend it if you are pregnant.

Question 6

can echinacea prevent or treat flu symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Maybe: The herbal supplement echinacea , in some studies, has been shown to boost one's immune system. However, this has not been shown in all studies of echinacea.  The jury is still out on this supplement so it may or may not be beneficial.

Question 7

if i m having a reaction to a flu shot is it ok to take echinacea?

Accepted Answer

NO: One really needs to know what reaction you are getting that you would like to avoid. Echinacea is not well studied, on the other hand the most common reactions such as low grade fever and body ache are more effectivly managed by well studied, over the counter medicines such as Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen commonly sold under the trade names tylenol (acetaminophen) and motrin.

Question 8

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 9

i give kids daily echinacea and astragalus. will that boost immune system?

Accepted Answer

Not proven effective: Many "non-medical" supplements, foods, herbs, and techniques are claimed to "boost" the immune system, but none have been proven effective. The immune system is complex, and "boosting" it to make it act stronger is not always a good thing. In conditions like arthritis, thyroid disease, diabetes type 1, lupus, eczema, etc..., the immune system is over-acting and damaging the patient's own organs.

Question 10

are the petals of the purple coneflower poisonous and what will the poison do?

Accepted Answer

No: Nature's got some poisoning plants, but these pretty purple daisy-like flowers aren't going to hurt you.

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Doctor answers about:

Echinacea purpurea

A member asked:

What is the main active ingredient of echinacea purpurea extract?

A member asked:

Is it necessary to refrigerate my bottle of echinacea purpurea supplement?

A member asked:

Any ideas why i might be reacting oddly to echinacea?

A member asked:

Does echinacea help neuropathy ?

A member asked:

Is it safe to take echinacea while pregnant?

A member asked:

Can echinacea prevent or treat flu symptoms?

A member asked:

If i m having a reaction to a flu shot is it ok to take echinacea?

A member asked:

Does echinacea every interact with any major prescription medications?

A member asked:

I give kids daily echinacea and astragalus. will that boost immune system?

A member asked:

Are the petals of the purple coneflower poisonous and what will the poison do?

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