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Echinacea

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Other names:

Echinacea purpurea

What it is supposed to do:

Prevent and treat the common cold;

Treat other infections (urinary tract infection, herpes, candida) and skin conditions (psoriasis, eczema, wounds, skin infections)

How it is supposed to work:

Echinacea is believed to boost the immune system and promote wound healing.

Toxic effects:

No known toxicity- however should not be used in those with systemic and autoimmune disorders and is controversial in those with HIV.

Does it work?

Some well controlled studies have shown that it is helpful in fighting infection while others have not shown this benefit.

Other information:

Commercial products vary widely in composition; Echinacea loses effectiveness with long-term use; available as liquid extract, capsules, tablets and tea; should not be used as a substitute for other medical interventions

References:

  1. DeSmet P. Herbal remedies. New England Journal of Medicine. December 2002;347(25);2046-2056.
     
  2. Gardiner P, Kemper K. Herbs in pediatric and adolescent medicine. Pediatrics in Review. February 2000;21(2):44-57.
     
  3. Taylor J, Weber W, Stabdish L et al. Efficacy and safety of Echinacea in treating upper respiratory tract infections in children. JAMA 2003;290:2824-2830.
     
  4. Barrett B, Brown R, Locken K, et al. Treatment of the common cold with unrefined Echinacea. Ann Intern Med 2002;137:939-946.
 

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Last modified: February 25, 2004