How to Take Echinacea for Health

Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea or Echinacea angustifolia) is also known as purple coneflower. It resembles a blackeyed Susan and grows in the central plains of North America. The following steps will help you decide whether or not to take this herbal supplement.

Instructions

1. Read about the historical uses of echinacea. Its thick black roots have been used by Native Americans for centuries to treat infections and wounds, especially snake bites. It was used in the United States as a general cure-all in the 18th and 19th centuries until the introduction of antibiotics.

2. Look at the results from modern scientific testing of echinacea. It has been studied extensively in Germany, where the stems and leaves have been approved for the treatment of colds, respiratory infections, slow-healing wounds and urinary infections.

3. Study the side effects of echinacea. Echinacea is generally safe when used appropriately, but rare individuals may be allergic with reactions ranging from mild rashes to anaphylaxis. Echinacea also may cause numbness or tingling in the tongue when ingested.

4. Take no more than the recommended dosage of 300 mg of the powdered extract three times per day. Echinacea also may be taken as a tea using one to two grams of the powdered leaves.

5. Use caution when taking echinacea if you have asthma or allergies. Echinacea is also contraindicated in patients taking immuno-suppressive medication.