Echinacea

Pharmaceutical products containing echinacea have a complex formula based on the root of Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea purpurea or Echinacea pallida. The substances extracted from the plant's root contain volatile oils, phenols, flavonoids, alkamides and glycoproteins, chemical compounds with antimicrobial, antiviral and antioxidant properties.

Echinacea is a plant with a high content of nutrients for the human body: vitamins (vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin E), proteins, minerals (iron, potassium, copper, calcium, magnesium) and fatty acids.

Echinacea-based products are recommended for the treatment of respiratory tract infections (common cold, flu, bronchitis, upper respiratory tract infections), oral conditions (gingivitis), ear infections, urinary tract infections, liver conditions or inflammatory skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis).

Echinacea improves the immune system, increases the number and activity of immune system cells, stimulates phagocytes, destroys infectious agents, inhibits hyaluronidase (an enzyme secreted by certain bacteria), stimulates tissue regeneration, has an anti-inflammatory effect and improves liver detoxification.

The usual dose of echinacea varies depending on the pharmaceutical product and its form of administration (tablets, tincture, powder, teas, ointment or cream). There is no standard recommended dose for the administration of echinacea-based products. Check with your doctor about the type of supplement you are going to take to ensure that the doses of echinacea are appropriate for your personal consumption.

Echinacea capsules should be taken with meals for at least 14 consecutive days. It is not recommended to take echinacea for more than 8 consecutive weeks.

Echinacea is a dietary supplement recommended for adults and adolescents. For children under 14 years of age, it is recommended to consult a specialist.

For children, it is recommended to administer echinacea in the form of alcohol-free tincture.

Echinacea-based products should not be taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, as there are no studies on the effects of echinacea on the foetus or breastfed newborns.

Echinacea-based products are contraindicated in people who are allergic to any of the active ingredients. Echinacea is contraindicated in people with autoimmune disorders (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriasis).

Like all medicines, echinacea-based products may cause side effects such as: nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhoea, muscle or joint pain, unusual taste in the mouth, dry mouth, numbness of the tongue, headache, dizziness, confusion, insomnia, skin rash or itching. If you experience any side effects, stop taking the product and consult your doctor.