Is Echinacea OK?

[HEALTHY1]

Is liquid echinacea okay? It taste horrible-not sweet-no sugar I'm sure.

[fat4now]

Re: Is Echinacea OK?

This is a very interesting herb. Helping to stimulate the auto immune system. Some negatives i found were here

Echinaforce Liquid | Echinacea Tincture | Purple Cone Flower

Contraindication: known allergy to one of the ingredients or to any flower belonging to the daisy (asteracea) family.
A few cases of prolonged bleeding time were reported. It is therefore not recommended to combine echinacea with anticoagulant medications like Coumadin®.

Echinacea is an immune stimulant, therefore its combination with immuno-suppressive medications like Methotrexate® or Immuran® is contraindicated. Echinacea is also not recommended for people suffering from leukemia or other auto-immune diseases.

A study conducted in Toronto by the Motherisk Program states that Echinacea is safe during pregnancy. (10) However, it is always best to consult a competent health professional.

Guess thats always the key. Consult your physician, they know you better than we do.
Hope this helps.

[Holdingon2hope]

Re: Is Echinacea OK?

I do not know if it is Atkins compatible, but I can relate to what Fat4now is saying. I am believed to have Lupus (which is an auto-immune disorder) and when I have taken Echinacea in the past, it has had a worsening effect on my health. I suppose the best way to know the results it would have on YOU is to try it and see. If you don't like the results, then you can discontinue taking it. Always be cautious and you may want to speak with your physician. Best of luck!