Echinacea And Allergy Dangers

By , in Echinacea.

Echinacea And Allergy Dangers


Today, the public are looking to alternative and natural types of medicine to cure their sicknesses. With all of the negative press surrounding drug therapies, many are under the assumption that natural is better. However, doctors are sometimes reluctant to encourage the use of natural remedies simply because of the lack of research surrounding them. Some natural remedies have been known to cause allergic reactions to some users of varying degrees.

Echinacea is one such natural remedy. Doctors do not dispute that this herbal extract does have medicinal value. They are concerned however, with the frequency at which many members of the public use it herb and the amount of trust that they give the substance.

Echinacea is a wildflower that is native to the Western States of America. It is known to have a wide range of natural healing ability. When the roots are taken, the extract can be used to treat a wide variety of ailments. Most commonly used for colds and flues, Echinacea extract has also been used to treat blood diseases, open wounds, infections and skin disorders.

First used by the Native Americans, The attraction of Echinacea spread to the European population. They began to use it to cure anything and everything they came down with. However, use of the substance soon dropped off with the discovery of antibiotics. Echinacea has made quite a significant comeback in recent years. It is one of the top 10 herbal remedies purchased today.

However, those that suffer from allergies should use caution before using Echinacea. Those that have plant allergies and use Echinacea could be putting themselves in harms way. Studies conducted showed that allergy sufferers were more likely to suffer from side effects of Echinacea. These side effects ranges from rashes to breathing difficulty. Some of the subjects in the study also had no prior history of using Echinacea, leading doctors to believe exposure to other plants helped create the allergic reaction.

Those who want to try Echinacea should at very least have a skin test done first. This can help determine the likelihood of an allergic reaction.

Echinacea has been known to treat and cure sicknesses and injuries. Its healing properties work with the bodies own immune system, increasing the cell activity and getting them to work more efficiently. However, natural may not always be the best route, especially if you’re an allergy sufferer. If you have allergies, consult your doctor before using Echinacea. A negative reaction isn’t worth going natural.