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Echinacea

Also called: Purple Coneflower, Echinacea purpurea

- Summary
- About echinacea
- Conditions of concern
- Potential side effects
- Drug or other interactions
- Pregnancy use issues
- Child use issues
- Questions for your doctor

Reviewed By:
Timothy Yarboro, M.D.

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Potential side effects with echinacea

In most people, echinacea does not cause side effects. However, some people may experience an allergic reaction that may include symptoms such as rashes and increased asthma symptoms. In its most severe state, anaphylactic shock may occur, which is a life-threatening, whole-body allergic reaction.

Gastrointestinal side effects have also been reported in people who use echinacea. Other side effects known to occur with use of this herb include:

Dizziness
Muscle aches
Nausea
Rash

In rare cases, inflammation of the liver (hepatitis), kidney failure and irregular heartbeat have been associated with use of echinacea. However, it is not known if these conditions were caused by use of echinacea. Long-term use of echinacea also may result in low white blood cell counts (leukopenia).

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Review Date: 04-11-2007

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