Though typically harmless, echinacea is not suitable for everyone. If you have multiple sclerosis or an autoimmune ailment (like lupus), you should not use echinacea.
Why does echinacea harm autoimmune systems?
To strengthen the immune system and protect against colds and other ailments, echinacea is frequently taken as a dietary supplement. Echinacea does strengthen the immune system, thus those who have autoimmune disorders like lupus may experience flare-ups as a result. In fact, warning signs on echinacea supplements supplied in Europe advise against using it by those who have autoimmune illnesses. Therefore, those who have lupus and other autoimmune conditions ought to stay away from these supplements. In general, it’s crucial to see your doctor before beginning any new drugs or dietary supplements.
Echinacea and immune system overstimulation
It has been exaggerated how well echinacea works to treat and prevent viral illnesses. According to a review of random control studies, the majority of echinacea supplements offer minimal to no advantages over placebo. Echinacea is not advised for those with immune system disorders or autoimmune diseases since continuous use (more than 8 weeks) could cause your immune system to become overstimulated. Echinacea is generally considered to be safe, however you would be better off conserving your money.
Possibly Effective for…
- Typical cold Numerous studies in the scientific community have demonstrated that consuming some echinacea products when cold symptoms first appear will slightly lessen symptoms in adults. However, more research demonstrates no benefit. The issue is that several echinacea plant varieties and processing techniques have been utilized in scientific investigations. It is not unexpected that different studies provide varied outcomes because the studies have not been consistent. The advantage will probably be minimal at best if it aids with COLD TREATMENT. There is conflicting evidence on echinacea’s ability to PREVENT the common cold. According to some studies, ingesting echinacea can cut your chance of getting a cold by 45 to 58 percent. However, some studies indicate that eating echinacea while you are exposed to cold viruses does not shield you from getting the common cold.
Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for…
- Anxiety. According to preliminary studies, consuming 40 mg of a specific echinacea extract (ExtractumPharma ZRT, Budapest, Hungary) every day for seven days can help people feel less anxious. However, taking less than 40 mg a day does not seem to work.
- execution of an exercise. Echinacea (Puritian’s Pride, Oakdale, NY) four times daily for 28 days enhances healthy men’s oxygen intake during exercise testing, according to preliminary studies.
- Gingivitis. A mouthwash with echinacea, gotu kola, and elderberry (HM-302, Izum Pharmaceuticals, New York, NY) may help prevent gum disease from getting worse by using it three times a day for 14 days. This is according to preliminary studies. Although it is not always helpful, applying a particular mouth patch made of the same components (PerioPatch, Izun Pharmaceuticals, New York, NY) appears to lessen some gum disease symptoms.
- Virus of Herpes Simplex (HSV). Uncertainty exists over the effectiveness of echinacea in the treatment of HSV. A Vogel Bioforce AG’s Echinaforce, 800 mg twice day for six months, according to some research, does not appear to prevent or shorten the frequency or duration of recurrent genital herpes. However, additional studies demonstrate that most persons with cold sores have less itching, tension, and discomfort while using a combination medication containing echinacea (Esberitox, Schaper & Brummer, Salzgitter-Ringelheim, Germany) (herpes labialis).
- Papilloma virus in humans (HPV). According to preliminary studies, taking a combination supplement called Immune Act, manufactured by Erba Vita SpA in Republica San Marino, Italy, daily for a month can help prevent anal warts from returning in persons who have had them surgically removed. The conclusions of this study, however, are suspect due to its low quality.
- Influenza (flu). According to preliminary studies, taking a specialized echinacea supplement, such as Monoselect Echinacea from PharmExtracta in Pontenure, Italy, daily for 15 days may help persons with breathing issues like bronchitis or asthma respond better to the flu vaccine.
- low level of white blood cells (Leukopenia). Early studies suggest that administering 50 drops of Esberitox N, Schaper & Brummer, Salzgitter-Ringelheim, Germany, between cycles of chemoradiotherapy can increase red and white blood cell counts in some women with advanced breast cancer. Esberitox N contains extracts of echinacea root, thuja leaf, and wild indigo. However, not all patients experience this effect, and dosages less than 50 drops don’t appear to be effective. Additionally, it doesn’t appear that this medicine lowers the risk of infection.
- infection in the middle ear. Early research indicates that giving children aged 1 to 5 who have a history of ear infections a specific liquid echinacea extract three times daily for three days at the first indication of the common cold does not prevent an ear infection. In fact, ear infections appeared to be rising.
- Tonsillitis. According to preliminary study, spraying a specific mixture of sage and echinacea into the mouth every two hours for up to ten times a day for up to five days alleviates sore throat sensations in a manner comparable to that of regularly used medication sprays for tonsillitis sufferers. Other preliminary studies indicate that giving persons with tonsillitis 50 drops of the echinacea supplement Esberitox, Schaper & Brummer, Salzgitter-Ringelheim, Germany, three times a day for two weeks, coupled with an antibiotic, can lessen painful throat and improve general wellbeing.
- eye irritation (Uveitis). Early research indicates that giving persons with eye inflammation 150 mg of an echinacea supplement (Iridium, SOOFT Italia SpA) twice day for four weeks along with eye drops and a steroid to treat inflammation does not enhance vision any more than giving them eye drops and steroids alone does.
- Warts. According to preliminary study, consuming echinacea orally every day for up to three months won’t get rid of warts on the skin. However, utilizing traditional treatments along with a supplement containing echinacea, methionine, zinc, probiotics, antioxidants, and substances that boost the immune system for six months appears to be more effective than using conventional treatments only.
- infections of the urinary tract (UTIs).
- Candida infections.
- HIV/AIDS.
- infections of the bloodstream.
- Staph infections.
- Syphilis.
- Typhoid.
- Malaria.
- Diphtheria.
- head pain from migraines.
- syndrome of protracted weariness (CFS).
- Eczema.
- other allergens, such as hay fever.
- Stinging bees.
- Hyperactive/attentional deficit disorder (ADHD).
- Swine flu
- arthritis rheumatoid (RA).
- Indigestion.
- Pain.
- Dizziness.
- Snake bites are common.
- other circumstances
According to the following scale, the effectiveness of natural medicines is rated by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate (detailed description of each of the ratings).
Side Effects
When used orally for a brief period of time, echinacea is LIKELY SAFE for the majority of people. Echinacea has been used safely in a variety of liquid and solid formulations for up to 10 days. A. Vogel Bioforce AG, Switzerland’s Echinaforce is one of many products that can be used safely for up to six months.
Fever, nausea, vomiting, bad taste, stomach discomfort, diarrhea, sore throat, dry mouth, headache, numb tongue, dizziness, sleeplessness, confusion, and joint and muscle aches are a some of the side effects that have been noted. Echinacea has been known to occasionally result in liver irritation.
Children and adults who are allergic to ragweed, mums, marigolds, or daisies are most likely to experience allergic responses when using echinacea. Before using echinacea, make sure to see your doctor if you have any allergies.
What supplements with autoimmune disease should I stay away from?
For the pharmacist: I’ve taken Copaxone because I have MS. You advised me not to take supplements to boost my immune system last year. Can you tell me what sorts of supplements are safe and why? R.T., Decatur, Illinois
Hello R.T. Imagine staring at yourself in the mirror, only to discover that you are actually a robber. You then begin punching yourself, which is painful. Autoimmune illness occurs when your immune system mistakenly views your own tissue as an outside invader and starts to attack it.
Rheumatoid arthritis primarily affects the joints, while Hashimoto’s disease affects the thyroid, MS affects the brain and spinal cord neurons, and so forth.
Avoid large amounts of supplements including ginseng, cat’s claw, echinacea, beta carotene, and vitamin C. Why stoke the fire further? You could lose your remission and go into deeper despair if you do this.
Although there are a lot of different nutrients, I’ll provide a few suggestions in the space available.
For now, think about eating no gluten and getting any of these vitamins and minerals:
DHA. a kind of important fatty acid found in fish oils that supports the health of nerve cells and regulates inflammatory chemicals that are out of control.
Padma Simple. This historic recipe originated in Tibet and was transmitted there. In other countries, this medication is known as Padma 28, although it is not available there without a prescription. It contains 20 herbs and spices that are all-natural, which help to balance your immune system and reduce inflammation. The nerd in me researched this unique mixture of plants, which also includes heartleaf, valerian, clove flower, and resurrection lily. It benefits autoimmune patients because it “cools down” an overheated immune system. It is also excellent for the heart and blood circulation, and it has been used successfully in clinical trials to treat atherosclerosis, angina, and heart failure. All conditions characterized by inflammation have names that finish in “itis.” Any “itis,” such as hepatitis, arthritis, thyroiditis, pneumonia, and, get this, it can prevent a root canal (pulpitis), can be treated with Padma.
In whom should echinacea not be taken?
Consult your doctor before using echinacea if you regularly take other medications. Additionally, if you smoke, use illegal substances, drink alcohol or caffeine-containing beverages, you should disclose this to your doctor. These might impact how echinacea functions.
If you have an autoimmune ailment (like lupus), an infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, echinacea may not be beneficial to you (AIDS). Before beginning to use echinacea, you should discuss with your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing.
Echinacea allergy risk may be increased if you have a history of allergies to daisies, ragweed, marigolds, chrysanthemums, or other related plants.
What plants are harmful for autoimmune conditions?
- Try drinking beverages high in vitamin C, such orange or grapefruit juice, when it comes to hydration. Both lemon and lime juice are excellent detoxifiers. Aloe juice supports the lungs and reduces swelling
- Try an apple cider vinegar bath with 2 to 4 cups of vinegar in hot water for a detox bath. Or try soaking for 45 to 1 hour in 1 lb. of Himalayan sea salt. A bath infused with herbs or with essential oils is another option.
- It is crucial that you use medicinal-grade essential oils for therapeutic purposes. Lemon, lime, grapefruit, and wild orange are cleansing oils. Melaleuca, peppermint, rosemary, clove, ginger, and marjoram oils are good immune boosters. Using equal portions of lime, white fir, and marjoram on the lungs, some oils can help the body with coughing. (Avoid ylang ylang, geranium, and thyme).
Here are a few more things to use cautious when attempting. Different autoimmune problem sufferers respond differently to these treatments.
- The ingredients in this recipe for fire cider are energizing and can help your body fight off an infection by boosting your immune system. The fundamental recipe is available here. Additionally incredibly detoxifying, these foods are quite beneficial. Be alert for a persistent illness or a feeling of increased sluggishness. This would be a sign that your body might not react to this well.
- Black pepper, cumin, nutmeg, turmeric (some Th2 people don’t fare well with this), cinnamon, and ginger are some examples of adaptogen spices.
You can start to identify the meals and herbs that are good for you and those that are bad for your health if you keep a journal. Be aware that reactions are frequently subtle, so it could be necessary to give something a few days to see how it affects you in reality. You can also test a food or herb on your muscles to see how your body could react. Find instructions on how to do this here.
Why should someone with lupus stay away from echinacea?
The lack of diet and nutrition knowledge particular to lupus continues to be very frustrating. However, research has helped us understand which foods and lifestyle decisions can lessen the negative symptoms of lupus. There are specific foods that can influence how the body responds to inflammation, and as we all know, inflammation is a defining feature of autoimmune disorders like lupus. Here, we provide advice that is supported by science and will make living with lupus easier for you.
Is there a lupus diet?
No. There is no specific diet for persons with lupus, no list of what you should eat, drink, and avoid in order to alleviate the symptoms of lupus or, better yet, to make it go away, despite the countless claims made on the Internet and in various books. There is no specific organ system or portion of the body affected by systemic lupus. However, the same response holds true for cutaneous lupus: The most fundamental dietary recommendations apply if you have lupus.
Recommendation from us
Consume plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and a variety of lean meats and poultry in moderation as part of a balanced, nutritious diet. Try to consume fatty fish once or twice every week by baking or grilling it (see also Something’s Fishy). Limit your intake of foods that are hydrogenated, partially hydrogenated, or contain trans fats. If there is no fluid restriction, drink lots of water and minimize your intake of sweet foods and beverages.
Can I help my lupus by adding antioxidants to my diet?
Maybe. Antioxidants, like vitamin C and selenium, may guard against the potential cellular harm that free radicals can do. Free radicals are molecules that are created when food is broken down by the body or by exposure to radiation and tobacco smoke in the environment. Heart disease, cancer, and other illnesses could be caused by free radicals. Antioxidants have been demonstrated to be useful in preventing retinal illnesses including macular degeneration, but nothing is known about how they affect the activity and course of lupus.
It is recommended to gain antioxidants from a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains rather than through supplements, even if there are antioxidant supplements available. This is because the combination of elements in foods high in antioxidants may have the greatest impact. Prunes, raisins, blueberries, blackberries, beets, and red bell peppers are among examples. While both kale and spinach are high in antioxidants, they are also high in vitamin K, which is renowned for its anticoagulant properties. If you regularly consume large amounts of any of these plants, consult your doctor.
Is it true that aspartame can cause or trigger lupus?
Doubtful. Aspartame does not, in our opinion, cause the onset of lupus. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given its approval for the use of aspartame (NutraSweet, Equal), saccharin (Sweet’N Low), acesulfame potassium (Sunett), and sucralose (Splenda) in a wide range of foods and beverages. According to the National Cancer Institute (see “Resources list”), there is no solid evidence that any of these products cause cancer, and numerous other studies support the safety of artificial sweeteners for the general public. (There is one known exception: Aspartame must include a PKU warning on all items that contain it since it is unsafe for persons who have the uncommon hereditary condition phenylketonuria.)
However, there is some proof that regular intake of beverages with artificial sweeteners increases the risk of being overweight or obese.
Aspartame and other artificial sweeteners are acceptable for lupus patients to ingest, however for a well-balanced diet, all non-nutritive sugary foods and beverages should be consumed in moderation.
I’ve read that the body needs sunlight to make vitamin D, but I’m supposed to avoid the sun so my lupus won’t flare. What should I do?
The relationship between vitamin D, ultraviolet (UV) light, and your bones should come first. Calcium and vitamin D requirements must be met in order to maintain strong bones. Calcium is a necessary mineral that humans obtain through food or supplements, and vitamin D is necessary to improve calcium absorption from the small intestine. Vitamin D, on the other hand, can only be acquired through a trifecta of three sources: vitamin supplements, naturally containing or fortified foods containing vitamin D, and exposure to UV light (particularly UVB from the sun).
Vitamin D is now recognized by researchers as being crucial for immune system health in addition to bone health. Vitamin D may influence the onset and severity of various autoimmune illnesses, including lupus, in addition to appearing to affect the immune system’s activity. Low vitamin D levels have also been linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, a weakened immune system, and the onset of osteoporosis later in life.
Numerous studies have revealed that there are frighteningly many people in the United States and other nations who have low levels of vitamin D. Due to a combination of lupus disease activity, corticosteroid medication, and avoiding sunlight since UV radiation protection helps to reduce lupus flares, people with lupus frequently have low levels of vitamin D. The quantity of UV radiation and vitamin D you receive depends on your geographic latitude, the time of day, the weather, smog, darker skin, and whether or not you wear sunscreen. Other risk factors for vitamin D insufficiency include obesity and advanced age.
Consult your doctor about getting your blood levels of vitamin D evaluated if you have limited sun exposure due to lupus; vitamin D can be supplemented with pills or through food.
If echinacea boosts the immune system, is it helpful for lupus?
No. A plant known as echinacea is thought to have immune-stimulating effects. There is proof that long-term usage of this medication increases the risk of lupus nephritis flare-ups and lower white blood cell counts (leukopenia). Echinacea may potentially cause liver inflammation and interfere with the liver’s ability to break down some medications. Echinacea may interfere with immunosuppressant medications you may be using to treat your lupus, such as prednisone, azathioprine, mycophenolate, and cyclosporine, if it does really boost the immune system.
Are there special benefits for lupus from eating fish?
Probably. Fish is generally a healthy food option because it is low in saturated fat (the “bad”), can be frozen, is frequently available in a range of species, and can be prepared in a variety of ways.
The fact that certain fish species are high in advantageous omega-3 fatty acids is significant for patients with lupus (see also Awesome Omega-3s). Salmon (wild is safer than farm-raised due to toxins in commercial fish “chow”), trout, mackerel, sardines, and uncanned tuna are some fish high in omega-3 fatty acids.
Young children and women who are pregnant, nursing, or considering a pregnancy should take extra measures since mercury levels can be dangerous. Good options include salmon and sardines because they normally contain little mercury. (For further information, visit the Environmental Protection Agency website listed under “Resources.”)
Eat fish that has been baked or broiled several times per week, make an effort to choose varieties that are low in mercury and high in omega-3s, and keep your intake of farmed fish to no more than once or twice per week. (Also, don’t pay more just because “organic” is written on the package; the U.S. Department of Agriculture does not have established standards for “organic fish.)
Is it true that women with lupus are at especially high risk for heart disease?
Yes. Women with lupus are five to ten times more likely than the general population to develop heart disease. You could have higher risk factors than average, which could include:
- renal disease or corticosteroid use-related hypertension
- increased risk of type 2 diabetes and elevated cholesterol due to corticosteroid use
- a sedentary, inactive lifestyle brought on by weariness, joint discomfort, and/or muscular pain
But even after accounting for these risk variables, atherosclerosis is more likely to occur in lupus sufferers.
If you have lupus, you should be aware that you are at risk for cardiovascular disease. There are numerous ways to lower your risk of heart attacks and other problems from coronary artery disease: Control any known risk factors, manage the symptoms of lupus, and consult your doctor about reducing or quitting your corticosteroid use.
Can noni juice help my lupus?
We are dubious. Noni juice has received a lot of attention in recent years for its immune-boosting and anti-cancer properties. However, there is no conclusive proof that noni juice is advantageous for preventing or treating any particular disease. As an immune system stimulant, noni juice may even have negative consequences if you have lupus because your immune system is already overactive. Additionally, depending on the brand, the nutritional value of noni juice might vary, and the potassium concentration can occasionally be rather high. If your lupus affects your kidneys, this can be problematic because failing kidneys may not be able to control potassium levels. Too much potassium in your body might result in a heart attack or an irregular pulse.