Dr. Michael Murray The IMMUNE FA CTOR - Natural MediFAQS

T H E I M M U N E F A C T O R
Is echinacea safe?
Echinamide is extremely safe. When echinacea is used
at the recommended doses even for indefinite periods,
there is no danger of toxicity as no studies have
reported acute or chronic toxicity. 34 Echinacea use is
usually without side effects, however, allergic reactions
have been reported in people who are allergic to other
members of plants in the daisy family (daisy, ragweed,
marigolds, etc.).
Are there any people who should not use echinacea?
Many experts recommend that echinacea should not be
used by people with acquired immunodeficiency
syndrome (AIDS) or human-immunodeficiency virus
(HIV) infection. Theoretically, echinacea use may lead
to stimulation of viral replication of the virus as well.
Although somewhat controversial, until more research
is done, I think it wise to avoid echinacea use if you are
infected with HIV.
Since echinacea can enhance immune function, it
must not be used in people who have had organ
transplants or who are taking drugs to purposely
suppress the immune system like cyclophosphamide.
This recommendation is based on the theoretical
premise that echinacea may interfere with these drugs
that are purposely used to suppress the immune system
from rejecting the transplanted organ.
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