Echinacea is a popularly used herbal supplement used to strengthen the immune system. It used to treat upper respiratory tract infections and prevent and treat the common cold, fevers, sore throats and other body infections. Acid reflux is also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. This condition occurs when weakened sphincter muscles between the stomach and the esophagus cause gastric acids to splash up into the esophagus. GERD causes heartburn, chest pain, a bitter taste, coughing, hoarseness and shortness of breath. Echinacea is not indicated to treat acid reflux. However, in some cases, this herb may cause gastrointestinal side effects that may worsen acid reflux. Consult your doctor before taking echinacea.
Step 1
See your doctor about treatment for acid reflux. Inform your doctor of your diet and any prescription and herbal medications you are taking. Ask your doctor about taking echinacea. Your doctor may advise you to cease taking echinacea and other herbal supplements until your acid reflux problems are treated and your symptoms are under control.
Step 2
Purchase echinacea supplements from a health-food store. If your doctor advises that it is safe to take this herb, begin the supplementation to treat or prevent illness. Carefully read the product label to ensure that it does not contain any ingredients that you may be allergic to.
Step 3
Take the recommended dose of echinacea to enhance your immune system. The daily recommended dose of this herb is 1 to 2 g of dried root or herb of echinacea consumed as a tea three times a day or 2 to 3 ml of standardized tincture extract that is taken in liquid drop form.
Step 4
Continue taking the daily echinacea supplement dose for seven to 10 days. This duration is recommended to boost the immune system to help treat colds, flu, upper respiratory infection and bladder infections. Dosages of echinacea for preventing illness may vary. Follow the label guidelines.
Tips and Warnings
- Echinacea is also used in a medicinal cream or lotion form to treat slow-healing skin wounds and rashes. The leaves, stems, flowers and roots of the echinacea plant are used in fresh or extracted form to make this herbal supplement for both internal and external use.
- Individuals with liver disorders, leukemia, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, HIV or AIDS and any autoimmune disease should not take echinacea. This herb should also not be used if you are taking any immunosuppressant medication, such as corticosteroids. In rare cases, echinacea may cause allergic reactions. This is more common in individuals with severe allergies to pollen or daisies.
