When struck with the common cold, you might be tempted to reach for a combination Echinacea/ Goldenseal complex herbal preparation. There are many people who are stanch believers in this method for reducing the impact of the cold, but it is still a medication. Care must be taken when introducing another medicinal agent into your health regimen. Consult a doctor before taking any herbal supplement, and be sure to know all the side effects and interactions before you take that step.
Uses of Echinacea
Echinacea has been used for many things, but its most common usage is for the common cold. Some research shows that taking the herb reduces the symptoms, severity and longevity of the cold, but other studies seem to show that it has no effect at all. Herbalists also have used it to treat urinary tract infections, vaginal yeast infections, ear infections, athlete's foot, sinusitis, hay fever and slow-healing wounds
Echinacea Precautions
People with tuberculosis, leukemia, diabetes, AIDS, multiple sclerosis, connective tissue disorders or any autoimmune disorder should not take echinacea. An allergic reaction may occur, especially if you are prone to asthma or allergies. People with allergies to plants in the daisy family should also be cautious. A painful skin condition known as erythema nodosum has been reported after taking echinacea. It also causes tingling in the mouth. Echinacea should not be taken with immunosuppressant drugs.
Uses of Goldenseal
Goldenseal also is thought to have an effect on the common cold, but there is very little research supporting this claim. It can help with a sore throat, but there is not much evidence that it helps with other aspects of upper respiratory infections. Goldenseal also can be used for digestion, upset stomach and for its antibacterial properties. Goldenseal also can help with eye infections. There is a belief that it can mask the presence of illegal drugs in the body, but that has been widely debated.
Goldenseal Precautions
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use Goldenseal. It also can interfere with how many prescription medications are used by the body, so it is best to let your physician and pharmacist know you are taking Goldenseal. People with high blood pressure, liver and heart disease should be cautious when taking this herb. Goldenseal can cause an increased sensitivity to sunlight, so sunscreen should be used. It also can irritate the skin, mouth and vagina. Blood thinners, such as warfarin and tetracycline antibiotics, interact poorly with this herb and should not be mixed.
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