Echinacea herb is an antibiotic and antiseptic of natural origin. Often used during exacerbation of seasonal diseases.
- How to take Echinacea for children
- Echinacea during pregnancy
- How to make echinacea tincture
- How to brew echinacea tea
- How to take Echinacea tablets
- How to take echinacea for a cold
- How to drink echinacea for prevention
- How to drink echinacea to boost immunity
Indications for use
Echinacea has a wide range of uses. The medicine can be used to treat various diseases and for their prevention. The drug is often used as part of complex treatment.
Also, echinacea monopreparations are effective in the following cases:
- metabolic problems and related diseases (diabetes mellitus, liver disease);
- stress and depression;
- inflammatory processes;
- infectious diseases;
- female and male infertility (complex treatment);
- after surgery and prolonged use of antibiotics;
- problems with potency;
- skin lesions.
Where can I buy
You can buy echinacea in liquid form at a pharmacy or order it from the well-known online store iHerb.
The lowest prices for echination for a child are in the well-known online store iHerb. From other sellers the cost will be 30-50% higher. You can check it yourself.
There is a discount of up to 10% on iHerb using this promotional code:
AGK4375
Activate
The promotional code is activated in the cart after adding the 1st product and is valid only for the 1st order.
Adverse reactions
In some cases, side effects are possible:
- stomach upset;
- increased fatigue, dizziness;
- high body temperature;
- skin rash.
Long-term side effects such as liver disease and a weakened immune system are also possible. Such effects may occur if you do not follow the instructions.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as those with pollen allergies, should take with caution.
What is Echinacea?
Echinacea is a natural drug that belongs to the group of plants from the Asteraceae family.
It has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and immunostimulating effects. Stimulates cerebral hematopoiesis, resulting in an increase in the number of leukocytes and cells of the reticuloendothelial system of the spleen. Increases nonspecific resistance of the body. They say that all diseases are caused by nerves. There is a relationship between emotions and the immune system. Today it has been proven that the mechanisms occurring in the nervous tissue are triggered by the immune system, and not vice versa. For example, chronic infections cause chronic depression. Then a vicious circle arises - immune disorders are triggered by stress and depress mood, stress suppresses the immune system. And here the natural herbal preparation Echinacea comes to our aid.
How to take Echinacea for children
Pediatricians often advise parents to give echinacea to ease the course of the child’s illness and reduce the duration of the illness. It is effective for runny nose, flu and colds. Only a doctor can determine the appropriate dose. Even a harmless decoction or tea can harm a child if self-medicated. Echinacea in syrup form is best for babies. The treatment regimen is as follows:
- Up to 2 years – 1 tsp. a glass of water 2 times a day;
- 3-5 years – 2 tsp. 250 ml of water 2 times a day;
- 5-15 years – 1 tbsp. l. per day (does not need to be diluted with water).
Benefits and harms for the child’s body
For children, echinacea tincture is prescribed primarily to strengthen the immune system. It is made from the rhizomes of the plant. They contain the following beneficial substances:
- Phenylpropanoids (chicoric, caffeic and chlorogenic acids). Stimulate the synthesis of lymphocytes - specific blood cells that protect the body from viral infections.
- Polysaccharides. They enhance the immune response to foreign proteins, which prevents the development of diseases.
- Alkylamides. Inhibits inflammatory processes in the body.
Other active ingredients are obtained from the inflorescences:
- Flavonoids (nicotiflorin and rutin). They increase the density of capillary walls, prevent blood thickening and thrombus formation. Inhibits inflammatory processes and neutralizes the effects of solar radiation.
- Essential oils. Accelerate recovery from respiratory infections. Inhibits inflammation in tissues.
It is recommended to give Echinacea tincture to children with an increased incidence of ARVI. It stimulates the immune system and accelerates recovery by activating the production of interferons - proteins that inhibit the proliferation of viruses.
But if the recommended dosages or individual sensitivity are exceeded, the child may experience a deterioration in well-being. It is caused by overstimulation of the immune system.
Watch a video about the medicinal properties of the plant:
Echinacea Medicinal Properties
How to make echinacea tincture
Pharmacy echinacea contains alcohol, so it can only be given to adults. In practice, you can give it to a teenager from 12 years old, after diluting 1/3 of the tincture with 2/3 of water. A teenager can be given no more than 10 diluted drops per day. The duration of the treatment course is no more than 60 days.
To prepare your own tincture, you will need to pour fresh flowers or crushed roots with 70% alcohol in a ratio of 1 to 4. Leave to infuse in a dark place for 4 weeks.
Release forms suitable for children
It is recommended to give Echinacea to children in liquid form. There are 2 types on sale:
- Alcohol tincture. It can be drunk and also used externally for compresses or skin treatment. But this drug has a number of restrictions regarding age and compatibility with other drugs. You can buy the tincture at any pharmacy.
- Extract in drops. Costs more. The extract can be given to children from 12 months. The bottle is usually equipped with a special pipette, which makes dosing easier.
How to take Echinacea tablets
Medicine in tablet form is the most common type, especially for children. This is a homeopathic medicine that can be taken from 4 years of age. Children under 12 years of age can be given 1 tablet 3 times a day. A child over 12 years of age and an adult are prescribed 2 tablets three times a day. You need to take the tablet with enough water. The medicine is also available in the form of lozenges. They do not need to be washed down with water, but rather kept in your mouth for as long as possible.
Dr. Theiss Echinacea forte solution for oral administration in a dropper bottle 50 ml No. 1
Name
Dr. Theiss Echinacea Forte.
Release forms
Solution.
INN
Echinacea purple herb juice.
Compound
50 ml of solution contains: active substance: Juice squeezed from a fresh flowering plant Echinacea purpurea (1.5 - 2.5:1) 37.8 ml excipient: Ethanol 90% (by volume) 12.2 ml
Description
Transparent or slightly opalescent solution from brown to red-brown color with a characteristic odor. When shaken, the solution may contain particles visible to the naked eye.
Pharmacotherapeutic group
Other immunostimulants. ATC code – L03AX
Pharmacological properties
Echinacea purpurea stimulates the nonspecific immune system (phagocytosis of macrophages and natural killer cell activity).
Indications for use
Short-term prevention and treatment as part of complex therapy of acute respiratory diseases.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to the components of the drug. Progressive systemic and autoimmune diseases, incl. tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, systemic connective tissue diseases (collagenosis), multiple sclerosis, HIV infection or AIDS, malignant diseases, pathology of the leukocyte system (hemoblastosis, agranulocytosis, etc.), a state of immunodeficiency or immunosuppression. Allergic reactions to plants of the Asteraceae family. Children's age (up to 12 years). Pregnancy and lactation period.
Carefully
Liver diseases, alcoholism, traumatic brain injury, brain diseases, epilepsy, children over 12 years of age.
Dosage and method of administration
Unless otherwise directed, adults and children over 12 years of age take 55 drops (equivalent to 2.75 ml) 3-4 times daily. Drops can be taken pure or dissolved in water. Reception does not depend on food intake. For the prevention and treatment of colds, do not use for more than 10 days. When treating colds, you should start taking the drug at the first signs of the disease.
Side effect
Hypersensitivity reactions may develop (skin rash, itching, urticaria, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, angioedema, decreased blood pressure, bronchospasm with obstruction, anaphylactic shock). Echinacea may cause allergic reactions in patients with atopy. The development of gastrointestinal disorders (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) is possible. There have been reports of a connection between taking Echinacea preparations and the development of autoimmune diseases (disseminated encephalitis, erythema nodosum, immune thrombocytopenia, Evans syndrome, Sjögren's syndrome with renal tubular dysfunction). If taken for more than 8 weeks, leukopenia may develop. If these reactions occur or other symptoms not listed in these instructions occur, you should stop taking the drug and consult a doctor.
Overdose
There is no information about cases of overdose. In case of overdose, the symptoms described in the “Side Effects” section may develop or intensify. If a child accidentally takes a large amount of this medicine, consult a doctor immediately. Severe ethyl alcohol poisoning is possible, which can be fatal in young children.
Interaction with other drugs
Concomitant use with immunosuppressants is not recommended. It is possible to change the pharmacological effects of drugs metabolized with the participation of cytochrome P450. Interactions associated with the presence of ethyl alcohol in the composition: - drugs that cause a disulfiram-like reaction (feeling of heat, redness of the skin, vomiting, tachycardia) when taken together with alcohol: disulfiram, cefamandole, cefoperazone, latamoxef, chloramphenicol, chlorpropamide, glibenclamide, glipizide , tolbutamide, griseofulvin, nitro-5-imidazole derivatives (metronidazole, ornidazole, tinidazole), ketoconazole, procarbazine. - drugs that inhibit the functions of the central nervous system. - It is necessary to avoid the simultaneous use of other medicines containing ethyl alcohol. Before taking it together with other medications, you should consult your doctor.
special instructions
The drug Dr. Theiss Echinacea Forte contains 22 vol.% ethanol. A single dose of the drug (55 drops) contains 0.6 g of ethanol, which should be taken into account when accidentally taking a large amount of the drug. Due to the ethyl alcohol content, use the drug with caution in patients with liver diseases, organic brain diseases, epilepsy, alcoholics, and children over 12 years of age. If while taking the drug the symptoms do not improve or the condition worsens (a cough with purulent sputum appears, breathing problems develop, the temperature rises), you should consult a doctor. If you have recurring respiratory tract infections, you should consult your doctor. There is a risk of anaphylactic reactions in patients with atopy, these patients should consult a doctor before using echinacea preparations. Possible turbidity of the drug or the appearance of sediment does not affect the quality of the drug.
Impact on the ability to drive a car and operate machinery
The medicine contains ethyl alcohol (22 vol.% ethanol). While taking the medicine, it is not recommended to drive vehicles or operate mechanical equipment.
Release form
50 ml brown glass bottles with a polyethylene dropper, screwed on with a plastic cap. The bottle along with the instructions is placed in a cardboard box.
Best before date
3 years. Store an open bottle for no more than 4 weeks. Do not use after expiration date.
Storage conditions
Store in a tightly closed bottle at a temperature not exceeding +25 °C, out of the reach of children.
Buy Doctor Theiss Echinacea forte solution for oral administration in bottle-cap. 50ml in pack No. 1 in the pharmacy
Price for Doctor Theiss Echinacea forte solution for oral administration in bottle-cap. 50ml in pack No. 1
Instructions for use for Dr. Theiss Echinacea forte solution for oral administration in vial-cap. 50ml in pack No. 1
How to take echinacea for a cold
Echinacea purpurea is effective for colds. Even if a person has already caught a cold, you can take a herbal tincture to alleviate the condition. Echinacea kills germs, helps with high body temperature, and prevents the proliferation of harmful microorganisms.
To eliminate symptoms, you need to take medicinal tea. It will take 1 tsp. crushed herbs, pour 0.5 liters of hot water and leave to infuse for 45 minutes. You need to drink 250 ml of this tea 3 times a day.
Review of drugs
You can buy echinacea for your child at a regular pharmacy or online. Below is a list of the best drugs.
#5 Herbs for Kids, Sweet Echinacea
Herbs for Kids, Sweet Echinacea, 2 fl oz (59 ml)
★★★★★
RUB 1,012
More details
Price for 1 serving – 46 rubles. 45 kopecks
Short description:
- country of origin – USA;
- volume – 59 ml;
- daily dosage – 3 ml.
The drug does not contain preservatives or flavors. It can be given to children from 12 months. The daily dosage is calculated based on the child's weight.
Pros:
- The product improves immunity.
Minuses:
- No
No. 4 Herb Pharm, Echinacea for children, orange flavor, alcohol-free
Herb Pharm, Children's Echinacea, Alcohol-Free, Orange Flavor, 1 fl oz (30 ml)
★★★★★
884 rub.
More details
The cost of 1 serving is 6 rubles. 56 kopecks
Brief information:
- Country: USA;
- bottle volume – 30 ml;
- daily dosage – 5-20 drops.
The supplement is based on plant root extract and does not contain gluten, alcohol or allergens. Suitable for vegans. The composition contains a natural flavoring – orange oil.
Pros:
- The dietary supplement has a pleasant taste;
- strengthens the immune system.
Minuses:
- No
#3 ChildLife, Echinacea with Essential Nutrients and Natural Orange Flavor
ChildLife, Essential Nutrients, Echinacea, Natural Orange Flavor, 29.6 ml
★★★★★
545 rub.
More details
Price for 1 serving – 7 rubles. 82 kopecks
General characteristics:
- country of origin – USA;
- volume – 29.6 ml;
- dosage per day – 2 ml.
The drug is based on extracts of angustifolia and purple echinacea and does not contain alcohol. Natural orange oil is used as a flavoring agent.
The product is suitable for children over 6 months. It can be given to a child 0.5 ml 4 times a day.
Pros:
- Echinacea produces a pronounced immunostimulating effect;
- has a pleasant taste.
Minuses:
- No
No. 2 Dr. Theiss, Echinacea tincture
from 201.88 RUR
The cost of 1 serving is 4 rubles.
General description:
- country of origin – Germany;
- bottle volume – 50 ml;
- daily dosage – 60 drops.
The drug has a natural composition. To enhance the therapeutic effect, the manufacturer recommends holding the tincture in your mouth for 5-10 seconds and only then swallowing it.
The child should take the product 3 times a day, 20 drops.
Pros:
- tincture improves immunity.
Minuses:
- the product contains alcohol;
- has an unpleasant taste.
No. 1 GalenoPharm, Echinacea tincture
from 115 ₽
The price of 1 serving is 2 rubles. 21 kopecks
General information:
- country of origin – Russia;
- volume – 50 ml;
- daily dosage – 60 drops (3 ml).
An additive based on an alcoholic infusion of plant rhizomes. It can be taken orally and applied externally. It has a pronounced immunostimulating effect.
The drug should be given to the child 20 drops 3 times a day.
Pros:
- The dietary supplement has a natural composition;
- reduces appetite.
Minuses:
- may cause an allergic reaction;
- not used for kidney disease.
How to drink echinacea for prevention
If you follow the instructions and do not exceed the prescribed dosage, the tablets can be a good prevention of colds and flu. For preventive purposes, Echinacea should be taken as follows:
- 4-6 years – 1 tablet 2 times a day;
- 6-12 years – 1 tablet 3 times a day;
- From 12 years – 2 tablets twice a day.
You need to take the drug for a week, then take a break for 48 hours and resume taking it again. The duration of the entire preventive course is 30-45 days.
Note!
The description of the drug Echinacea on this page is a simplified author’s version of the apteka911 website, created on the basis of the instructions for use.
Before purchasing or using the drug, you should consult your doctor and read the manufacturer's original instructions (attached to each package of the drug). Information about the drug is provided for informational purposes only and should not be used as a guide to self-medication. Only a doctor can decide to prescribe the drug, as well as determine the dose and methods of its use.
Side effects and allergies
Side effects on Echinacea drops in children occur with increased sensitivity to the active substance. Reactions appear 2-5 days after the start of the course. Their symptoms:
- hives;
- skin redness;
- itching;
- labored breathing;
- dizziness;
- decreased blood pressure;
- nausea;
- vomit.
If such signs appear, you should reduce the dosage or stop taking the drug.
Drug interactions
Echinacea inhibits the effect of immunosuppressants, so it is not recommended to take it simultaneously with these drugs. It also produces a hepatotoxic effect when used in combination with methotrexate, amiodarone, ketoconazole and steroids.
Alcohol tincture is not compatible with antibacterial and sedatives, as it contains ethanol. It is not recommended to combine it with other drugs that strengthen the body's defenses, as this can lead to hyperstimulation of the immune system.
Overdose
Significantly exceeding the recommended doses of Echinacea preparations leads to the following consequences:
- nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, flatulence, upset stool;
- increased excitability, sleep disturbance, irritability.
If one of these signs occurs, you should stop taking the drug. Then symptomatic treatment should be carried out.
Attention! You can resume the course after an overdose only with the consent of your doctor.