echinacea, a perennial herb used for medicinal purposes. ▪ INDICATIONS: It is used for those with low immune status, for hard-to-heal superficial wounds, and as a sun protectant. It is most commonly used to treat the common cold and upper respiratory infections. It has no apparent protective effects but may decrease the duration and symptoms of the infection if started when symptoms are first noticed. There are insufficient reliable data for other indications. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: It is not recommended during pregnancy and lactation or in children. It is also contraindicated in people who have autoimmune diseases such as lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, HIV/AIDS, or collagen disease and in people with tuberculosis or hypersensitivity to Bellis species or the Compositae family of herbs. Immunosuppression may occur after extended therapy with this herb. It should not be used for more than 8 weeks.
