Long Term Use of Echinacea and Goldenseal
Answered by: Susan Eagles
Question from: Name not given
Posted on: February 11, 1999

I was wondering what where the long-term effects of the usage of echinacea with golden seal.

No side effects have been reported in clinical trials of Echinacea. There is no evidence that Echinacea loses its effect when taken for long periods.

For more information on echinacea, see Steven Foster’s book "Echinacea, Nature’s Immune Enhancer" or Christopher Hobb’s "Echinacea: The Immune Herb!" (both available from Richters).

Golden Seal’s most important use is to improve the mucous membranes of the intestines, and the vaginal and urinary tracts. According to clinical research, Goldenseal does not act as a systemic antibiotic. Although the constituent berberine does have antibiotic properties, it is poorly absorbed by the intestine. It is not, therefore, useful in prevention of colds. Because it is not an abundant herb, in the interests of conservation it should not be used for this purpose.

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