Echinacea Background  

Echinacea has been the subject of many studies, which seek to prove the many health benefits associated with the consumption of echinacea. However, there have also been studies which show that there are potentially life threatening side effects associated with the consumption of echinacea. Side effects can include a possible life threatening allergic reaction or allergy induced asthma attack. There are also many interactions between medications and echinacea and individuals should discuss that possibility with their doctor, before they begin to consume echinacea.

Echinacea Benefits  

The health benefits associated with echinacea include a boost to the immune system after individuals consume echinacea. In fact, some studies showed that echinacea could ward of a cold, or shorten the duration of colds when an individual consumes echinacea. There have also been studies which showed that echinacea had anti-tumor properties. However, scientists cannot decipher why these positive effects would occur and individuals should carefully consider the possible negative side effects, in conjunction with the health benefits of echinacea, before they begin to consume it.