12Interactions
When using echinacea to treat a few conditions, it is important to know that the plant can interact with some medications, supplements, and substances. Taking echinacea and caffeine at the same time would cause a few side effects like rapid heartbeat, headache, or jitteriness. This is because echinacea can slow down the breaking down of caffeine. The plant can also change how the body processes a few medications. This means the expected effects and possible side effects may be enhanced. Similarly, medications that are broken down by the liver can also get the same effects because the plant can slow down the operation of the organ. Keep in mind that echinacea could boost the immune system as well, thus reducing the effectiveness of a few medications aiming at decreasing immunity. For these reasons, it is very important to consult your healthcare provider or doctor before deciding to combine echinacea supplements or teas with any drugs. [12]
