Echinacea
Avoid Echinacea
Echinacea Purpura
Avoid as there have been reports of kidney toxicity. No real helpful effects in preventing colds or flu when taking echinacea were noted from a large double blind study. It neither warded off colds or flu nor did it create any ill feeling. It is said to heighten the immune response, caution if you have had a transplant. However amongst herbs, elderberry does seem to help lessen the impact of a cold. Careful with echinacea and withdraw from using it, two weeks prior to surgery. Some surgeons have noticed complications when patients take this herb near the time of surgery. It may prolong bleeding times. Put aside for two weeks prior to any surgery.
