Echinacea ( Composite or daisy family) is reviewed by Hale ( 97 edn. p. 210):
"Apparently, purified echinacea is relatively nontoxic even at high doses.  No
data are available on its transfer into human milk, or its effect on
lactation."



German Commission E: no mention of lactation as a contraindication.
Contraindicated for "Progressive systemic diseases such as tuberculosis,
leucopathy, collagenosis, multiple sclerosis".  Note that should not be given
by  "parenteral route to patients with tendency to be allergic to daisy
family, or in pregnancy." (as excerpted in Phytotherapy in Paediatrics, H
Schilcher, 1997 English edition, Medpharm ).

Botanical Safety Handbook ( 1997) rates it a 1 ( safe when used appropriately)
but note it is not to be used in systemic diseases as named above and add
"AIDS, HIV infections and other autoimmune diseases".

Sheila Humphrey
BSc  RN  IBCLC
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