I researched a few different herbs which I am mainly using to strengthen my immune system. I will note down here the herbal safety of Sage and Echinacea.
Sage:
I mostly use sage in tea or as aromatherapy. It helps to calm and soothe my sore throat. In general I observe it to be very calming to my mood.
Side effects:
Sage is Likely safe when using it in amounts for food. It is possibly safe when taken by mouth in medical amounts up to 4 months and possibly unsafe when taken by mouth un high doses for a long period of time. This is because it contains thujone which can be poisonous and cause seizures and damage the liver and nervous system.
It is possibly safe when applied to skin for a week and also possibly safe when used as essential oil for aromatherapy.
Special precautions:
Pregnancy, Breast-feeding, Diabetes, Hormone sensitivity, high/low blood pressure, seizure disorder, surgery.
Interactions:
With these medicines there are moderate interactions and you should be cautious when using them in combination.
– Medications for Diabetes
– Medications used to prevent seizures
– Sedative medications.
Echinacea:
So far I have used Echinacea tincture for upcoming colds. It has helped me to strengthen my immune system and defenses.
Side effects:
It is likely safe when taken by mouth in the short term. It is possibly safe when applied to skin short-term. For some people it could cause redness, itching or rashes.
Side effects that have been reported: fever, nausea, vomiting, bad taste, stomach pain, diarrhea, sore throat, dry mouth, headache.
Special precautions:
Pregnancy, Breast-feeding, when given to children, if having an inherited tendency toward allergies, Autoimmune disorders (MS, Lupus…)
Interactions:
– Caffeine: body breaks down caffeine to get rid of it. Echinacea can slow down this process and it might come to too much caffeine in the bloodstream. This can cause jitteriness, headache and fast heartbeat.
– Medications that decrease immune system
– Medications changed by liver.