Echinacea

The roots and aerial summits are used. It contains alkamides (alkylamides), polysaccharides, essential oil and flavonoids, among others ^{(Fitoterapia.net, WHO 1999)}. Unproven effects: immune stimulant, wound healing, anti-inflammatory. Indicated for oral use in colds and bronchitis ^{(Shah 2007)} and for topical use in wounds and skin lesions.  Indications according to Commission E of German Ministry of Health: common cold, bronchitis, skin lesions. ^{(Blumenthal 1998)}

Some components of echinacea have been detected in breast milk, without having analyzed the possible effects on the infant. ^{(Amer 2015, Mattias 2008)}

Side effects are rare and not serious: gastrointestinal, skin rashes and allergic reactions. ^{(Huntley 2005)}

It has been used, together with other plants, in topical application to prevent or treat nipple cracks, without conclusive evidence of its effectiveness. ^{(Niazi 2018, As'adi 2018)}

Plant that is widely used even during pregnancy and breastfeeding ^{(Kennedy 2013, Sachs 2013, Zaffani 2006, Nordeng 2004, Tesch 2003, , Einarson 2000, Gallo 2000)}. Although there is little evidence of its safety ^{(Sachs 2013, The Royal 2013, Amir 2011, Huntley 2005)}, because a lack of toxicity with an appropriate dose and moderate consumption it should be compatible with breastfeeding. ^{(Perri 2006)}. Do not use more than 8 weeks^{. (Blumental 1998)}

Precautions when taking plant preparations ^{(Anderson 2017, Powers 2015, Posadzki 2013, Efferth 2011, Kopec 1999, Hsu 1995)}:

• Make sure they are from a reliable source: poisonings have occurred due to confusion of one plant with another with toxic properties ^{(Hsu 1995)}, poisonings due to containing heavy metals extracted from the soil, and food poisoning due to contamination with bacteria or fungi. ^{(Anderson 2017)}
• Do not take in excess; follow the recommendations of expert phytotherapy professionals. “Natural” products are not good in any quantity: plants contain active substances from which much of our traditional pharmacopoeia has been obtained and can cause poisoning or act as endocrine disruptors if consumed in quantity or for an exaggerated time because they contain phytoestrogens. ^{(Powers 2015, Zava 1998)}