Echinacea while on HU? Can we take?

[DH65]

Are we allowed to take this herbal supplement? It is contraindicated with auto immune disorders.

[Karol_Rua]

Hate to be seen so logical but definitely check with your GP and haematologist. Many herbal remedies are regarded as safe because they're not synthetic ie they're deemed natural. However, one never knows how herbal products react with prescribed meds. My opinion...K

[DH65 in reply to Karol_Rua]

Hi, I have asked the hematologist and his standard answer about anything herbal is "we just don't know enough on how they work or there have been no studies"

If I ask the naturopath he doesn't know enough about ET or HU

[Moina-vdh in reply to DH65]

Hi DH65,

I have asked the same question and got the same answer. The labelling warns echinacea reduces white cells, as I have too many platelets and red cells, I decided against taking this remedy. My logic says as the blood Consists of these three cells, reducing one should increase the portion of the other two. It might not be that straight forward, but as I said I decided against taking them.

All the best,

Moina

[DH65 in reply to Moina-vdh]

My herb book says it stimulates the production of white blood cells, phagocytes and Lymphocytes and increases production of interferon.

[Mazcd Partner MPNVoice]

Hi, you could ask your local pharmacist to check for you, they are very good at this sort of thing. Maz