Immune Boosting Echinacea

[Kari1961]

Hi everyone.

I'm hoping to get a bit of advice as I'm not due my Haem consultation until the end of January 21.

I have Jak 2+ PV. Take Hydroxycarbamide, Aspirin and BP meds.

I've had a horrible heavy cold for about 3 weeks now - streaming nasal passages, sore throat and blocked ears. I haven't got a temperature, cough or aches, but feel yucky.

Although I eat a balanced healthy diet (lots of fruit and veg), take Vit D3 and keep myself hydrated the cold won't budge. So I'm thinking of trying to eradicate it with Echinacea. I used to use it before PV diagnosis, and it always worked well.

Now I'm worried about taking it just in case of contraindication with hydroxy - I googled it, and it doesn't give a clear answer whether it's OK to take it or not.

Has anyone taken Echinacea while on Hydroxycarbamide?

[Melanie66]

Hello Kari1961...I used to always take echinacea every October through till March ...before I was diagnosed Et..Jak 2 ....It always kept winter illnesses at bay ... But I have not taken since Diagnosed & commencing on Hydroxycarbomide..

Simply because one of the side effects of Echinacea is..

.... it affects white blood cells in some way ...So I thought best not to take anymore....But this was my decision of course you must do what is right for you .. but I suggest to having a look at side effects then see how you feel ..hope this helps ...best Regards...Lainie x

[Kari1961 in reply to Melanie66]

Thanks Lainie - It looks like I'll have to suffer this cold for a while longer. K.x

[MPort]

Hi, could you take Vitamin C? I take it to keep colds at bay (I have PV and take Interferon) and think it helps. I hope you find a way to shift it soon.

[Kari1961 in reply to MPort]

Vit C in tablet form always gives me heartburn and reflux issues - Strange as I make sure to eat an orange and raspberries every day.... I'm going to have to Google stomach friendly Vit C.

[MPort in reply to Kari1961]

I take Vit C in 2 ways: powder form. 1/4 teaspoon in water or you can put it in juice. I can give you brand if you are interested. And the efferescant tablet that disolves in water. This is available in supermarkets and pharmacys in tube form. I also take a zinc tablet daily. I agree with Misty Blue doctors have little awareness of the use of vitamin supplements. However! At my last consultation I was given weekly dose tablet of Vit D. And I believe the government is rolling out a plan in JAnuary to give packs of Vit D to vulnerable people. So times are a changin.

[MistyBlue2]

HiI’ll be honest. I can never get a straight answer from any of my doctors when asking advice about any kind of ‘alternative ‘ supplements (other than vitamins)

I assume it’s because they are not trained in alternative therapies, and so that is the stock answer. It’s really frustrating.

I’d love to know if you manage to get an answer from your specialist, though 😊

[Hidden]

I take echinacea, have done for years, I also take Vit C, D3, B12 and zinc never have the flu vaccine and I’ve told my MPN specialist.

[Lettie_WP]

Hi, I used to take echinacea quite regularly (too much according to modern advice). It kept chest infections away, but I do sometimes wonder if my subsequent autoimmune conditions might have been somehow connected to it. I think taken correctly (only a few weeks at a time as needed) is probably OK, but not as a regular supplement . That's just my thoughts having read round the internet on the subject. Just some food for thought.

[Wyebird]

Hi, I hope it works for you but do clear with your heamo before taking any vitamins and supplements.X

[hunter5582]

I am not aware of any issues with Echinacea and HU or with MPNs in general. I have used it when on HU, usually in tea form. However, it is always wise to check out the the use of supplements and their potential interactions with the meds you take. If something is biologically active enough to help you, it can also potentially hurt you. Many docs, including hematologists, are unfamiliar with complimentary health interventions like Echinacea and may say "NO" due to practicing defensive medicine. Understandable as they simply may not know the answer. That is why I consult with an Integrative/Functional medicine doc. These docs are far more knowledgeable about complimentary health interventions and the interface with traditional medicine. You may also find help from a knowledgeable pharmacist.

FYI - The Zinc lozenges can also be helpful, as can Vit C (as others noted).

Hope you feel better soon.

[Kari1961 in reply to hunter5582]

Thanks hunter5582

[Meatloaf9]

You seem to have symptoms similar to a couple of friends of mine who were tested and actually had Covid. If you haven't been tested you might want to have that done. The symptoms of covid seem to be different for all. Best wishes to you for a speedy recovery.

[Kari1961 in reply to Meatloaf9]

Thanks Meatloaf9 I took a Covid test on Christmas Eve, as I did wonder myself if it was Covid, and it came back as Negative (thankfully)

[Pte82]

You possibly are suffering from an allergy. Ask your doctor about trying Zyertec.

[Kari1961 in reply to Pte82]

Hi Pte82 . I have been wondering about an allergy being the cause, but I take 10mg Cetirizine daily - perhaps I need a stronger dose.

[Pte82 in reply to Kari1961]

Kari1961, If 10mg isn't working, go no higher, ask your doctor for a test to determine what is causing your symptoms that Cetirizine cannot address.