It’s important to remember that there is no cure for COPD.
When used, they should be complementary, not alternative.
That is, they should never be used in place of the medical treatments recommended by your healthcare provider.
Jacky Parker Photography / Getty Images
The good news is that echinacea is generally well-tolerated.
Echinacea may also cause allergic reactions, including rash, increased asthma symptoms, andanaphylaxis.
However, the study was small and of short duration.
Asian ginseng may also interact with certain medications, like blood thinners.
While astragalus is generally considered safe for most adults, it may cause diarrhea or other digestive problems.
Additionally, other astragalus species may contain toxic levels of selenium.
Ginger may also help eliminate congestion, as well as ease sore throats.
Few mild side effects have been reported including abdominal discomfort, heartburn, diarrhea, and gas.
Furthermore, there is a concern that ginger may interact with blood thinners.
2014;(2):CD000530.
2011;36(5):568-576. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2710.2010.01212.x
Bauer R, Woelkart K.Echinacea species.
In: Coates PM, Betz JM, Blackman MR, et al., eds.Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements.2nd ed.
New York, NY: Informa Healthcare; 2010:226-234.
In: Coates PM, Betz JM, Blackman MR, et al., eds.Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements.2nd ed.
New York, NY: Informa Healthcare; 2010:29-36.
In: Coates PM, Betz JM, Blackman MR, et al., eds.Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements.2nd ed.
New York, NY: Informa Healthcare; 2010:325-331.
2016;69(6):791-798.
In: Coates PM, Betz JM, Blackman MR, et al., eds.Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements.2nd ed.
New York, NY: Informa Healthcare; 2010:754-765.
2016;36(11):59-61.
