<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

I am a trained herbalist, and my son can not have gluten. My experience with
echinacea is to be cautious if there is a tendency towards allergies.
However, ocassional use for acute conditions if not allergic to ragweed, ie
colds seems to be okay. Long-term use may be too stimulating. I use other
herbs that are more useful for immune health. Astragalus is a favorite,
however, I would use it based on the person. Some people have a tendency
towards being dry and this is a drying herb. There is research to support it
works very well to boost the immune system if used in the traditional sense.
It is usually used to strengten the body before illness, Fall and Winter
months. It is stopped if there is a cold with a fever because it will
strengthen the fever. However, once the fever is gone it can be resumed. If
it is a cold without a heat condition, ie fever, it can still be taken. I use
it in food and as a tea. Tincture is alright, but it is overkill in my
opinion. Plus it is not used like echinacea which is usually taken once you
have symptoms of a cold.

Hope this is useful,

Joanna

*Support summarization of posts, reply to the SENDER not the Celiac List *