<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> Summary of responses about Echinacea and Celiac I asked the listmembers' advice about giving my 3-year-old celiac daughter echinacea for this cold/flu season. Most responders said no, because echinacea boosts the immune system - something which is bad for celiacs. However, this was a standard response with no real scientific explanation. I am still unsure of the mechanisms involved. If celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder, ie. it stimulates the body to fight itself - in this case the intestines - Surely, when a celiac is following a GF diet, his or her immune system is relatively normal - ie. not fighting the intestines, and therefore echinacea should be OK? I was hoping for info about a scientific study which recommends against this. Aren't there any scientists/doctors on this list? Anyway, I'm not convinced echinacea is bad for celiacs, but I've been convinced to hold off on it for my daughter - although I'm still taking it myself. Kate Johnson Montreal, Canada