hi all,
can anyone tell me what the problem is with us MSers using Echinchea oil / products plz?
ive read and heard it somewhere, tht we shouldn’t use it as it can worsen the ms. however, pre MS diagnosis, i used to use it for any type of colds n viruses. i found tht it really helped but now dont use it as im very scared after what ive read on here etc.
so can anyone tell me what the facts are plz?
asking as i accidentally sat in the middle of ppl today tht had been suffering from viral infections they finding hard to shift. yeah great, thnx guys!
Not!!
so would really appreciate any advice regarding this plz,
tc
Anna x
Hi Anna,
Personally, I steer clear of it, as it’s purported to be immune-boosting.
In all honesty, I don’t know if it does anything at all, but if I have an already trigger-happy immune system, that’s attacking my myelin, the last thing I want to do is give it extra ammo!
I doubt there’s any scientific proof it “makes MS worse” - or makes colds better, for that matter, despite your anecdotal experience. But to me, it’s common sense I don’t want to take anything that even might boost my immune system, if my underlying problem is it’s already too busy doing what it shouldn’t. 
I also won’t take ginseng, for the same reason - it’s touted as “immune boosting”. Don’t do what I keep doing, though, and getting it mixed up with ginkgo, which may be beneficial for healthy CNS function. I’m forever getting confused about which one is “Avoid”, and which may be some help.
Tina
x
Hi Anna
As it’s thought the problem with MS is that our immune system is attacking our central nervous system, anything that gets our immune system going is considered a bad thing. So, as Tina said, echinacea is meant to bolster our immune system so it’s recommended that we avoid it.
It might be worth giving your MS nurse a ring though to see what they say.
Dan
oh thnx guys for ur replies, very helpful n yes wil giv my nurse a ring n post any extra info i find out on here for all.
happy new yr xx