Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Although not all side effects are known, echinacea is thought to be possibly safe when taken for a short period of time.
Common side effects may include:
nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea;
fever, sore throat;
muscle or joint pain;
unusual or unpleasant taste in the mouth;
dry mouth, numb feeling in your tongue;
headache, dizziness, confusion; or
sleep problems (insomnia).
Echinacea applied to the skin in a topical form can cause an itchy or red skin rash.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
 Echinacea side effects (more detail)
