Echinacea is one of the most popular herbs in America today. This Native American medicinal plant called Echinacea is named for the prickly scales in its large conical seed head. Archaeologists have found evidence that Native Americans may have used Echinacea for more than 400 years to treat infections and wounds and as a general “cure-all.” Throughout history people have used Echinacea to treat scarlet fever, syphilis, malaria, blood poisoning, and diphtheria. Although this herb was popular during the 18th and 19th centuries, its use began to decline in the United States after the introduction of antibiotics. Echinacea preparations became increasingly popular in Germany throughout the 20th century. In fact, most of the scientific research on Echinacea has been conducted in Germany.
Today, people use Echinacea to shorten the duration of the common cold and flu and reduce symptoms, such as sore throat (pharyngitis), cough, and fever. Many herbalists also recommend Echinacea to help boost the immune system and help the body fight infections.
Several laboratory and animal studies suggest that echinacea contains active substances that enhance the activity of the immune system, relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and have hormonal, antiviral, and antioxidant effects. For this reason, professional herbalists may recommend Echinacea to treat urinary tract infections, vaginal yeast (Candida) infections, ear infections (also known as otitis media), athlete’s foot, sinusitis, hay fever (also called allergic rhinitis), as well as slow-healing wounds. One study even suggests that Echinacea extract exerted an antiviral action on the development of recurrent cold sores triggered by the herpes simplex virus (HSVI) when supplied prior to infection.
Whether or not Echinacea helps prevent or treat the common cold remains under debate. Some studies have shown that the herb can make you feel better faster. Others suggest that Echinacea has no impact on a cold at all. Several clinical trials have shown that people who take Echinacea as soon as they feel sick reduce the severity of their cold and have fewer symptoms than those who do not take the herb. One study of 95 people with early symptoms of cold and flu (such as runny nose, scratchy throat, and fever) found that those who drank several cups of Echinacea tea every day for 5 days felt better sooner than those who drank tea without Echinacea.
A review of 14 clinical trials found that Echinacea reduced the odds of developing a cold by 58% and the duration of a cold by 1 – 4 days. However, some experts dispute these findings claiming that there were several weaknesses in the analyses. Echinacea preparations tested in clinical trials differ greatly. It is important to choose a high quality Echinacea supplement. Talk to your health care provider for recommendations.
Echinacea contains several chemicals that play a role in its therapeutic effects. These include polysaccharides, glycoproteins, alkalizes, volatile oils, and flavonoids.
The chemicals contained in the root differ considerably from those in the upper part of the plant. For example, the roots have high concentrations of volatile oils, while the above-ground parts of the plant tend to contain more polysaccharides (substances known to trigger the activity of the immune system). The combination of these active substances is responsible for Echinacea’s beneficial effects, though research suggests that the above ground portion of Echinacea purpurea is the most effective.
In Germany (where herbs are regulated by the government), the above-ground parts of Echinacea purpurea are approved to treat colds, upper respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, and slow healing wounds. The root of the Echinacea plant is also approved for the treatment of flu-like infections.
Three species of Echinacea are commonly used for medicinal purposes: Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea pallida, and Echinacea purpurea. Many Echinacea preparations contain one, two, or even all three of these species. Different products use different parts of the Echinacea plant. This is why the effectiveness of echinacea may differ from one product to another.
Echinacea (including one, two, or all three species) is available in extracts, tinctures, tablets, capsules, and ointments. It is also available in combination with other immune boosting herbs, vitamins, and minerals.
For general immune system stimulation, during colds, flu, upper respiratory tract infections, or bladder infections, choose from the following forms and take 3 times a day until you feel better, but not for more than 7 – 10 days:
1 – 2 grams dried root or herb, as tea. 2 – 3 mL of standardized tincture extract. 6 – 9 mL of expressed juice. 300 mg of standardized, powdered extract containing 4% phenolics.
Tincture (1:5): 1 – 3 mL (20 – 90 drops). Stabilized fresh extract: 0.75 mL (15 – 23 drops)
People with tuberculosis, leukemia, diabetes, connective tissue disorders, multiple sclerosis, HIV or AIDS, autoimmune diseases, or, possibly, liver disorders should take Echinacea. In rare cases, Echinacea may cause allergic reactions, ranging from a mild rash to anaphylaxis (a life-threatening reaction accompanied by throat tightening, shortness of breath, and, possibly, fainting). People with asthma and allergies may be at increased risk for developing these adverse reactions. People with allergies to plants in the daisy family (composites) should not take Echinacea unless they do so under the supervision of a health care provider.
There has been one report of an individual developing erythema nodosum (a painful skin condition) after taking Echinacea to treat the flu. Despite concerns that Echinacea may be unsafe for pregnant or breastfeeding women, evidence suggests that the use of Echinacea during pregnancy does not increase the risk of birth defects or other pregnancy related health problems.
Although not enough research has been done to determine Echinacea’s safety for pregnancy or breastfeeding, it’s advisable to avoid use during pregnancy or breastfeeding until more conclusive studies are conducted, but those living with the so-called incurable diseases will benefits from the combinations of this herb and other wonderful immune boasters. This is the time to face realities.
