Echinacea

(Echinacea augustifolia, Echinacea pallida, Echinacea purpurea)

Also known as purple coneflower.

Origin/ Where Found

Echinacea is a wildflower native to North America. While Echinacea continues to grow and is harvested from the wild, the majority of that used for herbal supplements is from cultivated plants.

Indications

Common colds, sore throat, septicemia, skin complaints (boils, abscesses, carbuncles etc.), influenza, infections (viral, bacterial and fungal), minor wounds and burns, canker sores (mouth ulcers), gingivitis (periodontal disease), vaginitis, yeast infections, and ear and respiratory tract infections. HIV support immune function infection. Post-radiation-therapy.

Sensoric Quality

The plant has a faint aromatic smell with a nice sweetish taste, leaving a tingling sensation in the mouth.

Part(s) Used

The root and above-ground part of the plant during the flowering growth phase is used medicinally. Its flowers and seeds are also used.

Description

Echinacea is a known all-round immunity booster.

Echinacea is a popular, non-toxic herb widely revered and used for its immunity boosting capabilities. The herb is known to normalize the number of white blood cells in the blood and helps them surround and destroy bacteria and viruses. It also slows the spread of infection to surrounding tissues and helps flush toxins away from infected areas, he says.

History

Echinacea was used by American Indians for a variety of conditions, including venomous bites and other external wounds. The Winnebago medicine men are known to have chewed up the raw herb in order to numb their mouths enough before inserting hot, burning coals in their mouths. Modern research started in the 1930s in Germany.

Active Constituents

Several constituents in Echinacea team together to increase the production and activity of white blood cells - lymphocytes and macrophages. Echinacea also increases production of interferon, an important part of the body's response to viral infections such as colds and flu.

Organs/ Systems Affected

Immune system.

Usage/ Dosage

Tincture: 1 dropperful, 3 times daily.

As an immune system stimulant, Echinacea is best taken for a specific period of time.

At the outbreak of a cold in your neighbourhood, it can be taken three to four times per day for ten to fourteen days. To prevent a cold, many people take Echinacea tablets or capsules three times per day for six to eight weeks. A 'rest' period is recommended after this, as Echinacea's effects may diminish if used over a longer period. Echinacea is thought to work most efficiently when taken in cycles of 2 weeks on and 1 week off or 10 days on and 4 days off, for example.

If preferred, powdered Echinacea, in about 900 mg amounts, can be taken. Liquid extracts are typically taken as 3-4 ml, three times per day.

Applied externally as a poultice to wounds, sores and burns, Echinacea may also protect against infection and stimulate tissue repair and healing. Mix Echinacea tincture drop for drop with pure castor oil and apply to the wound.

Decoction

To make tea, pour boiling water over two to three tablespoons of dried, fresh or powdered herb and steep for five minutes. Sip over a period of 30 to 90 minutes and repeat six to eight hours later.

Allergic Reactions

Allergic reactions are possible. Discontinue use if you experience any adverse effects.

Caution

Long-term use in people who have chronically weakened immune systems may lead to further immune suppression. Commission E, an official body which has evaluated commonly-used herbs, has recommended that echinacea not be used in people with AIDS or chronic auto immune ailments, such as lupus.

Side Effects

Are there any side effects or interactions? Echinacea is essentially non-toxic when taken orally. People shouldn't take Echinacea without consulting a physician if they have an auto-immune illness, such as lupus, or other progressive diseases, such as tuberculosis or multiple sclerosis. Those who are allergic to flowers of the daisy family should take Echinacea with caution. There are no known contraindications to the use of Echinacea during pregnancy or lactation.

Contraindications

Do not take Echinacea if you are either pregnant or any of the following conditions applies to you:

Progressive systemic diseases such as the following exist: Tuberculosis, leukosis, collagenosis, mutiple sclerosis, AIDS, HIV infection and other auto-immune diseases.

Drug Interactions

Some alkaloids found in Echinacea are similar to plant chemicals that can be damaging to the liver. Avoid taking Echinacea when you depend on other drugs that could have negative effects on the liver, such as methotrexate and other anabolic steroids. Monitoring drug response is strongly recommended.