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ECHINACEA

  • Foto van schrijver: Dave
    Dave
  • 30 mrt 2023
  • 3 minuten om te lezen

Bijgewerkt op: 8 apr




Echinacea


Botanical Name

Echinacea angustifolia, E. purpurea, E. pallida

Common Name

Echinacea, coneflower, purple coneflower, purple Kansas coneflower, comb flower, Missouri snakeroot

Family

Asteraceae

Parts Used

Roots, flower heads, leaves

Native To

North America, from Saskatchewan and Manitoba in the north to New Mexico, Texas, and Louisiana in the south.

Harvesting Guidelines

  • Wild harvesting of Echinacea is not recommended to protect natural populations.

  • Cultivated roots are best dug in fall after the first frost.

  • Leaves and flowers can be harvested during the summer when the plant is in full bloom.

  • Fresh aerial parts (leaves and flowers) are preferred for their potency, as the plant’s constituents lose activity when dried.


Traditional and Medicinal Use

Echinacea is a well-known herb used in traditional medicine, particularly by Indigenous North American communities. It was primarily used for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, with the Cherokee tribe using Echinacea purpurea for various infections, fevers, and headaches. The Blackfoot, Cheyenne, and Muskogee tribes also used Echinacea to treat toothaches and mouth infections.


Echinacea angustifolia was commonly used topically for wound healing and sore muscles, while the roots and leaves of Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea pallida are known for their immune-boosting effects.


In addition to its local use in North America, Echinacea gained popularity in European medicine during the late 1800s and was widely used in the United States until the 1920s. Its medicinal value was first introduced by Eclectic physicians, who integrated the plant into their pharmacopoeia (2).


Therapeutic Properties and Research

Echinacea has been studied extensively for its immune-boosting properties. It is most commonly used in treating cold and flu symptoms. According to Buhner, Echinacea can serve as an effective antiviral when it comes into direct contact with the virus at the onset of infection (4). The plant helps strengthen cellular bonds in mucous membranes, preventing viruses from penetrating deeper into the tissues. He recommends taking 30 drops of tincture every hour at the onset of symptoms to mitigate viral infections.


However, human clinical studies have shown mixed results. Some research supports its ability to reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms, while other studies have found little to no effect. One study conducted in Germany with 160 patients showed that an Echinacea pallida tincture shortened the duration of upper respiratory tract infections by approximately 4 days (5). While promising, the evidence is not universally consistent, highlighting the importance of species and preparation methods.

Adult Dose (6)


  • Juice: 1-3 teaspoons of fresh juice from aerial parts, 3 times per day.

  • Tincture: 1-4 mL of a 1:5, 40% tincture, 3 times per day. For throat infections and cold onset: 30 drops per hour of a 1:5 tincture in 70% alcohol.

  • Topical Use: Finely grind dried root and apply to infected wounds, or mix with water to form a paste for local application.


Safety

  • Allergic Reactions: Echinacea may cause allergic reactions, particularly in those allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family (e.g., ragweed, daisies).

  • Systemic Diseases: People with tuberculosis, HIV, or autoimmune disorders should consult a healthcare provider before using Echinacea, as there are concerns about its immunostimulatory effects in such cases.

  • Dosage and Use: Echinacea should be used cautiously, especially in those with immune system concerns. As a rule, it is important to consult a healthcare provider before use, particularly for extended periods.


Actions

Alterative,Analgesic,Antibacterial,Antiviral,Immune Stimulant,Immunomodulant,Sialagogue


Energy

Cooling


References:


  • Garrett, J.T. (2003). The Cherokee Herbal: Native Plant Medicine from the Four Directions. Bear & Company.

  • Foster, S., & Johnson, R.L. (2008). Desk Reference to Nature’s Medicine. National Geographic.

  • Foster, S. (1991). Echinacea: Nature’s Immune Enhancer. Healing Arts Press.

  • Buhner, S. (2012). Herbal Antibiotics: Natural Alternatives for Treating Drug-Resistant Bacteria. North Adams, MA: Storey Publishing.

  • Bräunig B, Knick E. (1993). "Therapeutic experience of Echinaceae pallidae for flu-like infections. Results of a placebo-controlled double-blind study." Naturheilpraxis, 46:72–75.

  • Gardner, Z., & McGuffin, M. (2013). American Herbal Products Association’s Botanical Safety Handbook. CRC Press.




Information offered on Achula and on this page is for educational purposes only. Achula makes neither medical claim, nor intends to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Women who are pregnant or nursing, and persons with known medical conditions, should consult their licensed healthcare provider before taking any herbal product. Links to external sites are for informational purposes only. Achula neither endorses them nor is in any way responsible for their content. Readers must do their own research concerning the safety and usage of any herbs or supplements.

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