What can Echinacea do for you?
Maylen Arroyo
Holistic Wellness Coach and Yoga Instructor
Hi there! I'm Maylen Arroyo, a certified Holistic Health Coach and Yoga Instructor based in Washington Let's connect and explore how I can support you in achieving your wellness goals!
Recoupia strives to make a positive impact on society by bringing together the best alternative medicine practitioners. This is the first of our blog series focused on integrative, complementary, and preventive care. Visit our website to learn more about our holistic approach to wellness.
Echinacea, also known as coneflower, is a perennial herb that is native to North America. Its name comes from the Greek word “echinos”, which means hedgehog, referring to the spiny central cone found in the flower head. Echinacea has a long history of use among Native American tribes, who used it to treat a wide range of illnesses and ailments. In traditional herbal medicine, echinacea is often used as a natural remedy to boost the immune system and prevent colds and flu. In recent years, modern research has begun to explore the potential health benefits of echinacea, leading to renewed interest in this versatile herb. In this blog entry, we will take a closer look at echinacea, including its traditional uses, modern research, and how it can be used today.
History of Ehinacea
Echinacea has a long history of use among Native American tribes, who used it for a wide range of ailments, including colds, flu, infections and pain. The plant was also used for its anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. The use of echinacea as a medicinal herb was adopted by European settlers in North America and was eventually incorporated into traditional herbal medicine in Europe. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, echinacea was widely used as a popular tonic and was listed in the United States National Formulary as a standard remedy. However, its popularity waned with the rise of antibiotics and synthetic drugs. In recent years, there has been renewed interest in echinacea due to a growing body of research exploring its potential health benefits, leading to its resurgence as a popular natural remedy.
Echinacea in the Wild.
Types of Echinacea
Echinacea is a perennial herb native to North America. It has brightly colored, daisy-like flowers that range in color from pink to orange to purple. The flowers are borne on stiff stems that grow from a basal rosette of leaves. The leaves are lance-shaped and have a slightly rough texture.
There are nine species of echinacea, but the three most commonly used in herbal medicine are:
Echinacea purpurea: This species has large, showy flowers that are pink, purple, or reddish-purple in color. It is the most widely used species of echinacea in herbal medicine.
Echinacea angustifolia: This species has smaller, less showy flowers that are yellowish-orange in color. It is often used in herbal medicine as a source of echinacea extract.
Echinacea pallida: This species has pale yellow or greenish-yellow flowers that are less showy than those of the other two species. It is sometimes used in herbal medicine, but less commonly than the other two species.
It is important to note that the active compounds in echinacea can vary depending on the species, so it is important to choose a species that is appropriate for the intended use.
Main effects Echinacea on the immune system
Echinacea is believed to have an effect on the immune system by stimulating the body’s natural defense mechanisms. According to modern research, echinacea contains compounds that can increase the production of white blood cells and cytokines, which are key components of the immune response. This can help to improve the body’s ability to fight off infections and disease.
Some studies have shown that taking echinacea at the onset of symptoms can help to reduce the duration and severity of colds and flu. Other studies have suggested that regular consumption of echinacea may help to prevent colds and flu, or at least reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms. However, the evidence is not yet conclusive, and further research is needed to determine the exact mechanisms by which echinacea affects the immune system and to confirm its effectiveness as a natural remedy for colds and flu.
It is important to note that echinacea should not be used as a substitute for traditional medical treatments for serious infections or illnesses, and that anyone experiencing symptoms of a serious illness should seek medical attention.
Other Echinacea Benefits
In addition to its potential effects on the immune system, echinacea has been studied for a variety of other potential health benefits, including:
Antioxidant activity: Echinacea contains antioxidants, which are compounds that help to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Anti-inflammatory effects: Some studies have suggested that echinacea may have anti-inflammatory effects, which could be useful in the management of conditions such as arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
Wound healing: Echinacea has been traditionally used for wound healing, and some studies have suggested that it may have antimicrobial properties that could be useful in promoting wound healing.
Oral health: Echinacea has been used traditionally for oral health, and some studies have suggested that it may have antimicrobial properties that could help to prevent the growth of bacteria in the mouth.
Cancer prevention: Some preliminary studies have suggested that echinacea may have potential as a cancer-preventive agent, but further research is needed to determine its effectiveness and safety in this regard.
Safety and Side effects
Echinacea is generally considered safe when used in recommended doses, but like any supplement or herbal remedy, it can cause side effects in some people. Some of the most commonly reported side effects of echinacea include:
Allergic reactions: Echinacea can cause allergic reactions in some people, especially those who are allergic to other members of the daisy family. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include itching, hives, and difficulty breathing.
Stomach upset: Echinacea can cause stomach upset, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Interaction with certain medications: Echinacea may interact with certain medications, including immunosuppressants, anticoagulants, and certain antibiotics.
It is important to speak with a healthcare provider before taking echinacea, especially if you have a medical condition, take medications, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Echinacea Dosage Information
The recommended dosages for echinacea vary depending on the form of the supplement and the reason for taking it. Here are some general guidelines for echinacea supplementation:
Capsules and tablets: The typical recommended dose for echinacea capsules and tablets is 300–900 mg per day, taken in divided doses.
Liquid extract: The typical recommended dose for echinacea liquid extract is 1–2 mL, taken three times per day.
Tea: The typical recommended dose for echinacea tea is 1–3 cups per day.
It is important to follow the recommended dosages on the product label and to speak with a healthcare provider before taking it. Additionally, echinacea should not be used for extended periods of time, as there is limited evidence on its long-term safety.
Conclusion
Echinacea has been used for centuries for its potential health benefits, and more research is underway to fully understand its effectiveness and safety. It is important to speak with a healthcare provider before taking echinacea, especially if you have a medical condition, take medications, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
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Further References
“Echinacea in the prevention of induced rhinovirus colds: a meta-analysis.” (2000) by S. Linde, et al.
“The efficacy of Echinacea purpurea in preventing respiratory tract infections: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.” (2006) by H. Alberts, et al.
“Echinacea for preventing and treating the common cold.” (2013) by J. Linde, et al
“Echinacea for preventing and treating the common cold: a systematic review.” (2014) by C. Linde, et al.
“The potential benefits and risks of Echinacea species for respiratory tract infections.” (2015) by H. Alberts, et al.
“Echinacea and the immune system: a review of current research.” (2017) by J. Linde, et al.
“Echinacea and its potential impact on respiratory and other infections: a review of the evidence.” (2018) by H. Alberts, et al.
