The Purple Coneflower (Echinacea)

Echinacea belongs to the aster family. Only three of species of the plant are used medicinally (Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea pallida, and Echinacea purpurea). Echinacea purpurea is the most popular and best studied. However, all three varieties are commonly used to support a healthy immune system and maintain an infection free environment. Echinacin, which is derived from Echinacea purpurea is the most frequently prescribed Echinacea preparation in the world. Echinacea is indigenous to North America. Native Americans used Echinacea as a medication against colds, flu, and other infections; applied topically it could cure different wounds (cuts, burns, and insect bites). In Europe people treated scarlet fever, syphilis, malaria, blood poisoning, and diphtheria with it. Today it is one of the top selling herbal supplements in the world.

The main herb's constituents: flavonoids, oils, polysaccharides, phenols (cichoric, caffeic, and caftaric acids and echinacoside), and alkylamides. It also contains copper, iron, iodine, potassium, and vitamins A, C, and E. It is believed that due to this combination of ingredients Echinacea works as a natural antibiotic. It can suppress viruses’ activity and promote immune stimulating effect through the activation of T-cells. Echinacea is most commonly used for protection against and to help shorten the duration of the common cold. It is one of the most popular herbal remedies for respiratory illnesses. All the conducted trials made the scientists state that though Echinacea itself does not cure diseases, it helps the body resist and fight the illnesses, making it stronger. Diseases which Echinacea seems to work the best on include respiratory problems, bronchitis, sore throat, enlarged prostate glands, urinary tract infections, yeast infections, ear infections, sinusitis, hay fever. Topically it can help heal eczema, psoriasis, and slow-healing wounds. It can also be a mighty skin protector from the sun damage. People who take this plant’s preparations tend to fall ill less often, experience milder symptoms, and recover sooner. When taking Echinacea for the common cold, you should start taking it as soon as you notice symptoms. It is commonly recommended to take Echinacea for three weeks at a time, and to rotate with other immune boosting herbs. Because the strength of Echinacea can vary according to manufacturing practices, it is recommended that you follow manufacturing guidelines on dosage amounts. It is not recommended to take it for longer than 8 weeks. Also, immunocompromized persons are advised to avoid the use of this plant, since it is likely that it may accelerate the development of conditions like cancer, tuberculosis, multiple sclerosis, AIDS, and rhumetoid arthritis, lupus, leukemia.

The Federal Food and Drug Administration, has not found Echinacea able to live up to these claims, although it shows some signs that it may prevent colds in people who do not suffer from hay fever. One major problem with Echinacea is that many of the commercially available Echinacea products do not seem to work, while others contain high levels of contamination from such dangerous substances as lead, so it's always best to carefully check the ingredients. Since most are considered supplements, they do not require FDA approval, and bear a warning that the claims made are not supported by the FDA.

To visit our photographs on Echinacea pleas visit our Flower gallery at:
Flowers Gallery - Page 2- Echinacea

While Echinacea is said to have benefits for the prevention and treatment of cold and flu, you should not under any circumstances substitute qualified medical advice with information found in this blog. The author does not give or purport to give any medical or healthcare advice and is not qualified to do so.