Echinacea is an herbal remedy for
colds, flu and infections. Echinacea also has been reported to stimulate the
immune system.
Echinacea The plant group Echinacea (common name,
purple coneflower) is known as a non-specific stimulant to the immune system. A
native to north america, it was highly valued in Native American medicine.
- Echinacea has tall stems, bears single pink or purple
flowers and has a central cone that is usually purplish-brown in color. The
large cone is actually a seed head with sharp spines that resemble a stiff
comb. Of nine echinacea species, only three are used for medicinal purposes (
Echinacea angustifolia , Echinacea pallida , and Echinacea purpurea ).
- One of the most popular herbs in America today is the
Native American medicinal plant called echinacea. Named for the prickly scales
in its large conical seed head, the herb resembles the spines of an angry
hedgehog (echinos is Greek for hedgehog).
Results of archeological digs indicate 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.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, today, people use
echinacea to shorten 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.
Echinacea
- There are nine known species of echinacea, all of which are native
to the United States and southern Canada. The most commonly used,
Echinacea purpurea, is believed to be the most potent.
Common Names--echinacea, purple coneflower,
coneflower, American coneflower
Latin Names--Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea
pallida,
- What Echinacea Is Used For
- How Echinacea Is Used
The aboveground parts of the plant and roots of echinacea are used fresh or
dried to make teas, squeezed (expressed) juice, extracts, or preparations
for external use.
- What the Science Says about Echinacea
- Studies indicate that echinacea does not appear to
prevent colds or other infections.
- Studies to date have not proven that echinacea shortens
the course of colds or flu. For example, two NCCAM-funded studies did not
find a benefit from echinacea, either as Echinacea purpurea fresh-pressed
juice for treating colds in children, or as an unrefined mixture of
- Echinacea angustifolia root and Echinacea purpurea root
and herb in adults.1,2 Other studies have shown that echinacea may be
beneficial in treating upper respiratory infections.3
- NCCAM is continuing to support the study of echinacea
for the treatment of upper respiratory infections.
- Side Effects and Cautions about Echinacea
- When taken by mouth, echinacea usually does not cause
side effects. However, some people experience allergic reactions,
including rashes, increased asthma, and anaphylaxis (a life-threatening
allergic reaction). In clinical trials, gastrointestinal side effects
were most common.
- People are more likely to experience allergic
reactions to echinacea if they are allergic to related plants in the
daisy family, which includes ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and
daisies. Also, people with asthma or atopy (a genetic tendency toward
allergic reactions) may be more likely to have an allergic reaction when
taking echinacea.
- It is important to inform your health care providers
about any herb or dietary supplement you are using, including echinacea.
This helps to ensure safe and coordinated care.
An herb is a plant or part of a plant used for its flavor, scent, or potential
therapeutic properties. Includes flowers, leaves, bark, fruit, seeds, stems, and
roots. Herbal medicine products are dietary supplements that people take
to improve their health. Many herbs have been used for a long time for claimed
health benefits. They are sold as tablets, capsules, powders, teas, extracts and
fresh or dried plants. However, some can cause health problems, some are not
effective and some may interact with other drugs you are taking.
Dietary supplement is a
product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino
acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The
U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for
dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs.
To use an herbal product as safely as
possible:
-
Consult your doctor first
-
Do not take a bigger dose than the label
recommends
-
Take it under the guidance of a trained
medical professional
-
Be especially cautious if you are pregnant or
nursing
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
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