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Echinacea

What is it?

Echinacea is a decorative plant whose root, flowers, stems and leaves have been found to have medicinal properties. It has been one of the most powerful and effective remedies against all kinds of bacterial and viral infections in North America and in Europe for over a century.

How does it work?

Echinacea protects the body's immune system to fight off infectious and inflammatory conditions. It does this by stimulating phagocytosis, the process by which white blood cells engulf and destroy foreign material, dead tissues and cells, and T-cell formation. Echinacea also counteracts pus formation by inhibiting the pus-forming hyalurinadase enzyme secreted by bacteria. As well, it has useful properties as a strong aphrodisiac.

Echinacea has been proposed for the treatment and/or prevention of other other acute infections as well. One study found that use a herbal combination containing Echinacea enhanced the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment for acute flare-ups of chronic bronchitis.

When should I take Echinacea?

Take Echinacea every hour or two during acute stages of inflammation. As your symptoms improve, gradually reduce your intake. Echinacea also works as an antiseptic, and has also been known to help relieve discomfort caused by:

• Colds
• Flus
• Minor respiratory infections
• Boils
• Erysipelas
• Septicaemia
• Cancer
• Syphilis
• Other impurities of the blood
• Bronchitis
• Psoriasis, eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions
• Wounds and other skin irriations

An injection form of Echinacea extract has been used for hemorrhoids. A tincture of the fresh root has been known to ease the symptoms of diphtheria and putrid fevers.

Note that Echinacea has been found a useful part of treatment for the above conditions, but is not a form of prevention. It should also not be the sole form of treatment for any of the above conditions, especially severe ones like cancer.

Echinacea and the Common Cold

Cold and flu treatment remains the most popular use of Echinacea. Evidence shows that Echinacea can make the common cold, which typically lasts about seven days, disappear faster. It can also reduce the intensity, frequency and duration of annoying cold symptoms, such as runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, and fatigue. Echinacea might help “halt” a cold if taken in the very early stages. Remember, however, that Echinacea is a form of treatment, not prevention, so there is no point in taking it throughout the cold season unless you are actually sick.

How and when should I take Echinacea?

Echinacea is usually taken at the first sign of a cold and continued for 7 to 14 days. Longer-term use of Echinacea is not recommended, as it can lose its effectiveness over time. Evidence suggests the most effective Echinacea products are made from the above-ground portions (leaves, flowers and stems) of E. purpurea. E.purpurea root appears to be ineffective. E. pallida root, however, has also shown promise.

Echinacea comes in powdered extract, liquid extract, alcohol tincture, juice, tea, capsules, tablets, or whole dried root. Whatever form you are taking, be sure to take it three times daily for maximum effect.

Typical dosages are as follows:

What are the side effects?

Echinacea appears to be generally safe even in high doses. There are few generally recognized side effects. Most reported side effects have been mild and minor, such as slight gastrointenstinal discomfort, increased urination, and mild allergic reactions. Occasionally, users report a peculiar scratchy, tickling sensation in the throat from excessive use. There have been a very small number of severe allergic reactions. Since Echinacea is also thought to stimulate the immune system, it should be used with caution (if at all) by persons with autoimmune disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Echinacea has also been known to trigger episodes of erythema nodosum, an inflammatory condition manifested as tender nodules under the skin.