Echinacea
OTHER NAMES(S): American Cone Flower, Black Sampson, Black Susans, Brauneria Angustifolia, Brauneria Pallida, Brauneria Purpurea, Comb Flower, Coneflower, Echinacea Angustifolia, Echinacea Pallida, Echinacea Purpurea, Echinacea Serotine, Echinacea Speciose, Echinaceawurzel, Échinacée, Échinacée Angustifolia, Échinacée Pallida, Échinacée Pourpre, Échinacée Purpurea, Equinácea, Fleur À Hérisson, Hedgehog, Helichroa Purpurea, Igelkopfwurzel, Indian Head, Kansas Snakeroot, Narrow-Leaved Echinacea, Narrow-Leaved Purple Coneflower, Narrow-Leaved Purple Cone Flower, Pale Coneflower, Pale Flower Echinacea, Pale Purple Coneflower, Purple Coneflower, Purple Cone Flower, Purpursonnenhutkraut, Purpursonnenhutwurzel, Racine D’echininacea, Red Sunflower, Rock-Up-Hat, Roter Sonnenhut, Rudbeckia Purpurea, Rudbeckie Pourpre, Schmallblaettrige Kegelblumenwurzel, Schmallblaettriger Sonnenhut, Scurvy Root, Snakeroot, Sonnenhutwurzel.
Echinacea:
Echinacea is a genus of flowering plants in the daisy family (Asteraceae) commonly known as coneflowers. They are native to North America and have been used for medicinal purposes by indigenous people for centuries. Echinacea has become a popular herbal supplement in recent years due to its purported immune-boosting properties.
There are several species of Echinacea, including Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia, and Echinacea pallida. The roots and above-ground parts of the plant are used to make medicine. Echinacea is believed to stimulate the immune system and has been used to treat colds, flu, and other respiratory infections.
While there is some evidence to support the use of echinacea for immune system support, more research is needed to fully understand its benefits and potential side effects. It is important to talk to a healthcare provider before taking echinacea supplements, particularly if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications.
Uses:
Echinacea has been traditionally used for a variety of medicinal purposes, primarily for its purported immune-boosting effects. Some common uses of echinacea include:
Boosting the immune system: Echinacea is believed to stimulate the activity of immune cells, including white blood cells, which may help the body fight off infections.
Preventing and treating the common cold and flu: Some studies have suggested that taking echinacea supplements may reduce the risk of getting a cold or flu, as well as help alleviate symptoms.
Treating upper respiratory infections: Echinacea has been used to treat a range of respiratory infections, such as sinusitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia.
Wound healing: Echinacea has been used topically to help heal wounds, burns, and other skin conditions.
Pain relief: Some studies have suggested that echinacea may have pain-relieving properties, particularly for conditions such as toothaches, headaches, and arthritis.
It is important to note that the evidence for these uses is mixed, and more research is needed to fully understand the benefits and potential risks of using echinacea. It is always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider before taking echinacea or any other herbal supplement.
Precautions:
While echinacea is generally considered safe for most people when taken as directed, there are some precautions to keep in mind. These include:
Allergic reactions: Some people may be allergic to echinacea. If you experience symptoms such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, seek medical attention immediately.
Interactions with medications: Echinacea can interact with certain medications, including immunosuppressants, antifungal medications, and some chemotherapy drugs. Talk to a healthcare provider before taking echinacea if you are taking any medications.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There is limited research on the safety of echinacea during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so it is best to avoid taking it during these times.
Autoimmune conditions: Echinacea may stimulate the immune system, which could worsen symptoms in people with autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis. Talk to a healthcare provider before taking echinacea if you have an autoimmune condition.
Long-term use: Echinacea should not be taken for prolonged periods of time, as this could lead to potential side effects or reduced effectiveness over time.
It is important to talk to a healthcare provider before taking echinacea or any other herbal supplement, particularly if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications.
Dosing:
The appropriate dose of echinacea can vary depending on several factors, including age, health status, and the reason for use. Echinacea supplements are available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, liquid extracts, and teas.
Here are some general dosing guidelines for echinacea:
For immune system support: Take 400-500 mg of standardized echinacea extract (containing at least 4% echinacosides) 2-3 times per day, or follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
For cold and flu prevention: Take 500-1000 mg of echinacea extract per day, or follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
For upper respiratory infections: Take 1-2 grams of dried echinacea root or 300-500 mg of echinacea extract 3 times per day for up to 10 days, or follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
It is always best to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer and consult with a healthcare provider before taking echinacea or any other herbal supplement, particularly if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications.
FAQs:
What is a echinacea good for?
Today, people use echinacea to shorten the duration of 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.
Why should you not take echinacea everyday?
Using echinacea for longer than 8 weeks at a time might damage your liver or suppress your immune system. Herbalists recommend not to take echinacea if you are taking medicines known to affect your liver. Check with your doctor first if you are having any other drugs, herbs, or supplements.
Are there any side effects to echinacea?
Echinacea can cause minor side effects. These can include an upset stomach, nausea, and dizziness. Serious side effects include allergic reactions such as rash, swelling, and difficulty breathing. It can also worsen asthma symptoms.
How does echinacea stimulate the immune system?
Echinacea stimulates macrophages and other cells of the innate immune system, causing them to become activated and release cytokines. Increases in phagocytic activity and the uptake of foreign particles also result following exposure of the immune cells to Echinacea.
Who should not drink echinacea?
Echinacea may not be helpful if you have any of the following conditions: an autoimmune disorder (such as lupus), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). If you are pregnant or breastfeeding you should talk with your doctor before you start taking echinacea.
What does echinacea do for females?
Echinacea has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating the common cold, or vaginal yeast infections. Echinacea has also been used to treat ear infections or increase exercise performance.
What to avoid when taking echinacea?
What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Echinacea? Avoid coffee, tea, cola, energy drinks, or other products that contain caffeine. Taking echinacea with caffeinated products can increase caffeine side effects such as headache, increased heart rate, and feeling jittery.
Is echinacea good for sleep?
Echinacea Tea’s uses could aid both anxiety and insomnia. It contains chemical compounds such as alkamides, rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid that have calmative properties.
Is echinacea good or bad for you?
Echinacea has been shown to improve immunity, blood sugar, anxiety, inflammation, and skin health. It may even have anti-cancer properties. However, human-based research is often limited. It’s considered safe and well tolerated for short-term and long-term use.
Is echinacea bad for kidneys?
Others, such as echinacea (used as a cold and flu remedy), can directly affect kidney function, so you should get advice from your doctor or pharmacist before using them.
Does echinacea remove toxins?
Echinacea’s ability to stimulate and modulate immune response can reduce sore throats and raised lymph glands (common detox symptoms). It also increases the body’s overall ability to dispose of bacteria, infected and damaged cells, toxins and other harmful chemicals.
Is echinacea a blood thinner?
Warfarin is used to slow blood clotting. Echinacea might increase the breakdown of warfarin and decrease how well warfarin works. This might increase your risk of having a clot. Be sure to have your blood checked regularly.
Is echinacea hard on the liver?
Hepatotoxicity. In multiple controlled trials, echinacea by itself has not been linked to liver injury, either in the form of transient serum enzyme elevations or clinically apparent acute liver injury.
Is echinacea a natural antibiotic?
A study published in the Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology reports that extract of Echinacea purpurea can kill many different kinds of bacteria, including Streptococcus pyogenes (S. pyogenes).
