Family: Compositae; other members include daisy, dandelion, marigold Genus and species: Echinacea angustifolia, E. purpurea
Also known as: Purple coneflower
Parts used: Roots
Also known as: Purple coneflower
Parts used: Roots
Echinacea is the best-kept secret among native American healing herbs. Few other plants are so potentially beneficial as immune-boosting infection fighters.
HEALING with Echinacea
1. Infection Fighter. Echinacea kills a broad range of disease-causing viruses, bacteria, fungi and protozoa, which tends to support its traditional uses in would healing and treatment of many infectious diseases. German researchers report success using Echinacea to treat colds, flu, tonsillitis, bronchitis, tuberculosis, meningitis, wounds, abscesses, psoriasis, whooping cough (pertussis), and ear infections. The herb fights infection in several ways. It contains a natural antibiotic (echinocoside), which is comparable to penicillin in that it has broad-spectrum activity.
Echinacea strengthens tissues against assault by invading microorganisms. Tissues contain chemical that in part acts as a shield against germ attack. Many germs produce an enzyme (hyaluronidase) that dissolves this chemical shield, allowing them out of the body’s tissues.
2. Immune System. Echinacea may also prevent infection by revving up the immune system. When disease-causing microorganisms attack, cells secrete chemicals that attract infection-fighting white blood cells (macrophages) to the area. The macrophages (literally “big eaters”) engulf and digest the invaders.
3. Colds and Flu. In addition, Echinacea may behave like the body’s own virus-fighting chemical, interferon. Before a virus-infected cell dies, it releases a tiny amount of interferon, which boosts the ability of surrounding cells to resist infection. Echinacea may do essentially the same thing.
4. Yeast Infection. Tests of Echinacea in people have produced dramatically positive results.
5. Radiation Therapy. Cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy typically suffer reduced white blood cell counts, increasing their risk of infection. Echinacea may help preserve WBC and thus protect radiation patients from infection. If you’re in radiation therapy, use Echinacea only in consultation with your physician.
6. Wound Healing. Science has confirmed echinacea’s traditional use in wound treatment. The same chemical (echinacein) that prevents germs from penetrating tissues also spurs broken skin to knit faster by spurring cells that form new tissue (fibroblasts) to work more efficiently. Echinacea preparations can be applied to cuts, burns, psoriasis, eczema, genital herpes, and cold sores.
7. Arthritis. The same chemical (HA) that helps shield tissues against germs also lubricates the joints. Joint inflammation (arthritis) breaks down HA, but echinacea’s HA-protective action may have an anti-inflammatory effect, thus lending credence to the herb’s traditional use in treating arthritis.
8. Intriguing Possibility. Echinacea shows promising anti-cancer activity against leukemia and a few animal tumors.
Rx for Echinacea
Use either a tincture or decoction to take advantage of echinacea’s infection-fighting potential or as a possible treatment for arthritis. To make a decoction, bring 2 teaspoons of root material per cup of water to a boil, and then simmer 15 minutes. Drink up to 3 cups a day. You’ll find the taste initially sweet, then bitter.
In a tincture, take 1 teaspoon up to three times a day.
If you’re using a commercial preparation, follow package directions.
Echinacea should not be given to children under age 2. For older children and people over 65, start with a low-strength preparation and increase strength if necessary.
SAFETY FACTOR
Echinacea often causes a tingling sensation on the tongue. This is normal and not harmful. The medical literature contains no reports of Echinacea toxicity.
Echinacea often causes a tingling sensation on the tongue. This is normal and not harmful. The medical literature contains no reports of Echinacea toxicity.
However, there have been a few reports of bulk Echinacea root being adulterated by other herbs. Any adulteration would reduce the herb’s effectiveness, and depending on the adulterant, might cause adverse reactions.
Fortunately, many U.S. herb companies market prepackaged Echinacea preparations under FDA purity regulations. These may be used with confidence.
The FDA lists Echinacea as an herb of “undefined safety,” but available evidence suggests it’s safe. For otherwise healthy non-pregnant, non-nursing adults, Echinacea is considered safe in amounts typically recommended.
Echinacea should be used only in consultation with your doctor. If Echinacea causes minor discomforts, such as stomach upset or diarrhea, use less or stop using it. Let your doctor know if you experience any unpleasant effects or if the symptoms for which the herb is being used do not improve significantly in two weeks.
Ref.: Healing Herbs, by Michael Castleman, 1991
