Echinacea

Latin Name: Echinacea angustifolia/ purpurea
Family: Asteraceae

Part used: rhizome/root & whole plant.
Energetics: Pungent, cool, dry.
Iris: All types.
Interactions: Please check with your Healthcare Provider.

Safe alongside Herb

Adalimumab
Amitriptyline
Clomipramine
Cyclophosphamide
Etravirine
Imipramine
Ketoconazole
Minocycline
Phenytoin

Unsure alongside Herb

Amoxicillin
Doxycycline
Erythromycin
Etoposide
Leflunomide
Methotrexate
Mycophenolate mofetil
Mycophenolate sodium
Mycophenolic acid

CONTRA-INDICATIONS

Long-term use
Allergic hypersensitivity
Allergy to Asteraceae (daisy) family
Children under 12 years old
Auto-immunity (speculative)
Aids/ HIV infection
Organ transplant patients
Progressive diseases: Multiple sclerosis / Leukosis/ Tuberculosis.

ACTIONS

Alterative
Lymphatic
Detoxifier
Antiseptic
Immune stimulant
Anti-neoplastic
Anti-infective
Anti-bacterial
Anti-viral
Anti-fungal
Adrenal agent
Diaphoretic
Vasodilator
Vulnerary
Anti-protozoal
Anti-allergic
Anti-oxidant

Main Constituents

Volatile oil
Polysaccharides- echinacin B
Echinacosides (highest in E. angustifolia.)
Inulin
Phenols
Alkylamides (highest in E. angustifolia)
Vitamins: A, C, E,
Minerals: Fe, Mn, Zn.

Main Uses

Digestive System: ‘Dirty’ tongue with insufficient secretions, Gingivitis, GI ulcers, Intestinal disinfectant, Tongue/ mouth ulcers
External Use: Insect bites

Infections:
Bacteria: E. coli, Listeria, Mycobacteria, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus
Fungi: Systemic candida
Protozoa: Trichomonas
Viruses: Coxsackie, Herpes genitalis, Herpes simplex 1 and 2, Influenza, Rhinovirus, Varicella, Measles
Skin: Acne, Eczema, Insect bites, Snake bites
Circulatory: Septicaemia, Cellulitis
Endocrine: Stimulation of adrenal cortex
Immune System: Lowered immunity, ill-effects of vaccinations, Allergies, Colds, Influenza, Tonsillitis
Respiratory System: Chronic respiratory infections
Reproductive System: Mastitis, Infections of fallopian tubes
Urinary System: UTI’s, Syphilis

More About Echinacea

Echinos is the Greek word for sea urchin or hedgehog, which describes its prickly dome of the purple coneflower. There are three distinct species E. purpurea (purple coneflower), E. angustifolia (narrow-leaf purple coneflower and E. pallida (pale purple coneflower). Their chemical constituents, actions and indications vary very little, however the purpurea and angustifolia are considered more effective.
Echinacea has a history of extensive use with the North Americans, and the white settlers adopted their uses. The North Americans observed that an injured snake would seek out a certain shrub and suck on it. It would then hide in a hole and would not die, but recover. The plant was Echinacea.
By the late 1880’s the remedy became known amongst medics for treating infections, inflammations, TB and toxicosis.
Its anti-infective action consists of a nonspecific stimulation of immunity, which results in increased T lymphocytes, interferon production, increased IL6, IL10, stimulation of macrophages to produce interleukins and TNF.
Echinacea helps in cases of bacterial, viral infections and tissue trauma.
It is perfect in those who have repeated infections and lowered immunity.
The anti-inflamamtory effect can be helpful in painful arthritis and pelvic inflammatory disease. It stimulates the capillary circulation and peripheral nerves, reducing mucosal secretion and promoting tissue detoxification. Useful in any types of swollen lymph glands, sore throat, skin rashes and fever.
Take Echinacea every 2 hours at the onset of chest infections, sore throats and swollen glands.
A decoction can be made for external use with gargles, washes and compresses.
Echinacea is most effective in short doses of less than 10 days.

Recipes:

Echinacea Tincture

Ingredients:

Dried Echinacea root, leaves, and/or flowers (preferably organic)
Vodka or brandy (at least 40% alcohol)
Glass jar with a tight-fitting lid

Instructions:

Fill the jar 1/3 to 1/2 full with dried Echinacea.
Pour the vodka or brandy over the herbs, ensuring they are completely submerged. The alcohol should come up to about an inch above the echinacea.
Seal the jar tightly and shake it.
Store the jar in a cool, dark place for about 4-6 weeks. Shake the jar once a day.
After the steeping period, strain out the echinacea using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Make sure to squeeze or press the echinacea to get out all of the tincture.
Transfer the liquid tincture to a clean, dark glass bottle with a dropper lid for easy dosing. Label the bottle with the date and contents.
Store in a cool, dark place.

Usage: 2-5ml in water or juice three times a day

Echinacea Tea

Ingredients:

1-2 teaspoons dried Echinacea root or leaves (preferably organic)
1 cup boiling water
Optional: honey or lemon slices for taste

Instructions:

Bring the water to a boil.
Place the dried Echinacea in a tea infuser or directly in a teapot.
Pour the boiling water over the Echinacea.
Let steep for 10-15 minutes. The longer the steep, the stronger the flavour and benefits.
Remove the Echinacea or the infuser from the teapot.
Pour into a cup and, if desired, add honey or lemon for taste.

References

Common cold

Immune system effects of echinacea, ginseng, and astragalus: a review.
Echinacea, a native of North America, is widely used to prevent, or provide early treatment for, colds. Preclinical studies lend biological plausibility to the idea that echinacea works through immune mechanisms. Numerous clinical trials have been carried out on echinacea preparations: it appears that the extracts shorten the duration and severity of colds and other upper respiratory infections (URIs) when given as soon as symptoms become evident.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15035888/

Antimicrobial, antioxidant, respiratory infections

Echinacea plants as antioxidant and antibacterial agents: From traditional medicine to biotechnological applications.
Indeed, several preclinical studies have shown the antimicrobial activity of Echinacea preparations against pathogens responsible for respiratory diseases. In addition, skin pathogens repre-sent potential targets.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.6101

Common cold.

Echinacea purpurea: A Proprietary Extract of Echinacea purpurea Is Shown to be Safe and Effective in the Prevention of the Common Cold.
This study showed that Echinacea’s long-term prevention was associated with a reduction in the total number of cold episodes, a reduction in the number of days with colds, and a reduction in cold episodes requiring additional medication. Furthermore, the Echinacea test agent inhibited virally confirmed colds and exhibited maximal effects on recurrent infections.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26633727/

Respiratory tract infections, children, alternative cold medicine to antibiotics

Echinacea reduces antibiotic usage in children through respiratory tract infection prevention: a randomised, blinded, controlled clinical trial.
Our results support the use of Echinacea for the prevention of RTIs and reduction of associated antibiotic usage in children.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33832544/

Immuno-modulating. Cytokine expression, health promoting supplement

Immunomodulation mediated by a herbal syrup containing a standardized Echinacea root extract: A pilot study in healthy human subjects on cytokine gene expression
In conclusion, this pilot study suggests a relevant role for the standardized Echinacea angustifolia root extract in the control of cytokine expression. This first demonstration of the immuno-modulating activity of Echinacea angustifolia root extract in the healthy subject, supports at least in part the common use of such products as health promoting supplement.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0944711314002219