Echinacea
PURPLE CONE FLOWER
Compositae
ECHINACEA PURPUREA
ECHINACEA ANGUSTIFOLIA
The Echinacea plant is native to North America, but is rapidly being cultivated in Europe and elsewhere in the world as its properties become recognized. The herb is distinctive, its name arising from the flower, which is shaped like a daisy, with a ring of purple florets around a central cone. Echinacea leaves are coarse and hairy.
History
The name derives from the Greek echin, or "hedgehog," referring to the prickly- looking central cone, which does resemble a hedgehog. Echinacea is called "snake bite" by Native Americans, who used it to counter infections and to treat snakebites and bites from rabid animals. This information was passed to the early settlers, who continued to use it in a similar manner. Current research has certainly confirmed the ability of echinacea extract to fight against infection through its antibacterial action, and has explored its role in improving and healing the immune system, especially where viral illnesses have taken hold, for example, in cases of chronic fatigue syndrome. According to Vogel, Echinacea was burned by some Native Americans as a treatment for headaches, and also used as a remedy for toothache.
Parts used
Root, rhizome.
Active constituents
Echinacoside (only in purpurea), isobutyl amides (including echinacin) polysaccharides, polyacetylenes, essential oil, alkaloids, and flavonoids.
Echinacea Health - How it works in the body
The research into how Echinacea works on the immune system is continuing, but it is clear that the polysaccharides play a key role in preventing viruses from taking hold in the body's cells. Echinacea liquid stimulates the white T-cells within a person's immune system, which help to fight off infections and keep the body healthy. Of the other constituents present in the Echinacea herb, alkaloids possess antibacterial properties, and are useful against fungal infections. It is also used as an alterative, or blood cleanser, for the skin, clearing boils and other skin complaints.
Applications
Echinacea tea is the main use, as a decoction of the root. For infections, both viral and bacterial, take 200 ml (8 fl oz), twice a day. As a tincture, take 2 1/2 ml (50 drops / 1/2 tsp) three times a day. For sore throats and mouth ulcers, combine 2 ml (40 drops) of Echinacea tincture with 2 ml (40 drops) marigold tincture and 2 ml (40 drops) myrrh tincture in 100 ml (4 fl oz) water, and gargle three times a day. You can also buy echinacea capsules.
Echinacea Herbal Indications
- Colds, flu, sore throats.
- Chronic fatigue syndrome.
- Bacterial infections.
- Fungal infections such as candida (thrush).
- Skin complaints, including boils, acne, and eczema.
- Allergic conditions.
Contraindications
When you buy echinacea, in order to get the best effect from its properties, for infections, it has been suggested it is better to take Echinacea supplements only for periods of three months at a time, and to alternate this with other immune system herbal remedies for about the same period.
Where can I buy echinacea?
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