Echinacea

DEFINITION

Echinacea is one of the most widely used medicinal plants and three species are commonly used in herbal medicine; Echinacea angustifolia, E. pallida and E. purpurea. Echinacea is also known as Coneflower, Purple Coneflower, Black Sampson, Kansas Snakeroot and Rudbeckia.

DESCRIPTION

The plant is native to North America and is cultivated in Europe. The flowers produced by the plant are purple in colour and seated at the base of a high cone. The root (the part most commonly used medicinally) is slightly spiral in appearance with furrows running along its length.
There is much debate over which species is most effective. Many herbal formulations have a combination of the Echinacea species. Echinacea has a slightly sweet taste and leaves a tingling sensation in the mouth.
The herb contains two pyrrolizidine alkaloids (isotussilagine and tussilagine), glycosides, terpenoids, echinacoside and flavone glycosides, volatile oils, phytosterols, carbohydrates and vitamin C.

INTERACTIONS

Herbal supplements can alter the effects of certain drugs, including prescription medications. Always tell your Doctor about any prescription medications, non-prescription medications, herbs or other dietary supplements you are taking.
-Echinacea may increase the production of antibodies and stimulates other parts of the immune system, so should not be used by people taking immunosuppressant medications (e.g. cyclosporine), as it may reduce the effects of these drugs.
-People with liver damage should avoid taking Echinacea in the long term due to the possibility of toxicity.

MEDICAL USE

-Always consult your Health Professional to advise you on dosages and any possible medical interactions. Echinacea is most commonly used as an immune stimulant, particularly if the interactions. Echinacea is most commonly used as an immune stimulant, particularly if the immune system is constantly weakened and stressed by modern lifestyles. Echinacea is approved by the German Federal Drug Administration as supportive therapy for upper respiratory tract infections, urogenital infections and wounds.
-INFECTIONS. Echinacea has antibacterial and antiviral actions and it is used traditionally for skin diseases including furuncles (boils), carbuncles, septicaemia and to aid wound healing generally. It is commonly used to help fight infections including colds and influenza, recurrent infections, especially of the respiratory and urinary tracts. Echinacea may be particularly useful for treating infections where there is a resistance to antibiotics.
-IMMUNITY. Using frequent and high doses of the herb is reputed to shorten the recovery period of some illnesses. Studies indicate that Echinacea is most effective in the management of chronic infections. Echinacea is indicated in cases where the immune system is weakened or suppressed. It is also useful in the prevention of bacterial and viral infections, especially colds and influenza.
-Other medical problems which may respond to this herb include inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and acne, tonsillitis, sinus, pharyngitis and other catarrhal problems. Allergies and intolerances respond well to long-term health management with Echinacea, with a notable reduction in symptoms. Stress, extreme environmental changes or whenever the body is in need of reinforcement, Echinacea may boost the body needs to maintain resistance and to promote health.

PROPERTIES

Antiseptic, antiviral, immune stimulant, peripheral vasodilator.

NOTES

-Adverse reactions to Echinacea seem to be uncommon, however there are people who may show allergic symptoms. These include bronchospasm, rash and a swollen tongue. From 2.5 million prescriptions yearly in Germany, no serious side effects were reported, although stomach upset may occur.
-Echinacea should be avoided by patients with HIV disease, collagen disease, leukosis, multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases.
-Caution is recommended in individuals with a history of asthma, hay fever or allergy to the daisy family.
-Echinacea may be toxic to the liver if taken for more than 8 weeks.
-The safety or potential risks of using Echinacea during pregnancy are not known. It is recommended that large doses of Echinacea be avoided during pregnancy.

DISCLAIMER: The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended to replace medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, nurse or naturopath before following any medical regimen to see whether it is safe and effective for you.