Echinacea is the botanical name of the Coneflower, derived from the Greek word echinos, “hedgehog”, for the prickly presentation of its cone. Its medicinal incarnations come in three varieties: Augustifolia, Purpurea, and Pallida. Each of these three plants has roughly equivalent medicinal value, and the main differences lie in their ability to proliferate in different climates. Echinacea was first used by the Native American tribes for many ailments, including toothaches, sore throats, any kind of skin wound, and particularly snake bites (hence its alias, Snakeroot).
How It Works
Echinacea has earned its reputation as an herbal antibiotic and anti-viral through a great deal of study and experimentation. The complex mixture of active constituents in Echinacea don’t work especially well when separated, but together as a whole food, there are few herbs that perform as well. These compounds are also volatile, so caution should be taken during preparation. A properly strong preparation of Echinacea in tea or tincture should cause a lingering tingling feeling on your tongue and mouth.
Echinacea’s immune support starts with the prevention of the formation of hyaluronidase, an enzyme produced by bacteria that break down the walls of healthy cells to allow invasion by pathogenic organisms. Echinacea also encourages the production of T-cells, the heavy fighters of the immune system, and also assists phagocytosis, where cells called phagocytes attack and consume pathogens like bacteria and viruses.
Current Uses and Studies
The most common use of Echinacea currently is as a cold and flu remedy. Treatment with Echinacea at the first sign of illness has been clinically shown to reduce the amount of time and severity of the ailment. It is also used anywhere there’s a significant presence of infection, including pus and mucus discoloration. Echinacea is also thought to be effective against candida infections (systemic yeast proliferations), and could also prove to be highly effective against certain types of tumors, the herpes virus, and non-specific strains of influenza.
Echinacea is also favored for detoxifying the lymphatic system, the circulatory system, and the respiratory system. Michael Tierra (Planetary Herbology, 1988) suggested that Echinacea neutralized acidic conditions in the blood, which is associated with lymphatic stagnation (lymph nodes not draining properly), and may also be related to the idea that Echinacea can slow or stop the spread of cancerous cells.
Contraindications, Warnings, and Disclaimers
Do not use Echinacea if you have a known allergy to ragweed, chrysanthemum, or any other member of the Aster/Daisy family. Allergic reactions can include hives, rash, dizziness, drowsiness, headaches, muscle aches, nausea, sore throat, and an upset stomach. Heavy doses of Echinacea coupled with Eucalyptus have been known to have extreme laxative effects.
Do not take Echinacea if you have an existing autoimmune disorder such as multiple sclerosis, HIV/AIDS, or lupus, as its immune-boosting effects may amplify the response of the disease. Do not take Echinacea for more than seven to ten days at a time, and no more than three times in a three-month period.
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