Echinacea is a genus of flowering plants in the Daisy family (Compositae). Commonly called purple coneflowers, there are nine different species of Echinacea with three of these species used for medicinal purposes: Echinacea purpurea, E. angustifolia, and E. pallida. Echinacea grows in the wild in the Rocky Mountains of the United States and is cultivated for use in dietary supplements.
Echinacea is a perennial herb that is native to the midwestern region of North America. It has tall stems, single pink or purple flowers, and a large central cone that is usually purple or brown in color. The large cone is actually a seed head with sharp spines that resemble a stiff comb. Echinacea is also known as snakeroot, comb flower, hedgehog, and to the native Potawatomi as ashosikwimia’kuk, which means “smells like muskrat scent”.
Immunity Support
Echinacea has shown to improve immunity and it is frequently used to fight colds and flus. It also contains chemicals that help the body’s generation of white blood cells, which helps to fight infections. Echinacea may also block the action of some viral proteins and stimulate macrophages and other cells of the innate immune system, causing them to become activated and release cytokines which are crucial in controlling the growth and activity of immune system cells and blood cells, and they signal the immune system to do its job. A number of studies show that echinacea is beneficial in bacterial and viral respiratory infections and may also reduce asthma symptoms.
Mental Health and Anxiety Relief
A benefit that may not be as well known about echinacea is its ability to support mental health. In fact, studies have found that echinacea can have an anxiolytic effect, which means it can help you stay calm. This has been observed in both animal and human studies. One study found that taking 40 milligrams of echinacea extract twice daily for 7 days significantly reduced anxiety compared to a placebo. Another study found that state anxiety scores decreased by approximately 11 points after seven days in the Echinacea group, compared with only 3 points in the placebo group. Interestingly, anxiety relief using an extract of echinacea seems to occur only at low dosages and disappears when the dosage is greatly increased.
The Compounds of Echinacea and Parts Used
Echinacea plants contain many active compounds, such as caffeic acid, alkamides, phenolic acids, rosmarinic acid, and polyacetylenes. They seem to activate chemicals in the body that decrease inflammation. Echinacea is considered safe and well tolerated for short-term and long-term use. However, human-based research is often limited. You should talk to your doctor before taking echinacea or other supplements.
Some part commonly used for health benefits include:
- Roots contain the most powerful medicine from the plant
- Aerial parts are most often used for herbal teas
- Flowers and leaves can be used to brew teas
- Leaves and purple petals can be used raw in salads or as a potherb
- Entire plant can be used for optimal anti-oxidant power
- Oil can be made by crumbling up the leaves and flowers and pouring oil over them
To prepare echinacea for use, you can place the flowers, leaves, and roots in a teacup, bring water to a boil, and then pour the water over the plant parts. Let the tea steep for as long as desired, and then strain to remove the plant parts.
Precautions: A 2014 review of more than a dozen studies found that echinacea had a very slight benefit in preventing colds. However, using echinacea for longer than 8 weeks at a time might damage your liver or suppress your immune system. Herbalists recommend not to take echinacea if you are taking medicines known to affect your liver. Check with your doctor first if you are having any other drugs, herbs, or supplements.
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