(Popular Herb Series 1/9) Echinacea: This purple coneflower is easily recognizable. Two varieties are generally used in herbal medicine: Echinacea purpurea, and Echinacea angustifolia. There is some debate on which species is more medicinal, but from a scientific standpoint, both species can be used interchangeably. This herb is widespread throughout North America and is cultivated throughout the rest of the world. Echinacea is most used for its ability to boost the immune system, where it works in three mechanisms Activation of phagocytosis and stimulation of fibroblasts Increasing respiratory activity Increasing mobility of the leukocyte Basically speaking, Echinacea tricks the body into believing there is an attack, making it send out fighters to kill off invaders. It is used in this way to boost the immune system to either prevent sickness or to reduce the severity or duration of symptoms and sickness. Traditionally used by North American plains people for at least 400 years for symptoms in the throat and mucus membranes, topically for snake and insect bites as well as burns and skin afflictions (using a mashed paste of the entire plant), dental cavities, venereal disease, gastrointestinal (GI) tract disorders, and even arthritis (Buhner, 2012; Goldhaber-Fieber, 1999). The plant was called “elk root” after plains people observed wounded and sick elk eating the plant (Tilford, 1997). Native Americans probably did not use Echinacea to prevent colds but some First Nations people used it to treat certain symptoms of the common cold (Moerman, 1998). The most common recommendation is to juice the entirety of the aerial part of the plant (stem, leaves, and full flower), and to drink it daily at the onset of symptoms. Tincturing of the leaves or roots is also commonplace and can make delivery easier. One German study of an ointment prepared from the fresh flowering aerial parts of E. purpurea in 1978 recorded an 85.5% success rate on 4598 patients with various inflammatory skin conditions and wounds (Viehmann, 1978). The author concluded that the topical Echinacea application was highly effective in healing skin conditions including burns, eczema, inflammation, herpes simplex, and varicose veins. Consumers purchasing Echinacea products should be vigilant in pursuing reputable and trustworthy brands. In 2002, independent consumer advocacy company ConsumerLab.com investigated 11 brands of Echinacea and found that only 4 actually contained the herb (ConsumerLab.com, 2002). Adult Dosages: Juice: 1 - 3 teaspoons of the fresh juice of aerial parts, 3 times/day. Tincture: 1 to 4 mL 3x/day. Topical: Finely grind dried root and sprinkle on infected wounds or mix with water to form a paste and place on the area. As far as safety is concerned, Echinacea seems to be well tolerated for most people. An allergic reaction may be possible in people with allergies to daisy family plants. The German Commission considers E. purpurae safe for use during pregnancy, though some women have complained of uterine irritation while consuming Echinacea products. Always talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing before taking any herbal medicine. There have been recent studies which claim Echinacea is an immune modulator, not only a stimulator. Therefore, caution should be used if you have an autoimmune condition, as immunomodulators can exacerbate symptoms.
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