Echinacea
Blend of Echinacea purpurea & Echinacea angustifolia – root
Echinacea (including Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea angustifolia) has traditionally been used in North America for the prevention and treatment of cold and flu symptoms and is now one of the most widely used medical plants in both North America and Europe. Echinacea is primarily an immune stimulant, although many herbalists also consider it an immunomodulant, mainly encouraging non-specific immunity. It can also have an effect on allergies and autoimmune conditions.
Actions
Primary: immune modulating, anti-inflammatory, lymphatic.
Secondary: vulnerary, adaptogenic, sialogogue.
Indications
- Relief of upper respiratory tract infections, including mild tonsillitis, pharyngitis, cold, flu and mild bronchitis.
- To support the body’s resistance to infections of all kinds.
- Internally and topically to support healthy wound healing.
- Internally and topically for mild mouth ulcers, topically as a gargle to relieve mild tonsillitis and throat conditions.
- Topically as a mouthwash to support healthy gums.
Contra-indications and Cautions
Contraindicated in patients taking immunosuppressant medication (such as transplant patients).
Administration and Dosage
The analysis of contents below is a guide only, product specific data including expiry date is with the item in the shop.
50% Echinacea purpurea root and 50% Echinacea angustifolia root 1:2. Each 1 ml contains 500mg of dry herb.
Liquid extract in 60% ethanol. Use 20 to 50 ml weekly.
Our clinic uses fluid extracts from Optimal Rx, Herbal Extract Company, Nutrition Care, Mediherb or Sunray Botanicals, in this order.
Notes
The native American medicinal plant echinacea is one of the most popular herbs in the marketplace. The name refers to several different plants in the genus Echinacea derived from the aboveground parts and roots of Echinacea angustifolia and E. purpurea.
Modern interest in echinacea is focused on its immunomodulatory effects, particularly in the prevention and treatment of upper respiratory tract infections. It is used for preventing and treating the common cold, flu, to increase general immune system function, to treat vaginal candidiasis, to address infections and to promote lymphatic drainage. Studies indicate that alcohol extracts of all echinacea species exert significant anti-inflammatory activity due to multiple constituents acting with multiple mechanisms.
Pharmacological and preclinical studies have also demonstrated antianxiety, antidepression, cytotoxicity, and anticancer properties. Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea pallida, and Echinacea purpurea are the main species used in phytotherapy. The root of E. angustifolia was the preferred medicine by the early US herbalists, however, fresh plant extract of E. purpurea is the dominant medicine used in Europe today, especially for viral infections.
