Echinacea

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 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.