Overview
Echinacea is native to North America and includes several species with recognized benefits. Native Americans were the first to use this plant to treat various health problems, including infected wounds, snake bites, and fever. When American doctors discovered the benefits of this ancestral plant, they began selling it and prescribing it to treat lung infections. Echinacea was even included on the list of pharmaceutical ingredients in the United States National Formulary until 1950, before being forgotten and replaced by synthetic antibiotics. This plant, also discovered in 1920 by German doctors, continues to be used in German clinical practice. It was the German doctor Gerhard Madaus who undertook the first series of scientific studies on the benefits of echinacea. Following his trials, he decided to introduce this plant to Europe and have it cultivated there. It became popular.
Botany
Echinacea is a perennial plant that, unlike annual plants, can live for several consecutive years. Most perennial plants lose their leaves in autumn and become invisible in winter, even though their roots remain underground. This ancestral plant, widely used by Native Americans, belongs to the Asteraceae family. Its name comes from the ancient Greek word “ekhinos,” meaning “sea urchin, hedgehog,” referring to the spiny appearance of its center. This plant is often found in rocky forests, dry meadows, and on sandbanks, and is cultivated in temperate climates in sunny locations. It grows to between 60 and 180 cm in height and can be recognized by its purple or yellow flowers grouped into balls and its generally pink, drooping flowers.
There are about ten varieties of echinacea, but only three are considered medicinal and used in herbal medicine: Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea pallida, and Echinacea purpurea. They can be distinguished by the color of their flowers, which may be more or less dark.
For therapeutic purposes, depending on the species selected and the desired effect, the aerial parts of the plant, namely the stem and flower, or the roots may be used.
Properties
Echinacea is recognized for its immunostimulant, antibacterial, and antiviral properties, which give it the ability to strengthen the immune system of the body and help prevent the onset of certain infections. Studies have shown that these properties come in particular from the roots of the plant, which are rich in alkylamides and polysaccharides, compounds considered the most important in modulating the immune system.
The German Commission E recognizes the use of echinacea as an adjunctive treatment for respiratory tract infections (colds, laryngitis, sinusitis) and urinary tract infections, as well as its topical use to treat ulcers and poorly healing wounds. These indications are generally confirmed by the WHO (World Health Organization) and ESCOP (European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy). ESCOP also recognizes the use of echinacea to prevent colds. Echinacea may also support the immune system.
Immune system stimulation
Several studies have shown that echinacea significantly stimulates the natural defenses of the body. It may support and strengthen the immune system, thereby helping the body become more resistant and better defend itself against winter viruses and bacteria. By stimulating these defenses, it could be used preventively to help ward off viral and bacterial illnesses, or therapeutically to fight conditions such as flu, bronchitis, and ear infections. The antibacterial and antiviral properties of this plant make it a major asset in preventing recurrent respiratory infections, such as ENT infections. Finally, the anti-inflammatory properties of echinacea are particularly interesting because they may help reduce inflammation in respiratory tissues caused by severe flu, in particular.
Prevention and treatment of colds
Scientific studies have demonstrated the benefits of echinacea in reducing the incidence and duration of colds. It may also significantly reduce the intensity of cold symptoms such as sore throats, headaches, runny noses, and nasal congestion. Data from some studies have suggested that these effects are partly due to the anti-inflammatory properties of the plant, as it may block the production of inflammatory molecules called cytokines. It is therefore effective both for preventing and treating colds, especially when taken as soon as possible after the first symptoms appear.
Reduction of urinary tract infections
The antibacterial properties of echinacea enable it to naturally eliminate bacteria that attach to the walls of organs in the urinary system. It also has immunostimulant properties, which may make it an effective remedy for recurrent urinary and vaginal infections.
Wound healing
It may also accelerate the healing of wounds and skin inflammation when used topically. In fact, it inhibits bacterial proliferation and stimulates collagen synthesis.
Dosage
Echinacea is available in several forms from pharmacies. It can be used as a capsule, infusion, dietary supplement, decoction, juice, tincture, or cream. It is often recommended to take 1 gram one to three times a day during the course. For prevention, a single daily dose may be sufficient, while three doses per day are recommended for a therapeutic effect. To allow the body to rest and lose its tolerance, it is preferable not to consume echinacea year-round without a break. For example, you can take it for only three weeks each month.
Each type of internal or external use of echinacea corresponds to different functions or a specific need.
External use of echinacea
External use of echinacea helps promote the healing of wounds, injuries, and skin inflammation. To do this, apply a cream containing 15% juice from the aerial parts of echinacea several times a day to the affected areas of the body.
Internal use of echinacea
Internal use may help address ENT conditions, the immune system, and chronic urinary tract infections. At the first signs of a respiratory tract infection, it is recommended to take echinacea internally.
You can use it as:
- an infusion, by boiling 1 gram of aerial echinacea parts in boiling water, and drinking one to six cups per day;
- a decoction, by boiling 1 gram of echinacea root in boiling water, and drinking three cups per day;
- a dietary supplement (tablet or capsule), preferably from French organic farming, containing dry extract of echinacea root or aerial parts, and taking 1 gram three times a day;
- a tincture, taking 3 to 4 ml, up to three times a day (for better absorption, keep the extract in your mouth for a few seconds);
- fresh or stabilized juice made from the aerial parts of the plant, drinking 1 to 3 ml three times a day.
Nevertheless, pay attention to the concentration of the products, which varies depending on the form used. Some are more concentrated than others and therefore more potent. If you need additional information or have any doubts, contact your doctor. In all cases, it is strongly recommended that you ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using echinacea, in order to choose the form and dosage suited to your needs.
Precautions for use
The European Commission and ESCOP recommend not taking echinacea for more than 8 weeks. If the immune system is stimulated for a prolonged period, it could either become exhausted due to overstimulation of its defenses, or become tolerant of this stimulation, as the body becomes accustomed to the effect of the plant and requires a higher dose to maintain the same effectiveness. Its long-term effectiveness could indeed decrease due to an overdose.
In addition, people with asthma or allergies are more likely than others to be allergic to echinacea. It is also contraindicated for people allergic to the Asteraceae family, who may be susceptible to an allergy to echinacea.
Children aged six or those prone to recurrent ear infections should also avoid products containing echinacea, particularly in the event of a respiratory tract infection, because the plant could increase the risk.
The WHO recommends avoiding echinacea in people with autoimmune conditions (multiple sclerosis, collagen disease, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.) or taking immunosuppressants without medical advice, because of the possible effect of the plant on the immune system.
Furthermore, although the European Commission considers taking echinacea during pregnancy or breastfeeding to be safe, some researchers recommend avoiding it because there is still insufficient toxicological data.
