Echinacea

Species Name: Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea pallida.

Other Names Known By: Echinacea, purple coneflower, coneflower, American coneflower.

Echinacea is known for its healing power to help fight off and shorten the duration of ailments such as colds, and was widely used by Native Americans.

What is Echinacea? There are nine known species of Echinacea, all of which are native to the United States and southern Canada.

The most commonly used, Echinacea purpurea, is believed to be the most potent.

Home remedies using Echinacea:

Benefits of Echinacea:

Traditionally echinacea has been used to treat or prevent colds, flu, and other infections. It is believed to stimulate the immune system to help fight infections.

Uses of Echinacea:

Echinacea has been used for wound and skin problems such as acne or boils and there is still debate over the extent to which echinacea shortens the course of colds or influenza.

Two major studies did not find a benefit from echinacea, either as echinacea purpurea prepared as fresh-pressed juice for treating colds in children, or as an unrefined mixture of echinacea angustifolia root and echinacea purpurea root and herb in adults.

Other studies have shown that echinacea may be beneficial in treating upper respiratory infections, but there is still widespread support for the continued research and use of echinacea for the treatment of upper respiratory infections.

The above ground parts of the plant, and roots of echinacea are used fresh or dried to make teas, squeezed (expressed) juice, extracts, or preparations for external use.

Side Effects of Echinacea:

When taken by mouth, echinacea usually doesn’t cause side effects, but some people experience allergic reactions, including rashes, increased asthma, and anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction) when taking echinacea.

In clinical trials, gastrointestinal side effects were most common.  Those most likely to have allergic reactions to echinacea are those allergic to related plants in the daisy family, including ragweed, marigolds,  chrysanthemums, and daisies. 

It is important to inform your health care providers about any herb or dietary supplement you are using, including echinacea, to ensure safe and coordinated care.