Echinacea

Latin names: Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea pallida and Echinacea purpurea.

Common names: Black Sampson, Purple Coneflower, Rudbeckia and Missouri snake root.

Echinacea is a member of the sunflower family, and was used originally by the North American Indians who inhabited the plains of North America. The Native Americans used Echinacea to heal wound, infections and insect and snake bites. The plant consists of three main species, and these are the Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea pallida and Echinacea purpurea, but are also known as Black Sampson, Purple Coneflower, Rudbeckia and Missouri snake root. The plant itself grows to a height of between three and five feet, and has characteristic large purple flowers.

The species most commonly used in the USA has been Echinacea angustifolia, whereas in Europe, more studies have been carried out using Echinacea purpurea, and this is the type that is traditionally used now in the UK and the rest of Europe.

The Benefits of Echinacea

Echinacea has been used for a number of conditions including:-

• Colds and Influenza
• Viral and bacterial infections
• Skin complaints – many types such as acne and psoriasis
• Relief of pain and swelling
• Bites and scratches
• Allergies
• Tonsillitis, inflamed gums and mucus problems
• Burns and eczema (used externally)

Properties

Polysaccharides and phytosterols – potent non-specific stimulators of the immune system.

Echinacin – a polysaccharide exhibiting antibiotic and anti-fungal activity as well as cortisone-like activity, which helps wound healing by inhibition of the enzyme hyaluronidase, which is an inflammatory enzyme.

Sesquiterpene esters – exhibit immuno-stimulatory activity.

Others – Echinacea also contains a number of other active substances, which, with echanacin, inhibit the hyaluronidase enzyme.

Contra-indications/Precautions

Anyone with kidney disorders should restrict use to ten days due to the fact that longer use may lead to imbalance in excreted minerals.

Further Reading:-

Articles:

What is the Immune System?

First Aid for Bites and Stings

First Aid for Burns and Scalds

Garlic

Calcium

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