How effective is Echinacea?
May offer several health benefits
- Positive effect on the immune System. Echinacea is best known for its beneficial effects on the immune system. ...
- May lower blood sugar levels. High blood sugar can raise your risk of serious health problems. ...
- May reduce feelings of anxiety. Anxiety is a common problem that affects close to one in five American adults ( 17 ). ...
- Anti-inflammatory properties. ...
What is the recommended dosage of Echinacea?
There is no standard dose of echinacea. It depends in part on the form you use. For example, the usual dose range for pressed juice is 6-9 milliliters daily, and the usual dose range for tinctures (usually a solution of alcohol and herbal extract) is 0.75-1.5 milliliters daily. Standardized extracts have other specific doses.
Is Echinacea used medically?
Echinacea, also known as the purple coneflower, is an herbal medicine that has been used for centuries, customarily as a treatment for the common cold, coughs, bronchitis, upper respiratory infections, and some inflammatory conditions. Research on echinacea, including clinical trials, is limited and largely in German.
What does Echinacea do for your body?
Echinacea may strengthen your body’s immune system, helping you fight colds and flus caused by viruses or bacteria. Some research shows that the echinacea plant contains chemicals that help your ...
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What parts of Echinacea are used medicinally?
In Germany (where herbs are regulated by the government), the above-ground parts of Echinacea purpurea are approved to treat colds, upper respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, and slow-healing wounds. The root of the Echinacea pallida plant is also approved for the treatment of flu-like infections.
How do you use an Echinacea plant?
Dosage and PreparationsPlace flowers, leaves, and roots of an echinacea plant in a teacup. ... Bring water to a boil and then let sit for a minute to reduce the temperature just slightly.Pour 8 ounces of water over the plant parts.Let the tea steep for as long as desired. ... Strain to remove the flowers, roots, and leaves.More items...•
How do you extract Echinacea from flowers?
0:251:42Harvesting Echinacea for Tea - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo if you're just going to harvest the leaves you cut down right above where your last leaf growthMoreSo if you're just going to harvest the leaves you cut down right above where your last leaf growth is. And if you're going to harvest the petals. And you want to clip. Right above your first leaf. So
Can you use the center of the Echinacea flower?
Echinacea flowers should be harvested just after blooming season has begun. Trim the blossoms at the base of the stem just above the first set of leaves. This will encourage new growth, amplifying your harvest each year. Don't use seed heads as they won't provide proper flavor when infused in hot water.
What part of echinacea do you tincture?
Take just a branch or two of the root and rebury the plant. Clean the soil from off the roots and chop them into pieces. Add the chopped roots to the tincture, adding more vodka if necessary. Allow the tincture to sit, shaking daily, for about another month or two.
Where do you cut echinacea flowers?
0:553:39How to use Coneflowers (Echinacea) as Cut Flowers - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then it's just a matter of cutting the stem at about say 3 or 4 inches off the ground.MoreAnd then it's just a matter of cutting the stem at about say 3 or 4 inches off the ground.
How is echinacea harvested for medicinal purposes?
Cut just above the crown to harvest the whole plant. The crown is located at the base of the plant, just above the roots. Cut up to one-third of the stems right above the crown using a pair of sharp scissors or garden shears to harvest the echinacea plant.
Can you eat echinacea leaves Raw?
Echinacea can be consumed in its raw state, since it can be found growing naturally across North America; however, the most effective way of obtaining echinacea health benefits is from medicinal preparations, where its properties are more concentrated.
Is the whole echinacea plant edible?
Overall, Echinacea species are not considered toxic. All parts of the plant are considered safe to ingest according to a UC Davis report.
How do you harvest and use echinacea?
Harvesting echinacea for tea is simple. You can use the ENTIRE echinacea plant for optimal anti-oxidant power, as the roots hold a lot of nutrients. Otherwise, you can just harvest the flower and leaves and still reap get-well benefits. If you cut JUST the flower, cut right below the first set of top leaves.
Can you eat fresh echinacea?
Those left to mature will develop attractive cone-shaped seed heads that attract birds and supply winter interest. Coneflowers also provide a key ingredient in many herbal tea blends. Although all parts of the plant are edible, the leaves and flower buds are most commonly harvested for herbal tea.
Can echinacea be eaten raw?
Echinacea can be consumed in its raw state, since it can be found growing naturally across North America; however, the most effective way of obtaining echinacea health benefits is from medicinal preparations, where its properties are more concentrated.
What is purple coneflower used for?
Medicinal plants are widely used for the relief of disease symptoms or as dietary supplements. In recent decades, purple coneflower has become extremely well known. An infusion or tincture of purple coneflower can be prepared by anyone simply, inexpensively, and ecologically safely.
What is the phenolic compound in coneflower?
Chicoric and caftaric acids were the major phenolic compounds in coneflower. Caftaric acid, with health promoting properties, was extracted best in a water solution from purple coneflower leaves (2673.31 mg/100 g dry weight [DW]) and chicoric acid, also with a beneficial effect on human health, yielded the highest levels in 40% ethanol solution ...
What is the most common echinacea species?
Ability to Withstand Disturbance and Overharvest: A common issue in wild-harvested Echinacea is that most species end up being listed as E. angustifolia, which is the most common of the Echinaceas in the natural medicine world.
How many species of echinacea are there?
Echinacea spp. Echinacea is a genus of 9 species, all of which are native to the U.S. These species are E. angustifolia, E. atrorubens, E. laevigata, E. pallida, E. paradoxa, E. purpurea, E. sanguinea, E. simulata, and E. tennesseensis.
What is the use of coneflowers?
Historically, the Native Americans used parts of Coneflowers as a remedy for toothaches and other mouth pain. It was also used in the treatment of burns and headaches, and was applied to snakebites. Currently, Echinacea (usually E. angustifolia) is sold as an “immune booster”.
Where do coneflowers live?
Habitat: Coneflowers are commonly found in sunny open roadsides, prairies, and meadows, though they can also sometimes be found in open woodlands with filtered sunlight. Echinacea is an incredibly drought resistant genus when compared to other forbes, and can be found in places where most plants have issues thriving.
Is the purple coneflower endangered?
E. paradoxa (Bush’s purple coneflower/Bush’s yellow coneflower) is “Threatened” in Arkansas, which, notably, is one of only 4 states the flower is found in. E. purpurea (eastern purple coneflower) is “Endangered” in Florida , and “Probably Extirpated” in Michigan.
Is E. angustifolia a wild harvested plant?
angustifolia, one of the most sought after of the Echinacea family, many of the other species of Echinacea are harvested and sold due to the growing wild-harvested market of E. angustifolia.
Why is echinacea used in North America?
Echinacea has been utilized for hundreds of years in North America in part because it is a botanical that is native to this continent.
When was echinacea used?
It was used extensively by Native Americans and by eclectic physicians in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. By 1921, echinacea was by far the most popular treatment prescribed by eclectic physicians to treat a wide range of conditions, including syphilis, dysentery, and even snakebites. However, echinacea has received negative media attention ...
Why is there a negative outcome in echinacea studies?
If there is a negative outcome in a study, it may be because the wrong part of the plant was used, but it is often difficult to determine this based on the information given.
How many studies have compared echinacea to placebo?
Of 16 studies that compared an echinacea preparation with placebo as treatment for acute infections, a significant effect was reported in 9 studies, a trend in 1 study, and no difference in 6 studies.
Does echinacea help with colds?
It is suggested that this stimulatory effect may aid the body in warding off infection and may be helpful in preventing colds and influenza. Polysaccharides and/or lipoproteins that are present in extracts from aerial parts of echinacea appear to be responsible for immune-stimulatory activity.
Does echinacea have a chemical make up?
As with any plant, the chemical make-up of echinacea is inconsistent throughout the entire plant. For example, recent studies have shown that the root contains a diverse mixture of active chemicals that are beneficial for acute conditions. Harvesting, processing, and manufacturing (as well as which part of the plant is used) will ultimately determine how echinacea affects the immune system. As a general rule, extracts prepared using ethanol contain higher levels of alkylamides and phenolic compounds, while extracts prepared using water are more likely to contain compounds such as polysaccharides, lipoproteins, and glycoproteins.
Does echinacea help the immune system?
After reviewing the research and seeing the volume of studies that continue to be performed on echinacea in varying stages of the immune cycle, I believe we are just beginning to understand the complexities and multiple uses of this botanical. Despite there being some negative studies to date, this does not mean that echinacea does not work. It is rather the opposite in that we are finally beginning to understand how each part of echinacea, root and aerial fraction, has unique phytochemistries that can benefit the immune system in many ways.
What is echinacea salve?
Echinacea Oil & Salve from The Nerdy Farm Wife. This salve is supposed to be good for chapped skin and bug bites. First, you make an infused oil with the echinacea flowers and leaves, and then you make the salve. I’ll be making some infused echinacea oil this year for sure!
How often should I use echinacea?
Echinacea is a medicinal herb that loses it’s effectiveness if used all the time. It is better to use it in cycles, something like 5 days on, 2 days off until the ailment has corrected itself. I personally prefer to only use echinacea during cold/flu season 3-4 times a week.
What is tea made of?
When you want tea that is made with the roots of a plant, it is called a decoction. It simmers longer than infused herbal teas made with leaves and flowers. This particular recipe is a great way to explore the wonders of medicinal herbal roots, including echinacea root.
Does echinacea oil help with swelling?
This article has multiple options for herbs to infuse in oil and then use to create lip balms. According to this list, echinacea infused lip balm can help with swelling and clean infections. Cool!
Can you make echinacea tincture with dried echinacea?
Echinacea Tincture Recipe from Practical Self Reliance. Tinctures are one of the most common ways to use echinacea. This tincture recipe is great if you have dried echinacea ingredients on hand. I love making tinctures for natural remedies. It’s always nice that they stay good for many years, and they are very versatile.
Does echinacea help with the flu?
Most people know that echinacea is a common natural remedy for colds and the flu. According to my favorite herbalist, Rosemary Gladstar, “Echinacea works by increasing macro-phage T-cell activity, thereby boosting the body’s first line of defense against colds, flus, and many other illnesses.” (Rosemary Gladstar, Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health, ...
Is echinacea a flower?
Echinacea is not only a beautiful flowering herb for your garden, it is also a wonderful natural remedy for your household. I’ve gathered together over 13 ways to use echinacea as a natural remedy. I hope this list inspires you as much as it does for me!
How to use echinacea tincture?
1. Sore Throat Spray. If you have a sore throat, mix some echinacea tincture in a glass spray bottle with water. Spray the back of your throat every 15-20 minutes until the pain subsides.
What is echinacea salve?
An echinacea salve can be used over wounds and infections. To make this salve, you’ll have to start with an infused oil. Then, cook the infused oil with beeswax and a mixture of other ingredients, such as coconut oil or shea butter. 5. Honey Infused with Echinacea.
How many species of echinacea are there?
This herb has 9 species of this plant, but Echinacea purpurea is the most commonly used species for home remedies. Some of the species are considered endangered, so we wouldn’t want to use those anyway.
What is the name of the plant that grows in the same family as the daisy?
Echinacea is a flowering plant in the same family as the daisy. It’s known as purple coneflower, and many people grow this powerful herb without realizing that its a powerhouse herb. It’s a great herb to grow in your backyard medicinal garden.
What is the best herb to make cough syrup?
The obvious choice for a base will be honey, but then you can change and use whatever herbs you want. Mint would be an excellent choice as well.
Is echinacea tincture safe for kids?
I’m a huge fan of using echinacea tinctures when I have a cold. It’s safe for kids. If you don’t have time to create a tincture, I like the Herb Pharm Kids brand, which doesn’t have a strange taste. I give it to my kids when they have a cold or feel crappy. Herb Pharma sells an adult version of this tincture as well.
Can you use echinacea in soap?
People use echinacea in all the wrong ways. Adding echinacea to your soap isn’t going to do much, but when used correctly, it’s a powerhouse herb to keep in your home.
How to use echinacea?
To consume echinacea, you can use the petal, leaves, roots, or all of the above. As the results of studies on the effectiveness of using echinacea medicinally are up in the air, so is the question of which part of the plant is best. Many believe that the roots contain the most active compounds. Harvesting the roots is best done in late fall, after the flowers have gone to seed and after a couple of frosts. Cut just a portion of the root so that the plant will come back in the spring. Wash the root thoroughly and then cut it into small pieces (about half-inch cubes). Lay the pieces on a screen in an area that is well-ventilated, dry, and out of direct sunlight. It may take several days for the root fragments to dry, but when they are, simply store them in an airtight glass container.
Where do echinacea live?
Other species of echinacea are still around but are considered endangered in the wild, such as Echinacea laeviagata and similata. Echinacea is native to North America and grows wild throughout southern Canada and across much of the central and eastern United States. You will find echinacea in open fields and prairies or sometimes in open, dry, ...
What is the difference between echinacea and echinacea pallida?
This species has pink or purple flowers, or rarely white. Echinacea pallida has mauve, white, or pale pink flowers with droopy petals and can grow up to four feet in height. If you are lucky, you may be able to find the rare Echinacea paradoxa, which has yellow flowers. Other species of echinacea are still around but are considered endangered in ...
How many species of echinacea are there?
Nine distinct species of echinacea exist, and there are more than fifty hybrids that have been cultivated in modern times. Readily available species that you can purchase for your garden will vary depending on where you live. The most common echinacea that you will see commercially is Echinacea purpurea with its large purple, daisy-like flowers and bristling seed cones. The smallest flowers are found on Echinacea angustifolia. This species has pink or purple flowers, or rarely white. Echinacea pallida has mauve, white, or pale pink flowers with droopy petals and can grow up to four feet in height. If you are lucky, you may be able to find the rare Echinacea paradoxa, which has yellow flowers. Other species of echinacea are still around but are considered endangered in the wild, such as Echinacea laeviagata and similata.
What is the most common echinacea?
The most common echinacea that you will see commercially is Echinacea purpurea with its large purple, daisy-like flowers and bristling seed cones. The smallest flowers are found on Echinacea angustifolia. This species has pink or purple flowers, or rarely white.
How long does it take for echinacea to germinate?
The seeds germinate readily in ten to twenty days. You may choose to start the seeds outside, but it is better to use containers and to transplant later.
Why are coneflower petals called coneflowers?
The name coneflower comes from the fact that the petals generally point downward and the seed cone in the middle tapers upwards. The overall effect is of a cone shape.
Historical Ailments
How Can Echinacea Be used?
- There are many ways to utilize the Echinacea plant. The parts of the plant that are used include the roots and the upper parts. These uses are the extracts, in tea, tablets and ointments. The Echinacea plant has many compounds that are found inside. There is alkamides, caffeic acid, phenolic acids, rosmarinic acid, and polyacetylenes. There are oth...
Benefits
- Using Echinacea has many benefits that may be found. Some of these include, but are not limited to: 1. Echinacea has a positive effect on the immune system. There has been plenty of research and studies to show that Echinacea can help fight infections and viruses. This in turn helps you to heal faster and feel better faster. This is the main reason that Echinacea is recommended for th…
Side Effects
- Even natural products such as Echinacea have possible side effects. The side effects are quite similar to those experienced by people who have allergies to flowers. Skin rashes, hives, swelling, itchiness, nausea and stomach pain. They may experience shortness of breath. Echinacea has an effect on the immune system, meaning it gives it a boost. People with any form of autoimmune …
Dosages
- There are no definitive dosages available for a couple of reasons. First off Echinacea is a natural product, when used in supplements, it is almost impossible to know exactly what is in the product. It should be listed, but not all manufacturers list ALL ingredients on the label. Any findings in conclusion from research have been highly variable. Although the research dosages have been g…
Conclusion
- The use of Echinacea is once again becoming a popular supplement for many countries. The benefits are wide and risks are variable. Those who do have allergies to flowers, plants or roots may not be able to use Echinacea. Those with autoimmune disorders need to speak with their physician so he or she can explain the effects of what may happen to them when they use Echin…