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There are three major types of Echinacea used in supplement preparations today. They are Echinacea purpurea (Purple coneflower), Echinacea angustifolia (Narrow-leafed coneflower) and Echinacea pallida (Pale coneflower). While they all have slightly different constituents, they are similar enough to discuss together. There are many references that compare and contrast the different species.
Echinacea is best known for a general ability to enhance the overall function of the immune system.
Source
Echinacea is found in tinctures, fluid extracts, powdered extracts, and standardized extracts. Both roots and whole plants have been used. A reliable source of Echinacea is suggested, as it has been known to be substituted with various "Snakeroots" by some suppliers.
Function; Reasons For Use
The active components of Echinacea have not been positively identified although large polysaccharides, as well as isobutylamides and cichoric acid have been implicated. Essentially, Echinacea has been shown to stimulate phagocytosis (engulfing of bacteria/viruses by certain white-blood cells), increase respiratory activity, and increase the motility of the white-blood cells.
Human clinical trials have been somewhat contradictory over the past several years; showing both positive and negative results for colds and flus. Both E. pallida root and E. purpurea whole plant preparations are "Approved" by the German Commission E for support during colds and influenza-like infections. E. angustifolia and E.pallida whole herb preparations still remain "Unapproved" by the Commission E, although there is some disagreement of this status.
A review article concluded that there is inadequate evidence to support claims that echinacea decreases the severity or shortens the duration of upper respiratory infections and that allergic reactions have been reported [Med Lett Drugs Ther 2002;44(1127): pp.29-30].
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Echinacea (Coneflower) can help with the following: | | | | | Allergy |  Allergic Rhinitis / Hay Fever | A tincture of equal parts of coneflower (Echinacea), goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis), cleavers (Gallium asparine), eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis), ginger root (Zingiber officinalis), and elderberry (Sambucus nigra) will strengthen your immune system, increase circulation, and help your respiratory system work better. Take 30 drops two or three times per day. |
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Infections |
 Lyme Disease
 Pharyngitis ("Strep Throat")| | To promote the spread of colonies, streptococci secrete large amounts of hyaluronidase. This enzyme is inhibited by echinacea and prevents tissue invasion by the bacteria. Echinacea also promotes increased phagocytosis and natural killer cell activity. Physical contact is required, so gargling or topical application is best. |
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Inflammation |
Laryngitis| | Echinacea and golden seal stimulate the immune system and are important for helping to clear any kind of infection. Take one dose of an echinacea and goldenseal combination formula supplying 250-500mg of echinacea and 250-500mg of goldenseal every two hours during the acute phase. Then cut back to one dose three times a day for up to one week. |
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Organ Health |
Hepatitis |
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KEY | | May do some good | | | Likely to help | | | Highly recommended |
GLOSSARY
Acute
An illness or symptom of sudden onset, which generally has a short duration.
Bacteria (Bacterial, Bacterium)
Microscopic germs. Some bacteria are "harmful" and can cause disease, while other "friendly" bacteria protect the body from harmful invading organisms.
Commission E
The body of scientists and panel of experts that provides advice on herbal treatments and evaluates the safety, effectiveness and dosage of medicinal herbs; Germany's equivalent of the FDA.
Enzymes (Enzyme)
Specific protein catalysts produced by the cells that are crucial in chemical reactions and in building up or synthesizing most compounds in the body. Each enzyme performs a specific function without itself being consumed. For example, the digestive enzyme amylase acts on carbohydrates in foods to break them down.
Herbs (Herb, Herbal)
Herbs may be used as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, teas should be made with one teaspoon herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 to 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 to 20 minutes for roots. Tinctures may be used singly or in combination as noted. The high doses of single herbs suggested may be best taken as dried extracts (in capsules), although tinctures (60 drops four times per day) and teas (4 to 6 cups per day) may also be used.
Immune System (Immune Response, Immunity)
A complex that protects the body from disease organisms and other foreign bodies. The system includes the humoral immune response and the cell-mediated response. The immune system also protects the body from invasion by making local barriers and inflammation. The process may involve acquired immunity (the ability to learn and remember a specific infectious agent), or innate immunity (the genetically programmed system of responses that attack, digest, remove, and initiate inflammation and tissue healing).
Milligram (mg, Milligrams)
0.001 or a thousandth of a gram.
Motility
Capacity for spontaneous movement, frequently in reference to the intestine.
Phagocytosis
Process of ingestion and digestion by cells of solid substances such as other cells, bacteria, dead tissue, and foreign particles.
Tincture
An alcohol or water-alcohol solution, usually referring to a preparation from herbal materials.
Topical
Most commonly 'topical application': Administration to the skin.
Virus (Viri, Viruses)
Any of a vast group of minute structures composed of a protein coat and a core of DNA and/or RNA that reproduces in the cells of the infected host. Capable of infecting all animals and plants, causing devastating disease in immunocompromised individuals. Viruses are not affected by antibiotics, and are completely dependent upon the cells of the infected host for the ability to reproduce.
Last updated: Nov 14, 2009
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