What is it
Echinacea is the common name of a group of herbaceous plants (Echinacea angustifolia, pallida and purpurea) native to North America and widespread from Mexico to Canada.
Today it is cultivated in almost all temperate climates for its medicinal properties. From the red or pink flowers and the plant the dry extract is obtained which has therapeutic effects.
Activities
Echinacea has an immunostimulant effect that is expressed by increasing the activity of immune cells (such as white blood cells) that act by engulfing pathogens. It therefore improves the body’s resistance to external aggressions.
It contains ceffeinic acid, ciric acid and echinacoside, traditionally used for cooling disorders.
Why is it used
Scientific studies have shown that it is effective in the prevention and treatment of colds and flu, since it increases the activity of white blood cells and therefore the body’s defenses.
In particular, it reduces the chances of contracting the viruses responsible for colds and flu and accelerates healing times. The effects have also been demonstrated for children aged 1 to 5 years.
It is also used as a decongestant and cleanser for the skin, acne and irritation.
How to use it
In general, the nebulized dry extract is used and titrated in echinacoside (minimum 0.6%). Dosage depends on age:
| Age range | Dosage and purpose of treatment |
|---|---|
| Children | A dose of 8 to 12 mg per kg body weight, administered 2 times per day day for 10-12 weeks reduces both the incidence of colds and days of fever in case of flu |
| Adults | 400-500 mg of dry extract (which corresponds to 16-20 mg of echinacoside) for at least 15 days or longer for prevention purposes |
Effects
It should be used with caution in case of individual hypersensitivity and allergy to echinacea or other plants of the asteraceae family.
Generally, the dry extract has a lower allergenic effect than preparations with fresh plant.
Precautions
It should not be used in children under one year of age and if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Since some species may contain hepatotoxic compounds, it should be used with caution by subjects taking paracetamol at the same time.
Interactions
The use of echinacea should be avoided when you are simultaneously taking antineoplastic drugs, protease inhibitors, nucleoside and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, cyclosporine.
Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.
The blog covers a wide range of topics related to health and wellness, with articles organized into several categories.