Echinacea is a plant native to the plains of the western United States and was already very valued as a medicinal plant for American natives.
Echinacea
Topically, to treat insect bites, wounds or snake bites, due to its healing and antiseptic properties. Internally, they used it to combat colds, toothaches, sore throats, and stomach ailments, among others.
European settlers learned from the Indians their properties and applications and incorporated it as a commonly used medicine. Subsequently, it began to be marketed in Europe.
Circa 1930 the lack of raw material meant that it began to be cultivated in Europe as well.
There are more than 20 species of Echinacea, but not all are suitable for human consumption. The most cultivated and recognized are three:
- Red-violet – Echinacea purpurea
- Mauve – Echinacea angustifolia
- White – Echinacea pallida
In the center, it has a spiny disk that gives it its nameas echinos means hedgehog in Greek. Usually, the root is used, but the whole plant can also be used. The most cultivated in Europe is the E. Purpurea.
Properties and benefits of echinacea
- Echinacea is recognized for its immunostimulatory propertiesantiviral, antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antithermal (helps reduce fever).
- If we have to highlight one of its properties, it is precisely that of boost the immune system. It increases non-specific defenses, that is, those that make up innate immunity to destroy pathogenic microorganisms.
- On the one hand, it activates the formation of leukocytes (white blood cells) and the rate of properdin (indicator of the individual’s power of resistance). On the other hand, it raises interferon, a molecule that is responsible for neutralizing and preventing the development of viruses.
- Especially, It is indicated for cold seasons increase defenses and prevent the a cold common, the flu and other infections of the upper respiratory tract (laryngitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, rhinitis and sinusitis).
- In addition to prevention, also helps treat infections (bacterial and viral) and speeds up recovery time. It can be taken before the first symptoms and extend a few more days as maintenance.
Echinacea is recognized for its immunostimulant, antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antithermal properties
- Although the main indication is for conditions of the upper respiratory tract, it is also very useful for recurrent infections. Especially, from the urino-genital tract (cystitis and pyleonephritis) and from the digestive tract.
- There are different presentation formats: dried root (for infusion, decoction and maceration), capsules, tablets, ampoules, extract, tincture and syrup.
- Externally, it can be used in ointment for burns, acne, reduce inflammation and skin ulcers.
precautions
- It is recommended to use it discontinuously. You can take a maximum of 8 weeks and then rest; never exceed 3 months in a row. Abuse in quantity or duration can produce the opposite effect (immunosuppression) or certain hepatotoxicity.
- This contraindicated in people with autoimmune diseases, after organ transplantation, and in AIDS patients.
- In case of diabetesshould be used with caution because it can cause hypoglycemia. It should be checked with a professional to adjust the medication.
- It is also not recommended for pregnant women and during lactation as a precaution.
