Echinacea was also used by American Indians for
a variety of conditions, including venomous bites and other external
wounds. It was introduced into US. medical practice in 1887 and was
touted for use in conditions ranging from colds to syphilis. Modern
research started in the 1930s in Germany.
Traditionally, Echinacea has been used in the past for blood poisoning,
eczema, fevers, flu,
carbuncles, acne, boils, peritonitis, bites & stings of poisonous insects or snakes, gangrenous
conditions, diphtheria, tonsillitis, sores, infections and wounds.
The primary properties of Echinacea are considered to be alterative, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, carminative, diaphoretic, depurative, digestive tonic, immune stimulant, sialagogue, stimulant, and vulnerary. This herb is typically available as a tea, tincture, and in capsules.
Primary chemical constituents of Echinacea are known to include mucopolycaccharides, echinacoside, echinaceine, isobutylmines, linoleic and palmetic acids, essential oils, glycosides, inulin, polyacetylenes, sesquiterenes, betaine, and phenolics. Echinacea also contains small amounts of iron, iodine, copper, potassium, sulphur, vitamin A, vitamin E and vitamin C.
Echinacea is one of the most popular herbs and has been extensively studied for its effects on the immune system1. It has been used as an immune stimulant for a variety of afflictions, including colds and flu. It has been promoted as a general health measure to improve resistance during seasonal outbreaks, but there is some concern related to the potential immunosuppressive effects of prolonged use. In general, prolonged continuous use is not recommended. It also helps internal gangrene, and has been shown to dilate the peripheral blood vessels.
Past topical uses have included the following: the fresh root is chewed to alleviate toothaches; as a mouthwash for gingivitis and pyorrhea; as an additive in various salves, poultices and washes; for venomous bites, such as insect, spider and snake; and also for infected wounds and gangrenous conditions. Echinacea supports the immune system. Several constituents in Echinacea team together to increase the production and activity of white blood cells, lymphocytes, and macrophages. Echinacea also increases reduction of interferon, an important part of the body's response to viral infections such as colds and flu.
Excessive use of Echinacea can cause throat irritation, nausea, dizziness and excessive salivation.
1
References:
Fetrow,
C.W., Avila, J. R., Complementary & Alternative Medicines, Springhouse,
PA, 1999.
LaValle,
J.B., Krinsky, D.L., Hawkins, E.B, et. al., Natural Therapeutics Pocket
Guide, Lexi-Comp, USA, 2000.
Gruenwald,
J., Brendler, T., Jaenicke, C., PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2nd Ed., Medical
Economics Company, NJ, 2000.
Blumenthal
M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, Gruenwald J, Hall T, Riggins CW, Rister RS (eds.)
The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal
Medicines. Klein S, Rister RS, translators. Austin (TX): American Botanical
Council; Boston (MA): Integrative Medicine Communications; 1998.
Bauer
R, "Echinacea Drugs-Effects and Active Ingredients," Z Arztl
Fortbild (Jena), 1996, 90(2): 111-5.
Brinkeborn
RM, Shah DV, and Degenring FH, "Echinaforce and other Echinacea Fresh
Plant Preparations in the Treatment of the Common Cold: A Randomized,
Placebo Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Trial," Phytomedicine, 1999,
6:1-5.
Leung
AY and Foster S, Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Foods,
Drugs, and Cosmetics, New York, NY: Wiley, 1996, 216-20.
Luettig
B, Steinmuller C, Gifford GE, et al, "Macrophage Activation by the
Polysaccharide Arabinogalactan Isolated From Plant Cell Cultures of
Echinacea purpurea," Natl Cancer Inst, 1989, 81(9): 669-75.
Orinda
D, Diederich J, and Wacker A, "Antiviral Activity of Components of
Echinacea purpurea","Arzneimittelforschung", 1973,
23(8):1119-20.
Short,
R. (ed.), "Clinical Considerations for Specific Herb-Drug Interactions
& Potential Adverse Effects of Herbs", Facts and Comparisons The
Review of Natural Products, St. Louis (Mo), 1998 Dec; 1-8.
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