What is echinacea purpurea?

Also known as American or Purple Coneflower, echinacea is one of the best selling herbal supplement remedies in the world. Across Europe it is prescribed by Doctors and Pharmacists to millions of patients to fight off colds and flu. There are nine species of Echinacea. The three species most commonly found in herb products are Echinacea angustifolia, Echinecea purpurea and Echinacea pallida.

Echinacea purpurea has been shown to work by improving the immune response to any potential bug, making it less likely that you'll catch any kind of infection. If you are prone to winter colds, start taking a echinacea purpurea supplement in October and you'll make it through to Spring with scarcely a sniffle.

Echinacea is said to work by increasing the numbers of white blood cells and making them more active. The bodies production Interferon, a chemical which is important to the immune system, is also increased slightly by taking Echinacea supplements. Other components in Echinacea have been shown to have a mild antibacterial and fungicidal activity. Other components of echinacea have been found to slow down the spread of bacteria.

Another less common use for echinacea has been for wounds and skin problems, such as acne or boils.

How Echinacea Purpurea is Prepared for Use

The aboveground parts of the plant and roots of echinacea are used fresh or dried to make teas, squeezed (expressed) juice, extracts, or preparations for external use. Nowdays most people take bottled supplements.

Echinacea Root or leaf?
Although more research is still required, for the time being echinacea root appears to have more of the important chemicals known as alkylamides.

Echinacea extract
Echinacea is sold by raw herbal suppliers in various extracts including 4% Phenolic. Echinacea and goldenseal are often combined to make immune formulas.

Side Effects of Echinacea Purpurea

When taken by mouth, echinacea usually does not cause side effects. However, some people experience allergic reactions, including rashes, increased asthma, and anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction). In clinical trials, gastrointestinal side effects were most common.

People are more likely to experience allergic reactions to echinacea if they are allergic to related plants in the daisy family, which includes ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies. Also, people with asthma or atopy (a genetic tendency toward allergic reactions) may be more likely to have an allergic reaction when taking echinacea.

It is important to inform your health care providers about any herb or dietary supplement you are using, including echinacea. This helps to ensure safe and coordinated care.