{"id":2288,"date":"2020-08-12T13:12:46","date_gmt":"2020-08-12T12:12:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/?post_type=herb&p=2288"},"modified":"2025-09-20T11:06:49","modified_gmt":"2025-09-20T10:06:49","slug":"echinacea","status":"publish","type":"herb","link":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/echinacea\/","title":{"rendered":"Echinacea"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":441,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","beyondwords_generate_audio":"1","beyondwords_project_id":"47224","beyondwords_content_id":"a8c82c0e-1c6c-4d18-a1d9-8dbf4f48b8f1","beyondwords_preview_token":"4d066b67-3694-415d-a44f-bb38c05f722e","beyondwords_player_content":"","beyondwords_player_style":"","beyondwords_language_code":"","beyondwords_language_id":"","beyondwords_title_voice_id":"","beyondwords_body_voice_id":"","beyondwords_summary_voice_id":"","beyondwords_error_message":"","beyondwords_disabled":"","beyondwords_delete_content":"","beyondwords_podcast_id":"","beyondwords_hash":"","publish_post_to_speechkit":"","speechkit_hash":"","speechkit_generate_audio":"","speechkit_project_id":"","speechkit_podcast_id":"","speechkit_error_message":"","speechkit_disabled":"","speechkit_access_key":"","speechkit_error":"","speechkit_info":"","speechkit_response":"","speechkit_retries":"","speechkit_status":"","speechkit_updated_at":"","_speechkit_link":"","_speechkit_text":""},"tags":[213,212,54],"conditions":[695,701,700],"sustainability":[1575],"sense":[17,31,18,30],"western_action":[992,989,993,994,996,1001,1014,1015,1826,1025],"chinese_action":[],"ayurvedic_action":[],"energetics_action":[1498,1382,1487,1497,1492],"region":[1893],"class_list":["post-2288","herb","type-herb","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-colds","tag-echinacea","tag-flu","conditions-respiratory-system","conditions-immune-system","conditions-skin","sustainability-amber-sustainability-status","sense-aromatic","sense-astringent-taste","sense-bitter","sense-sharp","western_action-anti-inflammatory","western_action-alterative","western_action-antimicrobial","western_action-antioxidant","western_action-antirheumatic","western_action-bitter","western_action-hepatoprotective","western_action-immunomodulant","western_action-lymphatic","western_action-vulnerary","energetics_action-bitter","energetics_action-cool","energetics_action-dry","energetics_action-pungent","energetics_action-toning","region-western-herbs"],"acf":{"last_reviewed":"20240802","herb_author":1235,"banner_text":"Echinacea is most widely known for its use as an immune support","latin_name":"Echinacea purpurea \/ E. angustifolia<\/em>","pseudonym_name":"","family_name":"Asteraceae","herb_summary":"During the early 20th century, echinacea was the most popular remedy in the USA for managing infections and was only eclipsed by the arrival of antibiotics after the Second World War.","key_benefits":"Prevention against upper respiratory infections\r\nPersistent and chronic infections\r\nWound healing\r\nAs a mouthwash","how_does_it_feel":"Echinacea remedies come in many different forms, with two dominant species (<\/span>E. angustifolia<\/span><\/i> and <\/span>E. purpurea<\/span><\/i>), and sometimes a third (<\/span>E. pallida<\/span><\/i>). Other species are sometimes encountered, however there are significant levels of adulteration with completely different species. It is very important to first locate a reputable supplier with a good quality product. Then having been assured that the echinacea is of good quality there will still be a range of forms and tastes to encounter. <\/span>\r\n\r\nIn North American tradition the benchmark was provided by the root of <\/span>echinacea angustifolia<\/span><\/i>, as this has the strongest characteristic \u2018tingle\u2019 effect, but it is also harder to grow in commercial quantities. Particularly in Europe, the leaves and aerial parts of echinacea purpurea are most common; the root of that species is the most widely sold worldwide (1).<\/span>\r\n\r\nTo get the strongest impact try to obtain a product made from <\/span>E. angustifolia<\/span><\/i> root. The effect of even a small taste is dramatic! The first impact is fiery, a quick very sharp astringency that covers all surfaces of the mouth, even the lips. Thereafter follows waves of sour and bitter tingling, and a very persistent long acrid, dry astringent aftertaste, leading to reflex increased salivation.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe aerial parts of <\/span>E. purpurea<\/span><\/i>\u00a0 have a more subtle taste, initially sweet, then some bitterness and a little tingling and astringency. The root of <\/span>E. purpurea<\/span><\/i> will be somewhere in between.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe tingling effect is produced by alkylamides and the subtle sweetness by polysaccharides. Both have been implicated in helping to improve the body\u2019s defences (2,3).<\/span>","hdif_image_1":3301,"hdif_image_2":11326,"hdif_image_3":9052,"hdif_video":"https:\/\/youtu.be\/HxfaaJK4sGQ","sense":[17,31,18,30],"what_can_i_use_it_for":"[caption id=\"attachment_8779\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"425\"]\"Echinacea Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nEchinacea can be used as a preventative for those who are prone to upper respiratory problems like frequent colds<\/a>, sore throats, sinusitis<\/a>, middle ear pain, or viral infections like flu (2,3,4).\r\n\r\nEchinacea is the herbal practitioner\u2019s favourite for any infectious condition, where it is seen to support balanced immune responses, including moderating over-reactions (the idea that it could worsen autoimmune problems for example is based on a misunderstanding of its activity). Importantly however, infections should be treated with due respect and echinacea should not be a substitute for expert medical help. Consider it a great complement to frontline conventional treatments, becoming more important as more infections return or are resistant to standard antibiotic and other prescriptions (2,3,4).\r\n\r\nIt has local action in other areas, and forms brilliant mouthwash for any inflammation in the mouth, throat and gums. It is a useful remedy applied externally to boils, carbuncles and abscesses, and as a douche for vaginal infections (2,3,4).\r\n\r\nInto the heart of (can include information like the energetics and essence of the plant<\/i>)\r\nEchinacea is best understood as defending from the outside in, supporting immune function and reducing inflammation and infection by mobilising defences on mucosal surfaces (5).\r\n\r\nIt contains constituents known as isobutylamides, which are types of alkylamides. They act as insecticide defences for the plant and are found particularly in the roots. They can be clearly identified through tasting good quality echinacea, as they create a \u2018tingling\u2019 or numbing effect upon the tongue. From laboratory studies it appears they may directly influence inflammatory cytokine production among defensive white blood cells found close to mucosal surfaces. Among other possible mechanisms they activate a type of cannabinoid receptor (CB2) that is involved in immune and inflammatory modulation (6,7).\r\n\r\nEchinacea is considered as one of the primary remedies for assisting the body in clearing infection and strengthening the overall efficiency of the immune system. Echinacea reduces the severity and duration of symptoms, whilst also helping the body to deal with infection and stimulate the immune response. It will effectively target microbial, bacterial and viral infections throughout the body, but has a specific focus within the upper respiratory system and in conditions such as cold and flu, tonsillitis and laryngitis (3,4,8).\r\n\r\nEchinacea is effective where the immune system has become compromised by being run-down as a result of stress<\/a> or over-work.","into_the_heart_of":"[caption id=\"attachment_3300\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"515\"]\"Echinacea Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nEchinacea is best understood as defending from the outside in, supporting immune function and reducing inflammation and infection by mobilising defences on mucosal surfaces (5).<\/span>\r\n\r\nIt contains constituents known as isobutylamides, which are types of alkylamides. They act as insecticide defences for the plant and are found particularly in the roots. They can be clearly identified through tasting good quality echinacea, as they create a \u2018tingling\u2019 or numbing effect upon the tongue. From laboratory studies it appears they may directly influence inflammatory cytokine production among defensive white blood cells found close to mucosal surfaces. Among other possible mechanisms they activate a type of cannabinoid receptor (CB2) that is involved in immune and inflammatory modulation (6,7).<\/span>\r\n\r\nEchinacea is considered as one of the primary remedies for assisting the body in clearing infection and strengthening the overall efficiency of the immune system. Echinacea reduces the severity and duration of symptoms, whilst also helping the body to deal with infection and stimulate the immune response. It will effectively target microbial, bacterial and viral infections throughout the body, but has a specific focus within the upper respiratory system and in conditions such as cold and flu, tonsillitis and laryngitis (3,4,8).<\/span>Echinacea is effective where the immune system has become compromised by being run-down as a result of <\/span>stress<\/span><\/a> or over-work.<\/span>","tradtional_uses":"[caption id=\"attachment_2867\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"512\"]\"Echinacea Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThe roots of echinacea come with a formidable reputation from the annals of the settler tradition in North America, with one writer M.R Gilmore observing the native population using it as a \u201cremedy for more ailments than any other plant\u201d. In particular, it was recommended for\u00a0 snake bites and other venomous creatures (to the extent that one researcher publicly volunteered to allow himself to be bitten by rattlesnakes to prove the point to his colleagues!). It is also used for infected and poisonous conditions generally, to treat burns and wounds, and for toothache and sore throats. Septic problems were widely treated with nothing more than echinacea, and most modern herbalists would go far to ensure a good supply (9,10).<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe Native Americans and the 19th century Eclectic physicians who adopted their use of echinacea, preferred <\/span>E. angustifolia<\/span><\/i> root. This type\u00a0 is high in alkylamides that impart a persistent tingling sensation in the mouth and stimulate the flow of saliva, long considered a sign of good quality (and likely to be a key part of its reputation) (1).<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe worldwide reputation of echinacea was cemented when the German homoeopathic physician Dr Madaus visited the USA in the 1930\u2019s and observed that it was the most popular home remedy for infections across the country. Probably because of the difficulty of mass cultivation of e<\/span>chinacea angustifolia<\/span><\/i>, he created a new prescription medicine\u00a0 using the aerial parts of <\/span>E. purpurea<\/span><\/i> (11).<\/span>","what_practioners_say":"

\"RespiratoryRespiratory system\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\r\nEchinacea is used to fend off tendencies to cold, flu, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, general mucous and sinus congestion. The immune stimulating and <\/span>antimicrobial <\/span><\/a>properties of echinacea are focussed on throat surfaces and immediately underlying lymphatic tissues, which is where most upper respiratory battles are waged (3,5). The most effective way to take echinacea for these conditions is at the first onset of symptoms, and every two hours thereafter. It can also be applied to more chronic conditions including chronic respiratory tract infections or whooping cough (3,5).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Immune system<\/span><\/h3>\r\nEchinacea works mainly in innate immunity (rather than the acquired immunity of antibody production) and is appropriate for any acute and chronic infections, whether due to bacterial, viral, protozoal or other organisms. It is likely to be particularly effective in infections on or near accessible surfaces, including the upper gut wall, though has also been used to modulate immune responses including in moderating <\/span>allergies<\/span><\/a> and hypersensitivity reactions (8). Its antifungal properties also indicate its use in the treatment of <\/span>Candida <\/span><\/i>and thrush.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nEchinacea works by stimulating macrophages, natural killer (NK) cells and T and B lymphocyte activity. As a result, it can be applied in cases of chronic low immunity and repeated infections as well to support convalescence and recovery from post viral fatigue (12).<\/span>\r\n

External<\/span><\/h3>\r\nEchinacea is especially effective as a mouthwash for gum disease where the tingle factor from the alkylamides is most valued. It has traditionally been used to bathe infected and open wounds, bites or poisonings, especially when healing is impaired. It has also been used for hot and irritated skin conditions such as <\/span>eczema<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>psoriasis<\/span><\/a>, and as a douche for vaginal infections (4).<\/span>","research":"[caption id=\"attachment_205664\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"508\"]\"Echinacea Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nIn Europe, it is traditionally the aerial parts of <\/span>Echinacea purpurea<\/span><\/i> which are used and the evidence base is largely linked to this version.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Echinacea for preventing and treating the common cold<\/span><\/h3>\r\nThis review was carried out to investigate whether echinacea preparations were effective in the treatment of the common cold. The search was conducted on randomised clinical trials from 1946 to 2013. A total of 24 double blind trials with 4631 participants met the inclusion criteria. The authors favoured the aerial parts of <\/span>Echinacea purpurea<\/span><\/i>: \u201cOur exploratory meta-analyses suggest that at least some echinacea preparations may reduce the relative risk of catching a cold by 10% to 20%\u201d, however the evidence was not robust enough to be deemed clinically relevant(11).<\/span>\r\n\r\nThis review points out a familiar complaint among reviewers of the evidence: that they could not well distinguish between echinacea products (11).\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nAn earlier, and more positive Cochrane review by some of the same authors had pointed in favour of <\/span>Echinacea purpurea<\/span><\/i> aerial parts (14). However, a later meta-analysis by other reviewers also did not differentiate between echinacea preparations (13).<\/span>\r\n

Echinacea for the prevention and treatment of upper respiratory tract infections: A systematic review and meta-analysis<\/span><\/h3>\r\nA double blind placebo controlled trial was carried out to identify whether a standardised echinacea formulation is effective in the prevention of respiratory and other symptoms associated with long-haul flights. A total of 175 adults took part. The participants were travelling from Australia, to America, Europe, or Africa for a period of 1\u20135 weeks on commercial flights via economy class.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe subjects were given echinacea (root extract, standardised to 4.4\u2009mg alkylamides) or placebo tablets. Participants were surveyed before, immediately after travel, and at four weeks after travel.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe study concluded that supplementation with standardised echinacea tablets, if taken before and during travel, may have preventive effects against respiratory tract infections and related symptoms during travel involving long-haul flights (15).<\/span>\r\n

Echinacea reduces antibiotic usage in children through respiratory tract infection prevention: A randomised, blinded, controlled clinical trial<\/span><\/h3>\r\nThis randomised, blinded, controlled clinical trial investigated the efficacy of echinacea in preventing respiratory tract infections (RTIs) and secondary bacterial infections thereby reducing antibiotic usage in children. Echinaforce \u00ae junior tablets equivalent to 400 mg or vitamin C as control were given three times daily for prevention to children between 4\u201312 years old. The results showed children taking echinacea had fewer cold days (429) compared to those taking vitamin C (602) and also <\/span>exhibited<\/span> fewer symptoms. <\/span>\r\n\r\nEchinacea reduced RTI episodes by 32.5% and a reduction of 76.3% in children needing antibiotics. Adverse effects were fewer in the echinacea group than the vitamin C group. It concludes that echinacea is effective in preventing and reducing RTIs and the need for antibiotic use (16).\u00a0<\/span>","did_you_know":"The name \u2018echinacea\u2019 is derived from the Greek word \u2018echino\u2019 which means \u2018sea urchin\u2019 or \u2018hedgehog\u2019. This was chosen because it aptly described the spiny central disc of the echinacea flowers. Traditionally, echinacea was used in Native American medical traditions to treat snake bites and blood poisoning (17).<\/span>","additional_information_right":{"illustration":204336},"additional_information_left":{"botany":"Echinacea is a perennial plant that can grow to between 3\u20135 feet tall with a distinctive coneflower (hence its other name purple coneflower). The leaves are lance shaped, rough and haired, alternate which become smaller higher up the stem.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe flower heads are typically pink to purple in colour with a distinctive dome shaped central cone consisting of multiple small bisexual tubular flowers. Ray florets surround the cone and are often pink or purple in colour. The plants flower from early summer into autumn (22).<\/span>","common_names":"