Up until the introduction of antibiotics in the 1950s, echinacea extract was used throughout the modern world as a treatment for the common cold and flu, although there is little clinical evidence to support this benefit.Ī List of Health Benefits Associated with Echinacea External application was used to treat wounds, burns, and insect bites, while the roots were chewed to treat toothaches and throat infections. Tribes used it in many herbal remedies to treat bacterial infections, blood poisoning, headaches, pain, and cold symptoms. History of EchinaceaĮchinacea plants were widely used by the North American Plains Indians for hundreds of years prior to the arrival of colonial settlers. According to a 2010 study, polysaccharides can also reduce inflammation caused by infection.
Polysaccharides, on the other hand, may help fight harmful bacteria. The alkamides and polysaccharides in echinacea may have specific effects on white blood cells.Īccording to a study published in the journal International Immunopharmacology, alkamides may improve white blood cell activity in the lungs by acting on cannabinoid receptors and producing TNF-alpha and nitrous oxide (NO). The main active compounds in echinacea plants include: pallida extracts, typically only the roots are used. Most echinacea extracts are made from the upper part of the plant. The roots, for example, have the highest concentrations of essential oils, while the upper parts of the plant (stem, leaves, and flowers) tend to contain more polysaccharides, which are known to affect the immune system. How Does It Work?Įchinacea’s therapeutic compounds are spread throughout different parts of the plant. angustifolia seems to be more effective at supporting mental health. purpurea, for example, is best for supporting the immune system, while E. In total, there are nine species of echinacea, but only three are used medicinally for human consumption:Īlthough they all belong to the same subfamily, each one has different quantities of active compounds. Also known as “purple coneflower,” the herb grows naturally in prairies and open wooded areas across North America. But that’s not all.Įchinacea is a genus of herbaceous flowering plants in the same family as chamomile and daisies. Why is echinacea still one of America’s most widely-used natural remedies? Because studies show that it can have profound effects on the immune system.
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