Echinacea is a herb widely deemed to form a useful part of the armoury when it comes to guarding against, or treating colds and the flu. (And just as an aside, it’s also pretty handy at treating infections of the urinary tract, or, when applied directly onto the skin, as a treatment for wounds).
Debate will always rage over so-called ‘alternative’ treatments, but the fact this not-so-humble-herb is recognised, and was subsequently granted a Traditional Herbal Registration Certificate in the UK by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), should go a long way to convincing the doubters.
How does it work?
Now legally sold as relief from cold and flu symptoms, it works by stimulating the overall activity of the cells responsible for fighting all kinds of infection. Where as antibiotics directly attack bacteria, Purple Cone flower encourages one’s own immune cells to become more efficient at attacking bacteria, viruses and abnormal cells, (including cancer cells).
It increases the activity and amount of immune system cells, and also promoted T-cell activation. As if that wasn’t enough, new tissue growth is also stimulated,promoting wound healing and reducing inflammation in cases of arthritis and inflammatory skin conditions.
History
Native Americans have valued this herb for hundreds of years, before its popularity spread through to the rest of the world. Of the nine different species, all from the daisy family, there are three which are used medicinally – the pinky-purple echinacea purpurea, the pale purple coneflower and the slightly shorter echinacea angustifolia.
Effectiveness
Whilst clinical trial results vary – (some do not support it as a treatment, whilst other studies demonstrate reduction and severity of colds by 10 – 30%), it’s up to the individual to decide. Part of the problem is some studies use the root of the plant –others the leaves, the flower or the whole thing. These are then pressed into tablets,or squeezed into tinctures. Another thing to consider is many studies don’t include the variants that will occur if people have other underlying and undiagnosed illnesses.
As with all things – one man’s meat is another man’s poison, but the variations of results from clinical studies suggest it’s worth a bit of trial and error on your part. If you find a particular make or tablet or liquid that works for you, then that’s all the confirmation you need.
Health Risks
For most people, taking this herb does not generally cause problems. However, if you are particularly sensitive, it may cause side effects such as stomach upset or diarrhoea.
Echinacea also has the potential to interact with other medications you might betaking, so talk with your doctor before taking the supplement.
Seek medical advice if you have allergies to ragweed or other flowers. It may also not be safe for people with auto-immune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
There is no conclusive evidence on whether it’s safe to take during pregnancy. Clinical trials to date have been too small to confirm either way, and again, because of the inconsistency of the herb (root, leaf, whole plant)… it’s inconclusive. General opinion seems to err on the side of caution and avoid.