Flower Power: 5 Benefits of Echinacea
Echinacea purapura, (also known as coneflower, Zi Zhu Hua) grows in the eastern and central regions of North America. Echinacea, also known as coneflower, is a popular herbal remedy to support the immune system, relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Here are 5 Benefits of the beautiful echinacea plant.
Immune System Support: Echinacea is commonly used to stimulate and strengthen the immune system, potentially helping the body fight off infections more effectively.
Anti-microbial and Anti-inflammatory Properties: Echinacea may reduce the severity and duration of colds and upper respiratory tract infections. (David & Cunningham 2019) Some preliminary studies suggest it can also reduce viral load in SARS COV-2 infections (Signer et.al 2020). It can also reduce inflammation during infections and other inflammatory conditions. These properties also make it helpful topically for healing the skin from minor cuts, skin irritations and burns.
Contains Antioxidants: This protect the cells against oxidative stress, which has been linked to chronic health conditions. There are higher content of antioxidants in the roots and flowers of the plant.
Reducing Blood Sugar: Echinacea can suppress enzymes that digest carbohydrates which can help reduce sugar entering the blood, suggesting it can help lower blood sugar and improve insulin resistance.
Can Help With Anxiety: Echinacea contains compounds such as alkamides, rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid which may reduce anxiety.
This post is for educational purposes and should not be taken as medical advice. It's important to note that while echinacea may offer these potential benefits dosage, different parts of the plant being used, preparation and individual people’s constitution plays are role in its effectiveness. It’s important to discuss with your healthcare provider before taking something new, especially if you have a health condition or taking medications.
How does Echinacea strengthen immunity?
Among the various anti-inflammatory properties echinacea possesses, the activation of macrophages is particularly well-documented. Echinacea, also has an impact on phagocytotic indices and the concentrations of cytokines which are in charge of getting rid of microbes and are important for the the growth of blood cells. There is strong evidence of Echinacea's ability to activate polymorphonuclear leukocytes and natural killer cells. Some studies also show there is evidence that enchinacea can stimulate the proliferation T- and B-cell leukocytes. (Barrett 2003)
Written by Dr. Emily Siy, DACM on 11/13/23
Sources:
B. Barrett (2003) Medicinal Properties of Echinacea: A Critical Review Phytomedicine Vol. 10 Issue 1 pages 66-86
David S, Cunningham R. (2019) Echinacea for the prevention and treatment of upper respiratory tract infections: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Med. Jun;44:18-26.
Healthline.com, Nutrition: Echinacea, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/echinacea#what-it-is
Mount Sinai.org, Health Library: Echinacea, https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/echinacea
Signer, J., Jonsdottir, H.R., Albrich, W.C., Strasser, M., Züst, R., Ryter, S., Ackermann-Gaumann, R., Lenz, N., Siegrist, D., Suter, A., Schoop, R., Engler, O.B. (2020) In vitro virucidal activity of Echinaforce®, an Echinacea purpurea preparation, against coronaviruses, including common cold coronavirus 229E and SARS-CoV-2. Virol Journal 17, 136