As many of you know, I have a deep respect for Echinacea. If you look at the logo of our clinic, our entrance door, or my own backyard garden, you will see this simple vibrant flower which symbolizes to me so much of the profound wisdom of Nature. Although it is the most well-known medicinal herb, it also seems to be the most mis-understood and under-estimated.
Also known as Purple Cone Flower, Echinacea is a tall perennial plant from the daisy (compositae/asteraceae) family) that grows up to a height of about one meter and is native to the western prairies of North America. Although it is the best known herb for supporting our immune systems, many patients and health care professionals are still confused about the best way to use it. There are many different types of Echinacea products available which differ according to plant species (E. angustifolia, E. purpurea or E. pallida or combinations of these), plant parts (root, flower tops, leaves or seeds or combinations), quality markers (alkylamides, polysaccharides or caffeic acid conjugates such as cichoric acid), delivery forms (tinctures, capsules, teas or tablets) and dosage.
Because there is such a diversity of combinations and preparations, there has been a lack of agreement over what phytochemicals are responsible for Echinacea’s immune activity and only a basic understanding of the exact mode of action of this herb on immune function.
As I prepared to write to you about how and why Echinacea is such a fabulous plant, I spent literally hours and hours reading studies reporting various conclusions for and against Echinacea’s effectiveness. I also spent a lot of time re-reading the history of traditional uses back in the mid-19th Century among North American tribes, the Eclectics clinical experience with these dried root alcohol extracts in the early 20th Century and its early use in Europe using an entirely different species of Echinacea and flowering top juice extracts. When there is so much current and historical reference to using the “same” plant, but from different species and different parts, it’s no wonder that we hear so much conflicting information about effective use and dosage!! I don’t think we are even talking about the same thing!
When it comes to immune support for preventing and treating colds and flu, however, recent research is consistent and clear. The alkylamides, the unique and characteristic phytochemicals found mostly in the roots of E.angustifolia and E.purpurea, have been consistently been shown in the research to be the best choice as markers of immune activity. This is consistent with the Eclectic use 100+ years ago. By 1921, Echinacea (specifically the root of E.angustifolia) was by far the most prominent treatment prescribed by the Eclectics. In particular, they defined good quality Echinacea root “as imparting a persistent tingling sensation” which is a clear reference to alkylamide levels as a quality indicator. This simple “taste test” continues to be a valid and significant indication of a good quality Echinacea for us in clinical use, and is something that our NDs have been demonstrating over the last 15 years at talks and health fairs when comparing different qualities of Echinacea with students and patients.
Simply put, both short-term and long-term oral use of good quality Echinacea (prepared in the traditional use) is consistently effective in preventing and treating colds and influenza. In several trials, many fewer people got sick compared to placebo, and in those who did, there was a significant decrease in the severity of symptoms and improved rate of recovery.
In addition to my considerable appreciation for what conditions Echinacea is helpful for, I also have had to “unlearn” several myths that many of us have heard about when not to use Echinacea. Many of the concerns we have been told about safety and cautions/contraindications have actually been based on assumptions or on polysaccharide (flowers not root) research. It is safe and effective for more people and for longer duration than most of us think.
At this time of year, when we are spending time thinking about the health of our immune system and the prevention of influenza and a host of other upper respiratory tract infections, it is a good idea to include humble and powerful Echinacea in your home remedy arsenal.
Naturopathic Doctor
Clinic Director
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