Echinacea Benefits
Immune System
Echinacea has long been esteemed as a powerful immune system stimulator providing significant therapeutic value. It is perhaps most famous for its ability to cut the chances of catching the common cold by up to 58% and in reducing its duration by 1 – 2 days.
Studies suggest that complex substances called “phenolic compounds” are responsible for Echinacea’s immune boosting abilities. They are thought to stimulate cells whose primary function is to fight invading particles and organisms. White blood cells and spleen cells increase after ingestion of Echinacea and the core body temperature rises. A higher body temperature accelerates the internal workings of cells meaning disease fighting cells respond faster and immune responses increase – this effect resulting in a two-pronged attack against disease causing germs and viruses.
Echinacea also contains a compound called echinacein, which can help against bacterial and viral infections.
Anti-Inflammatory
Inflammation is at the root of most diseases, including arthritis. The way Echinacea combats inflammation is twofold – it stimulates hyaluronic acid production in the body (the glue that holds the cells together), and it contains compounds (alkamides) that are known inhibit the production of cyclooxygenase - a key enzyme in the metabolism of arachidonic acid, which is involved in the inflammatory cascade. The highest concentration of alkamides is found within the plants roots.
Echinacea’s ability to increase hyaluronic acid production also makes it a great herb for cases of ligament, cartilage or joint injury or even arthritis. Hyaluronic acid is a major component in cartilage and synovial fluid. When joints are damaged either by injuries or by the inflammatory processes of arthritis, they need hyaluronic acid to effect repairs. Echinacea comes to the rescue by stimulating fibroblasts and chondroblasts (the cells that make cartilage) to make increased levels of hyaluronic acid.
Other Benefits
After a history of much controversy and many tests - including double blind studies - Echinacea has proved itself to be helpful in:
- Septicaemia
- Boils
- Conditions of the upper respiratory tract
- Tonsillitis
- Laryngitis,
- Septic sores and cuts
- Bladder infections
- Cystitis
- Wound healing
- Skin repair, cuts and burns
Herbal Tincture: Take 1-4ml up to 3 times per day, Herbal Tea: 1-2 tsp per cup hot water up to 3 times per day, or as recommended by a herbal practitioner.