Echinacea - the Herb for Colds and Flu
Echinacea was commonly used by the Native Americans, to heal wounds such as animal bites, specifically snakebites. The root part of the plant was being used to cure, sore throat and other mouth sores. It was also used to treat toothaches. American settlers also adopted its use, and the herb has been valued by natural health care advocates since.
Three varieties are used for medicinal purposes, Echinacea Angustifolia, Echinacea Palida, Echinacea Purpurea. Other names for echinacea are Samson roots, purple coneflower, red sunflower and black Samson. Native American was the first to use Echinacea. The plant was.
Echinacea is widely used to treat or prevent colds, flu, and other infections and is believed to stimulate the immune system to help fight infections.
Echinacea is also used to treat wounds and skin problems, such as acne or boils.
Research results for the effectiveness of echinacea against the common cold have been mixed. One highly publicized study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in July 2005 found that echinacea was not effective in combating the common cold had a major impact on the public perception of echinacea - and in the UK sales dropped from a high of 6.1 million euros to 4.9 million in 2005.
On closer scrutiny, however, it was clearly evident that the dosages used in the study were about one third of the recommended dosage for those suffering a cold For example, some participants were given a mere 1.5 ml extracts of echinacea, three times a day. In milligrams, the 1.5ml equates to about 300mg of the dried powdered root, or 900 mg of echinacea in total per day. Compare this to the dosage recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), which is 3 grams per day of the dried root.
Apart from this enormous discrepancy that is enough on its own to discredit the findings questions were raised about the efficacy of the method, that was carried out in a university laboratory, of extracting the extract. The level of echinacea alkylamides, an important active constituent responsible for immune stimulation, found in the extract was well short of those present in products in commercially derived products.
One of the study authors eventually admitted that, in retrospect, the study was flawed but the damage to public confidence was done.
Many studies have found echinacea does in fact help alleviate the symptoms of colds and flues, and help in the recovery process. The American Botanical Council cites 21 clinical trials on different echinacea preparations, and types of echinacea (there are 3 species) on their website.
What a pity that these successful trials do not seem receive the same media coverage that a flawed study does.
Side effects to the consumption of echinacea may or may not appear. In rare cases, allergic reactions may occur and can be serious. The plant, Over use of the plant can cause the suppression of the immune system and it is recommended that it should not be taken for more than an 8 weeks period .
Allergic reactions may manifest as rashes, increased asthma, and anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction). People are more likely to experience allergic reactions to echinacea if they are allergic to related plants in the daisy family, which includes ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies.
Also, people with asthma or atopy (a genetic tendency toward allergic reactions) may be more likely to have an allergic reaction when taking echinacea
In clinical trials, gastrointestinal side effects were most common.
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Ian Finlayson is webmaster and chief author of The Herb Spiral and several other websites, including this one, dealing with medicinal herbs, and has written innumerable articles on herbs and herbal supplements throughout the Internet.