Echinacea: The Herbal Heavyweight
by Trevor DyeThe Purple Flower of Health
Echinacea, commonly referred to as Purple Flower for the color of its florets, is a member of the Asteraceae family and grows perennially. The name is a derivative of echino (Greek for “spiny”) in reference to the flower’s conical head of prickly seeds. It originated in North America and was used as a cure-all by North American Plains Indian for more than 400 years. Echinacea became widely used as a form of medicine in the United States during the 18th and 19th century, but has since declined, most likely due to the development of modern antibiotics. Despite the decline, Germany has taken interest in Echinacea and has become one of the leaders in researching the medical benefits of the plant.
Species of Medicinal Echinacea
Of the nine echinacea species, the following are used for medicinal purposes: Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea pallida, and Echinacea purpurea. Echinacea is widely considered an immunostimulator, helping to prevent and fight illnesses such as the common cold and flu.
“One phytochemical, inulin, improves the white blood cell’s ability to speed to and tackle infections (whether viral, fungal, or bacterial), in part by increasing the level of a substance called properdin. The plant also increases the number of white blood cells in your immune system and activates them.”
-James A. Duke (The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook)
Echinacea is Second Only to Garlic
The ‘Purple Flower’ also contains active properties to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and have antiviral and antioxidant effects. Many of its medical benefits have been heavily debated, especially its effectiveness on the common cold. Studies by the New England Journal of Medicine and the University of Virginia’s School of Medicine both concluded the plant to have no clinically significant impact on the treatment or prevention of a cold. After comparing the results of 13 European studies, however, a University of Maryland review claimed Echinacea reduces the duration and symptoms of a cold. As a result of conflicting research and the continued support of herbalists, the plant is still used for its medical benefits. According to Duke, it is the most popular herbal supplement in the United States today, echinacea is only second to garlic as the best nature has to offer.
Other Sources
- The Green Pharmacy
- Herbal Handbook: Your Comprehensive Reference to the Best Herbs for Healing –by James A. Duke PhD.
[image credit: by Natascha2008]
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