Echinacea


Echinacea is the common name for a variety of flowering plants. The name refers to a genus containing nine different species, and is derived from the Greek root word echino, meaning hedgehog or sea urchin. The plant's central disk is similar in appearance to these animals. Echinacea has long been used in Native American healing rituals, and has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in the United States and Europe over the last decade. It is marketed as a booster for the immune system, and a way to treat colds and flu and their related symptoms. Sometimes, Echinacea's use as a treatment for skin ailments has also been highlighted. It is typically found in fresh or dry form and made into teas or juice.

Echinacea Research

Unfortunately for consumers, the results of Echinacea research have been mixed. A 2005 study by the University of Virginia School of Medicine found that Echinacea had no effect on the common cold after the onset of cold symptoms, or if taken prior as a preventative. Other studies have shown that Echinacea can stimulate immune system cells, but only in a test tube. Still other studies have shown that Echinacea can potentially treat upper-respiratory infections. The National Institutes of Health is currently studying its usage in this capacity.

Purchasing Echinacea

One major problem in determining the effectiveness of Echinacea is that the name refers to nine different varieties of one plant. Since health supplements are under no enforced regulations by the FDA, products sold as Echinacea can contain any combination of these plants; some products marked as “Echinacea” contain no Echinacea at all! As early as 1909, Parthenium integrifolium, or Prarie Dock, has been sold as Echinacea. Substitution is a common practice in the dietary supplement industry, so buyers should read labels carefully. The genus and species of Echinacea should be clearly listed on the label. If this information is not present, it should be a cause for warning.

Echinacea Considerations

Echinacea is not known to be toxic, but should be avoided by people who suffer from progressive systemic or autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, AIDS, or tuberculosis. Further, people with allergies to daisies and other related plants should exercise extreme caution. It is also not recommended for pregnant women or children. Health care providers should be informed if Echinacea is being taken, as it should not be used with certain hepatotoxic drugs. One study shows that taking Echinacea for more than eight weeks can damage the liver.

By Doug Vanisky           


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