Echinacea: medicinal properties and contraindications

Echinacea is a plant native to North America. All species bloom beautifully, so they, like other members of the Aster family, are often grown for decorative purposes. However, Echinacea is a natural adaptogen and has many beneficial properties, which are used both in the pharmaceutical industry and in folk medicine.

Chemical Composition

Both the above-ground part of the plant and the root of echinacea contain many useful substances that determine its properties.

The chemical composition of the above-ground part (stem, leaves, flowers) and the rhizome should be considered separately. Echinacea purpurea herb contains:

1. Flavonoids are substances that have anti-inflammatory properties and play an important role in the treatment and prevention of various diseases up to and including cancer. Echinacea contains rutin and quercetin, which are essential in normalizing cardiac activity and improving vascular health.
2. Polysaccharides. They not only act as the main source of energy, but also have a protective function - protect the walls of the organs from mechanical damage and prevent the entry of viruses into the cells.
3. Saponins. In pharmacology, they are used as the basis for the production of synthetic hormones. They also have antioxidant properties and weak fungicidal activity.
4. Oxycinnamic acids, such as caffeic acid, which among other things has antiviral activity.
5. Phytosterols. These are hormone-like substances that play the same role in the body as human sex hormones.

The leaves contain some specific antioxidants and glycosides that are present only in Echinacea - for example, echinacin, echinologne, echinacoside (the latter is also thought to have antibacterial activity, but this question needs more research). Also the herb and stems of the plant contain various organic acids necessary for metabolic processes, tannins and resins.

The root of Echinacea is also used as a medicinal raw material. It contains:

1. Inulin. This substance, which man does not digest, but plays a very important role - in fact, it is dietary fiber, which act as a prebiotic. They allow you to normalize the intestinal microflora. In addition, inulin helps to establish carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, which is why it is important for people with diabetes. The root contains up to 6% of it.
2. Glucose is a carbohydrate that the body also needs. Echinacea root contains up to 7% of it.
3. Essential oils that give the plant a specific aroma.
4. Fatty acids necessary for metabolic processes.
5. Phenolcarboxylic acids. In their importance they are not inferior to flavonoids. In particular, they also have anti-inflammatory properties, but have antipyretic and disinfectant effects. Some of them are used as an anti-rheumatic agent, and they can also eliminate pain in neuralgia.
6. Betaine. Is a hepatoprotector, that is, it protects liver cells from various aggressors. In cosmetology, its moisturizing properties are used.

Both the leaves of Echinacea and its roots contain many useful enzymes, as well as a number of macro- and micronutrients, including potassium, zinc, calcium, selenium, etc. There are many amino acids, some of which are essential.

Thus, the main active substances are phenolic compounds (caffeic and chlorogenic acids, as well as the aforementioned echinacoside, which, according to some reports, has antibacterial activity, albeit weak).

How it looks and where it grows

Although Echinacea is native to North America, today it is grown throughout Eurasia. There are several species of it, but each is an herbaceous perennial. The average height of a straight stem - 50-100 cm, although there are varieties up to 150 cm in height. The rhizome of the plant is taprooted, short but strong, with numerous lateral roots, quite fleshy.

The rigid lower leaves of the plant gather in a rosette at the root. They have an oblong shape and a rough surface. The stem leaves are also quite narrow and elongated, with sharp tips, jagged edges, but slightly pubescent. Flowers are collected in apical baskets, which are 10-15 cm in diameter. The flowers themselves are small, long-tongued. Their color depends directly on the particular species. For example, in Echinacea purpurea they are dark red and purple. But there are varieties with pink and even yellow flowers (apparently, this is why the latter are often called rudbeckia).

Echinacea blooms from midsummer to fall. Then it bears fruit (this occurs in August-September), which is a tetrahedral seed of a grayish-brown color.

Species

There are an estimated nine or ten species of Echinacea in the wild. Only some of them are grown in the garden:

1. Echinacea narrow-leaved. This is a beautiful plant with a stem up to 100 cm high. Both upright and branched stem varieties are available. Rather long and elongated rosette leaves are characterized by five clearly visible relief veins on the underside. The stem leaves are longer near the roots and become shorter at the top. They also have embossed veins on the underside, but only three. For medicinal purposes, the roots of this variety of Echinacea are used (they are dug out in the fall), as well as the buds, which are collected in mid-summer.
2. Echinacea purpurea is a perennial that grows to 1 m in height. Its roots are short and thinner compared to other varieties. The stems have a reddish hue. In most varieties they are bare, but there are also hard-tipped ones. The leaves are similar to other varieties but appear harder and rougher and are larger, up to 20 cm long. The baskets are up to 12 cm long. Their midribs are very dark, the long lingual flowers have a purple hue. This variety blooms in September. Its inflorescences, roots, and herbs are all used in medicine.
3. Echinacea pale is found in the wild only in America. In Russian conditions, it is also grown in gardens, for example, in alpine slopes and rockeries, because it likes stony soils. It is a taller variety, it reaches 120 cm in height and its stems are straight, though there are also slightly branched ones. The name itself indicates that its flowers are not as bright as those of other species. They have a beautiful pink hue, so Echinacea pale is grown not only as a medicinal but also as a decorative plant, the more so it looks very good in bouquets and stands long in cut form.
4. Echinacea paradoxicala looks very similar to rudbeckia, as it differs from other varieties in the yellow color of the petals with a dark brown peduncle. The tongues of the flowers seem to be bent downwards, making the baskets visually smaller, although in general their diameter is as large as in other species. Only Echinacea paradoxicalus has such a shape and shade of flowers, which makes it unique.
5. Echinacea tennessia. This is a relatively stunted variety, which rarely grows higher than 75 cm in height. It is distinguished by its dark green, lanceolate-shaped leaves. In addition, compared to other varieties, it has a relatively small number of flowers in the basket. However, all of them are practically at the same distance from each other, so from a distance the flowering plant looks like a dark sun with long pink rays.

In medicine, only three kinds of Echinacea are used - narrow-leaved, pale and purple, with the latter being the most common. But the rhizome of pale and narrow-leaved coneflower contains a unique component - phytomelanin, which is an antioxidant and has the properties of a cytoprotector (that is, it protects cells from aggressive influences). In what follows, unless specifically stated, we will talk about Echinacea purpurea.

Collection and storage

In Russia and Ukraine, Echinacea purpurea is not a pharmacopoeial plant. Therefore, there are no strict standards for the quality of medicinal raw materials, except for its ecological purity. You can collect it yourself if you grow Echinacea in your garden.

Flower baskets are collected for pharmaceutical purposes during the flowering period, i.e. starting in mid-July. The rhizomes can be dug out only not before October.

Stems should be cut to a height of 25-35 cm. Both leaves, stems and flowers are recommended to be collected early in the morning. Then the raw material to sort, chop and dry - best in a ventilated dark room, but you can under a roof. The main thing is not to get to him the sun's rays, under the influence of which the useful substances are destroyed. Roots washed, dried, re-peeled, then chopped and dried in the sun. You can also use a vegetable dryer, but only in a gentle mode, at a temperature of 40-60 degrees.

Like other plant raw materials, herbs, flowers and roots should be stored in cloth bags or paper bags, but in a dry and well protected from sunlight.

Sometimes juice is made from fresh herbs and flowers, mixed with an alcohol base and kept in the refrigerator for no more than two months. Such a juice has a high concentration of active substances, it is used mainly for accelerated wound healing.

Therapeutic properties of Echinacea

Currently, scientists are continuing to study the properties of Echinacea, as it is considered a very promising plant. In particular, it has these properties:

1. Promotes natural immunity because it activates phagocytes (so called protective cells of the immune system itself).
2. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
3. Promotes rapid healing of burns, sores and various wounds.
4. It has a weak antiviral and antibacterial effect, which allows it to be used in the treatment of infectious diseases, furunculosis, carbuncle, abscesses, etc.
5. It has membranostabilizing effect.
6. It is effective in the treatment of autoimmune diseases (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, some types of hepatitis).

In addition, Echinacea contains such a component as cis-1,8-pentadecadiene. It is thought to have anti-tumor properties, but they have not yet been fully studied. In the future, Echinacea may also be used to treat cancer.

For women

The above-ground part of Echinacea contains phytosterols, which helps to normalize the hormonal balance, restore the menstrual cycle, get rid of painful PMS, greatly facilitate the state during menopause. These phytosterols are just like natural hormones, without the side effects common to synthetic drugs of this category.

In addition, Echinacea preparations have proven successful in the treatment of gynecological inflammatory diseases.

For men

For the representatives of the stronger sex, Echinacea preparations are interesting for two reasons. Firstly, it's a beneficial effect of the active substances of the plant on the cardiovascular system. After all, it is men who most often suffer from circulatory disorders and abnormalities of cardiac activity. Secondly, it is anti-inflammatory properties that allow the use of echinacea to treat prostatitis.

In pregnancy

The components listed above make echinacea a tonic. Therefore, future mothers are contraindicated preparations based on this plant, so as not to provoke miscarriage or premature delivery.

When breastfeeding

During lactation in the first two months, young mothers should not take any herbal preparations, so as not to provoke an allergy. Thereafter, Echinacea can only be taken as prescribed by a doctor, as it will have a stimulating effect on the baby.

For children

It is believed that babies under the age of two years old are generally contraindicated, because there is a very high risk of allergic reactions. However, later on, preschoolers and elementary schoolchildren are given Echinacea as an adaptogen on a par with Eleuterococcus. But first you need to make sure that the child does not have an allergic reaction to it, so first give it in small quantities and make sure that there was no rash.

Tea with echinacea or a small amount of infusion will help students concentrate better. It also helps strengthen the immune system, gives energy and even improves memory.

For weight loss.

The substances in echinacea help improve carbohydrate and lipid metabolism - they are inulin, caffeic acid, some other components. Echinacea itself will not help to lose extra pounds, but will increase the effectiveness of other measures - a basic diet and sports. Echinacea tea will improve metabolism and eliminate harmful substances. In addition, fresh echinacea herbs and leaves can be used as a dietary supplement. For example, with them make vegetable salads, mixed with other useful components like chicory.

Echinacea in folk medicine

In folk medicine, both aqueous and alcoholic infusion of this plant are widely used, as well as oil tincture, ointment, tea, a variety of collections, etc. Each of these remedies has its own sphere of application, but it is the alcoholic tincture that is most often treated. It has the widest spectrum of action, including gastritis and other inflammatory pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, constipation, inflammation of the pelvic organs. It is also effective for bronchitis, angina, herpes, is used even in the complex treatment of pneumonia (but only along with antibiotics and other means of official medicine, including prescription drugs for bronchial expansion).

Aqueous or oil infusion are considered good remedies for autoimmune diseases, rheumatism, arthritis, joint pathologies. They work better for colds, whether they were triggered by bacterial or viral infections. The aqueous infusion can also be used for a long time to strengthen the immune system.

Prepared alcoholic tincture of the root is used to treat kidney disease, including the removal of stones. It also helps with vasospasm. And some experts consider it a good remedy for asthma.

In raw form, the plant is used to treat burns and wounds. Also in this case are effective decoctions, with which make lotions and compresses.

In Diabetes Mellitus

Regarding the use of echinacea in the treatment of diabetes there is no consensus. Some herbalists believe that remedies based on this plant are generally contraindicated in diabetes. Others believe that a tincture of echinacea in this disease will benefit, but it should be used with caution. It is best to take a tincture of the root in alcohol - 60 drops per day, divided into 3 doses. Honey with echinacea in this disease is not used.

In pancreatitis

In acute pancreatitis, you can not be treated with home remedies, you need to immediately seek qualified medical help. But in the chronic form of the disease, alcoholic tincture of echinacea will help to relieve pancreatic inflammation. To do this, the first day you drink 40 drops of tincture at once, diluted with a little water, then reduce the dosage to 20 drops - three times a day for half an hour before a meal. The course of treatment - no more than 10 days, because otherwise it can severely increase blood pressure.

Gastritis

This disease means the presence of an inflammatory process on the mucosa of the stomach. During an exacerbation, Echinacea is not used. During remission, patients are given an alcohol infusion of the flowers and leaves of the plant, prepared according to the recipe below. However, some herbalists believe that an oil extract in such cases will be even more effective.

Take no more than 20 drops three times a day. In the same dosage, the remedy is used for diseases such as stomach and intestinal ulcers, colitis, etc. Within a year, the course can be repeated several times, but only after consulting a doctor and in the absence of diseases such as hypertension.

For the liver

In general, to improve the health of the liver, either drink tea (1 cup a day, divided into three doses), or take a tincture of Echinacea not in alcohol, but in vegetable oil. It is prepared in the proportion of 1 part of herbal raw materials to 5 parts of unrefined sunflower or olive oil. Tincture is drunk 10 ml three times a day after 2 hours after the main meals.

Cystitis

This inflammatory process is usually caused by a bacterial infection. To eliminate it, antibiotics are used. Echinacea is also used as an aid due to its anti-inflammatory properties. For this purpose, an aqueous infusion of its flowers is prepared. Do it this way - take a handful of dried raw materials and pour 1 liter of boiling water. The best way to insist this remedy in a thermos - it will keep the temperature for 8 hours. Before using, strain the product. Take it throughout the day in small portions, a maximum of 100 ml. The course of treatment - 4-5 days, after that the inflammation usually passes, but if necessary, after a while you can repeat it.

With prostatitis

In this disease, use an alcoholic tincture of Echinacea root, most often prepared - 20-30 drops three times a day before meals. The course of treatment lasts 10 days, then take a break. Also, some doctors prescribe ready-made pills containing echinacea.

Cough medicine

In folk medicine, rubbing with alcoholic tincture in the lung area is considered a good remedy in the treatment of coughs.

With a cold

With colds and acute respiratory viral infusion of echinacea is considered an effective remedy. It is taken ½ cup three times a day, half an hour before the main meal. Drink the tool for a minimum course of 10 days.

When there is a fever

Echinacea itself does not have a strong antipyretic effect. It is used in the complex treatment of infectious diseases accompanied by fever. To do this, take the infusion in the same way as described above for colds.

With bronchitis

The application will be the same as for any disease accompanied by a cough - rubbing with an alcoholic tincture.

For immunity

For these purposes, drink either a tea prepared according to the recipe described below (1 cup per day), or an alcoholic tincture (20 drops three times a day).

When oncology

The effectiveness of echinacea in cancer is not proven. But some herbalists recommend taking an alcoholic tincture of its root - 20 drops three times a day, diluted with a little water.

From papillomas

Echinacea will not help to remove a papilloma - this can only be done with the help of celandine juice (and even better to contact a dermatologist for this and remove the growth in the clinic). But Echinacea helps to fight the cause of papillomas, i.e. the HPV virus. The fact is that it often lives in the body for many years without manifesting itself in any way, but activates when the immunity decreases, while Echinacea helps to strengthen the immune system.

This is done by taking 15-20 drops of Echinacea tincture three times a day. The course of treatment is 10 days, then a break is made for 5 days and the reception is repeated again.

From herpes

This disease is of viral nature, so in its treatment echinacea is used mainly as an aid, which promotes the healing of wounds and cracks. In such cases, the alcoholic tincture of echinacea root is considered the best option. It both disinfects wounds and cracks, and relieves pain, and eliminates the symptoms of inflammation.

At home, the tincture is prepared as follows - take fresh plant roots (200 g) and pour 1 liter of vodka or 40% alcohol solution. This product is insisted on for 14 days, left in a dark and dry place. Periodically shake the container with it. Before use, the tincture is strained and for the treatment of herpes is diluted in a ratio of 1:3. In this case, it is used as an external remedy - it makes lotions on the affected areas of the skin.

With sore throat

When treating angina, the anti-inflammatory properties of echinacea are used. In this case, both decoction of echinacea and its tincture are used. Tincture drink the same way as with any other inflammatory disease - 40 drops at the first reception, then reduce the dosage to 20-25 drops (during exacerbation drink every two hours, then the number of intakes is reduced).

As for the broth, then for intake it is prepared as follows - 1 tbsp dry crushed raw materials for 0.5 liters of boiling water. This product is placed on a water bath for 20-30 minutes. Then cool the decoction, strain and drink a little at a time during the day.

It can also be used to gargle inflamed throat. The procedure is repeated every two hours. Decoction is prepared as described above, take 1 tbsp. spoonful, dilute with the same amount of warm water and gargle your throat. At the pharmacy you can buy packaged dry echinacea. In this case, brew it for gargling like tea - one bag per glass of boiling water.

When hypertension

Echinacea purpurea is most often used for low blood pressure, because it helps to bring it back to normal. Therefore, remedies based on the roots, leaves and stems of this plant are contraindicated in hypertension.

However, in folk medicine, Echinacea flowers are also used for high blood pressure. To do this, take 100 grams of dried flowers, grind to powder and mix with 300 grams of honey. This remedy is used in hypertension literally 1 tsp. a day, adding it to herbal tea.

In case of thrush.

This disease is fungal in nature. The reason for its development is a decrease in immunity, due to which conditionally pathogenic microflora (candida fungi) begins to multiply actively. Tincture of Echinacea, of course, does not have antifungal properties, but is used as an auxiliary agent in the complex therapy.

First of all, it helps to eliminate inflammatory processes. To do this, the first drink 40 drops of alcoholic tincture (ready-made or homemade, made according to the recipe below), then 20 drops three times a day. The course of treatment is 10 days. After that, take a break for a week. If necessary, you can repeat the course. The tincture is diluted with a small amount of water.

Another way to use - in a solution, which impregnate vaginal tampons (no more than 20 drops). Aqueous solution of the tincture is also used for gynecological baths.

Echinacea tincture also helps to increase immunity, eliminating the very cause of thrush. To prevent candidiasis, it is taken 15 drops twice a day, adding it to green or herbal tea. The course is the same as in the treatment of acute disease, 10 days, then a break. You can also drink tea from echinacea for prevention.

Types of medicinal compositions

On the basis of echinacea make a tincture, decoction, alcoholic tincture, tea, various means for external use. And each of them has its own peculiarities of preparation and use.

Infusion

It is believed that an aqueous infusion of echinacea improves the blood composition, accelerates regenerative processes - for example, wound healing, tissue repair after bruises and fractures. Infusion can be used as an external agent - it is used in the form of compresses or lotions against eczema, psoriasis and even boils. He helps to restore tissue and after burns.

Prepare it this way. Take 1 tbsp. Pour 2 cups of boiling water overnight in a thermos or in an enamel bowl, wrapped in a towel over the top, so that it cools more slowly. Before use it is filtered.

Tincture .

Alcoholic tincture of echinacea is taken as a remedy for stress. It also helps improve cognitive function. Echinacea helps you concentrate better, it also improves performance.

Tinctures come in two types - based on the above-ground part of the plant or the root. As shown above, such raw materials differ in their chemical composition. At home, more often make a tincture from the leaves and herbs. Take either 200 g of crushed fresh raw material, or 50 g of dry material for 1 liter of vodka. Insist the remedy in a dark place, shaking from time to time, for three weeks. Before use, strain. Tincture based on the root is more often made in a factory.

Decoction

This dosage form is most often used to boost immunity. It is also taken as a tonic. It relieves stress and promotes concentration. It is prepared as follows - crush dried leaves, grass and flowers of Echinacea, select 1 tsp. raw material and pour a glass of boiling water, and then further heated over low heat in a water bath for 15-20 minutes. After that, insist another half hour. Drink no more than 1/3 cup 3 times a day, before meals.

Tea .

It is believed that this remedy helps to avoid colds, but also can be used in the treatment of eczema. It is prepared as follows - take 2 tsp. dried crushed roots or the same amount of Echinacea grass and pour 2 cups of boiling water, and then brewed for 40 minutes. Before use, you need to strain.

Some phytotherapists use flowers for this purpose - 3 dried flowers for the same amount of boiling water.

For preventive purposes, drink one cup of such tea a day. To improve the taste add honey to the drink. The duration of the course of treatment is not less than a month. If a person feels that he is sick, you can take 3 cups of tea a day at the beginning of a cold, so that it runs in a milder form.

Ointment .

To heal burns and wounds make a homemade ointment, using any greasy base, mixed with fresh flowers and leaves of Echinacea crushed to a homogeneous state. You can also add a small amount of ready-made tincture of the plant in purchased medicinal creams and ointments.

Oil .

This remedy is used mainly in cosmetology, but sometimes also in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease. In fact, it is an oil tincture of echinacea. To prepare it, take 2 parts of fresh flowers and put in a glass container, then pour unrefined vegetable oil (5 parts). The remedy is kept for 3 weeks in a dark place. The finished tincture is filtered.

Cosmetic applications

Echinacea purpurea is widely used in cosmetology to care for the skin of the hands and face. There are several popular recipes.

Lotion based on Echinacea.

It relieves irritation, has a soothing effect, in addition, accelerates metabolic processes. It is prepared as follows - 25 g of dry raw materials (roots and leaves of Echinacea) are crushed and mixed with dried succession and chamomile flowers - these components take 20 g each. All this is poured 250 ml of spirits or vodka. The lotion is incubated in a dark and dry place for two weeks, then filtered. This remedy is recommended to wipe your face after washing. Alcohol is slightly drying, so the product is perfect for oily skin.

A mask for problem skin

Mix one tsp. of flower honey with the same amount of tincture of echinacea root and add 1 tbsp. of rye flour. The resulting mass is applied to a cleansed skin for 10 minutes, then rinse with cool water and wipe with lotion.

Bath

This remedy helps to improve the condition of the skin, has antibacterial, relieves irritation, etc. Prepared as follows - 5-6 teaspoons of crushed dried flowers and leaves pour 1 liter of boiling water and infused for an hour. Then strain the product and add to the bath. Duration of the procedure - no more than 15 minutes.

Bath for hands

Take 2 tablespoons of Echinacea leaves, pour 1 liter of boiling water and infused for 1 hour. Then the resulting remedy diluted with water to 2.5 liters, add to the infusion of 100 grams of sea salt and immerse your hands in the resulting bath for 20 minutes.

For dry skin

The Echinacea oil described above is used to care for dry skin. Take the resulting tincture and apply a small amount to the face with gentle circular motions. Leave the oil for 3 minutes, then take off the unabsorbed remnants with a napkin.

For hair

Echinacea is used for hair care. For example, an infusion of this herb, mixed with lemon juice, is used to rinse. It makes the hair smoother and shinier.

For dandruff

To combat seborrhea, the following remedy is used - fresh leaves and flowers are crushed to a homogeneous mass, mixed with raw egg yolk, thoroughly mixed and applied to the scalp. Hold the mask for half an hour, then rinse.

How is Echinacea honey useful?

It is very difficult to find echinacea honey on the market. The thing is that it grows in relatively small quantities. But the plant blooms in late summer when bees are short of food, so many scientists and practicing beekeepers believe that it should be cultivated purposefully. Echinacea honey has all the health benefits of this plant:

• promotes improvement of blood composition;
• normalizes the liver;
• fights diseases of the respiratory system;
• Helps to eliminate toxins from the body.

In the early 2000s, studies showed that using this honey had a positive effect on the health of Chernobyl disaster relief workers.

When there is a shortage of real echinacea honey, you can use its natural substitute. It is prepared at home as follows - mix natural flower honey with dried leaves and flowers of Echinacea, ground in a coffee grinder to flour (in the proportion of 1 tsp. vegetable raw material for 3 tsp. honey). This remedy also has all the useful properties of honey and echinacea. It is taken by 1 teaspoon 2-3 times a day, best of all - with green tea. It helps to relieve headaches, normalize sleep, lower blood pressure. Also such honey is an excellent remedy for avitaminosis.

Contraindications for use

Contraindications to the use of echinacea is the presence of lung diseases such as sarcoidosis and tuberculosis. Its preparations should not be taken in multiple sclerosis and leukemia. Absolute contraindications are also pregnancy and the presence of an allergic reaction to this plant. During breastfeeding the use of Echinacea-based products is possible only after consultation with your doctor.

Children under two years of age are not prescribed Echinacea, because of the high risk of an allergic reaction. At the same time, the alcohol tincture should not be given until the age of three.

It should also be noted that Echinacea is not combined with all medicines. It is widely used in phytotherapy in gatherings with rose hips, hawthorn, yarrow, St. John's wort, some other herbs. But in combination with cardiac drugs, Echinacea should not be taken, because it can lead to heart rhythm disturbances.

In addition, you can not take echinacea for longer than 10 days without a break to avoid the development of such an undesirable side effect as an increase in blood pressure.

Echinacea photo