What is Echinacea | Benefits, Dosage and Side effects

 What is Echinacea | Benefits, Dosage and Side effects

(A) INTRODUCTION

Echinacea has been used by Americans for treatment of infection and cold , in 1876,it was used in the US to treat soldiers. (1) In 1900 echinacea became popular as a treatment of cold and flu. (2)

Why is echinacea so popular in the USA?

1. It is considered to be good immunity booster
2. It is safe and easily tolerated
3. It is easily available and present in variety of form
   
4. There are some scientific researches which support it as a good anticold(3)

(B)What is Echinacea?

Echinacea is angiosperm(flowering plant) there are several species of Echinacea but commonly three species are used for medicinal purposes that are Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia, and Echinacea pallida. (4)

It has been used by native Americans for a variety of purposes like treating infections, wound healing , pain relief, and immune system support.

It also played a role in American Culture and Folklore

There are also some side effects of echinacea such as upset stomach, Headache, Dizziness, Allergic reaction.

(C) The Science Behind Echinacea

C.1 There are some active compounds in echinacea like Alkamides, Flavonoid, Polysaccharides, echinacea angustifolia, caffeic acid derivative, essential oils etc.

C.2 Research proved that it acts as a relief against common cold and upper respiratory infections. It reduces the duration and symptoms related to common cold and upper respiratory symptoms.(5)

(D)Health benefits of Echinacea

It also acts as an immune system supporter by enhancing the activity of the immune cell,WBC likes macrophages and natural killer cells that increase strength of the body to fight with infections and disease.

Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of echinacea may promote wound healing by preventing infections and reducing inflammations .(6)

Some studies also suggest that it may help in reducing symptoms of allergy.(7). It improves skin health by treating acne,eczema and psoriasis.

There are several factors which influence the effectiveness of echinacea, Plant species and varieties,plant parts and preparation methods, quality and standardisation.

(E) Forms and Preparation of Echinacea

1. There are several forms of echinacea available in market that are

Capsules : most common form of this herb because it can be easily taken with water.they contain dried roots,leaves of echinacea in form of powder.

Extracts:available in form of liquid or in form of powder so you can easily swallow it or can take it with water.

Tincture: they are made by soaking the herb in alcohol or glycerine.they are concentrated forms of echinacea. You can take it by adding it in water or can take it directly.

Teas:it is made by keeping the herb in warm water.

Topical creams: it can be applied to the skin to help reducing swelling and pain.(8)

(F)Before You Use Echinacea

While echinacea has many benefits and is said to be safe for most people, there are also some side effects and contraindications of it. Let's discuss about them:

Side Effects:

Allergic reaction: Some individuals experience etching, swelling , uneasiness, or difficulty in breathing .(9)
Upset Stomach: Sometimes it may problem to stomach such as nausea ,vomiting or diarrhoea (loose motion)

IF you are suffering from HIV,AIDS or Cancer you should not take echinacea without talking to your doctor.

If you are already taking any medicine or taking any other treatment then first consult your doctor before taking it. 

Some precaution for use of echinacea

1. Don't use it more than 8 weeks in a continuity
2. Do not use it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
3. Do not use if you have an autoimmune disorder

(G)Growing and Cultivating Echinacea 

1. First step to grow echinacea is to select the right variety as there are several varieties of echinacea present in the market as mentioned above, you have to select according to your habitat climate condition in your area. Most commonly grown species is Echinacea purpurea.

2. Echinacea grows in full sunlight but can tolerate little shade .Echinacea needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day .This herb is more cold tolerant than heat tolerant.

3. It prefers fertile soil like loamy soil ,well draining,and slightly acidic to neutral PH. 

            4.It seed can be grown in ground in spring,must give water                                                 so that soil remain moist .

                     For more information check this video(*)

(H)Echinacea product in USA Market

There are several products of echinacea present in the market.in 2019 market of echinacea was USD 1.47 billion and it is estimated to reach 2.88 Billion by 2027.(10)

Some of famous brand are 

Nature bounty

Swanson

NOW foods

Jarrow formulas 

Gaia Herb etc.

(I)Echinacea Controversies and Debates

As it is already explained benefits and uses of echinacea but still there have been some controversies and debates between scientist and researchers.  

Some scientists proved that echinacea is an immune booster and reduces the duration of cold, cough. But still some scientists believe that it is just a myth.these conflicting evidence has led to ongoing discussion.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved echinacea as a good alternative of medicine for cold or an immunity booster. So there is no guarantee that echinacea is effective.

             (J)  Case Studies 

Let me tell you a case study. Actually it is a case of one of my friend 

Patient name:David werner

AGE:33

Symptoms:David has been feeling low for the last few days.he was suffering from cold,running nose, sore throat and cough.

Treatment:He started taking echinacea tablets twice a day with proper rest and care.

Result: after a few days he started feeling better and strong. All symptoms disappear within a week.

From this case we can say echinacea may be an effective treatment for a common cold. But still we can't be a 100 percent sure. 

(K)Echinacea Sustainability and Conservation Efforts

Because of the benefits and uses of echinacea,Demand for echinacea has increased which results in over harvesting of echinacea in the wild has led to concerns about its sustainability. 

As a people of the nation we should conserve this important Herb.there are many ways to protect the echinacea population so that it can be conserved for our upcoming generation.

Here is some ways

1.Replanting Echinacea: already explained how to grow echinacea

2.By vigilante people:we can do drama related to it or we can run ads and posters related to conservation of echinacea 

3. By growing your own echinacea : you can grow your own echinacea and share some pictures of it on social media platforms. 

By taking these steps, we can protect echinacea and conserve it for the future as it will remain a valuable resource for future generations.

(L)FAQs about Echinacea

DOSAGE:

  1.Liquid extract:5 ml for adults and 2 ml for childrens thrice a day

2. Capsule or tablet:300 to 500 mg dose twice a day for more you can concern with doctor

3.Dried herb for tea :1-2 teaspoons of dried echinacea herb s in 1 cup (250 mL) of boiling water for 10-15 minutes.or you can take tea bags because a specific dose is already set in them.(“)

Duration of Use:it depends on your infection. If you have a minute infection you have to just take it for 1-2 weeks. Don't take it  more than 8 weeks. 

Can echinacea be used by children?

Best thing is that you should first consult with a paediatrician or herbalist because of the dosage recommendation on the basis of child age, weight,height and health.