Herbal Commentary-Echinacea

            Echinacea is an herb, commonly known as “American Cone Flower”, among other names.  Its use dates back to being a traditional herbal remedy for the Great Plains Indians and has later been used widely across the U.S.  Echinacea is primarily noted as an aid for colds and other upper-respiratory infections.  Specifically, it seems to enhance anti-inflammatory chemicals in the body which may lessen the severity of cold and flu symptoms.  Clinical evidence suggests Echinacea has the ability to stimulate the immune system, however, this has now been seen in humans.  For safety, it shouldn’t be consumed if one has an auto-immune disorder, as it may worsen the condition.  Echinacea may contain chemicals which attack yeast and other fungi directly.  Topically, Echinacea has been used to treat boils, burns, abscesses, ulcers, psoriasis, eczema, UV damage, herpes simplex, bee stings and hemorrhoids. Consumers may purchase Echinacea in many forms including as a tea, juice or extract however, there are some important factors to consider.  The purity of these products may be an issue as a result of no thorough FDA investigation.  Moreover, some Echinacea products have shown to be contaminated with selenium, arsenic and lead.  Perhaps, the best way to include Echinacea is for one to grow the plant their own; using the leaves, flower and root of the plant as a tea.  This will eliminate the guesswork as to whether or not one is getting a pure product.  As research on Echinacea grows, there will hopefully be more randomized, controlled human trails to clarify its potential benefits and expand upon the existing studies in this area.

 

-http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-981-echinacea.aspx?activeingredientid=981&activeingredientname=echinacea