Echinacea

Other term

Narrow-leaved coneflower Echinacea is the Latin name for the coneflower, a plant that is said to strengthen the immune system and thus prevent colds. Echinacea is used in naturopathy and homeopathy. Echinacea comes from North America.

There are three different species that are used as medicinal plants: While Echinacea pallida is rarely used, the herb of Echinacea purpura or the root of Echinacea angustifolia is widely used in Europe. The active ingredients that are said to be responsible for the healing effect are on the one hand alkamides and essential oils, but also echinacoside (a derivative of caffeic acid). Echinacea is offered in various preparations (including ointments, tea) that contain these active ingredients.

  • Echinacea purpura (purple coneflower)
  • Echinacea pallida (pale coneflower)
  • Echinacea angustifolia (narrow-leaved coneflower)

Application of Echinacea in the following diseases in homeopathy

  • Increase of the defense function against bacterial infestation
  • Bacterial Infections
  • Boils
  • Mastitis

Use of Echinacea for the following symptoms

  • Suppurations after injuries
  • Badly healing lower leg ulcers
  • Bacterial cystitis and kidney inflammation

Echinacea is said to have an immune-boosting effect and is therefore used for the following health problems: However, large studies have not yet been able to provide clear results about the effectiveness of Echinacea. While some studies have shown that the use of echinacea for the common cold resulted in milder symptoms and faster healing, other studies have not been able to prove any effect. The strengthening of the immune system and thus a decrease in infections is also controversial among scientists.

  • Prevention of infections by strengthening the immune system
  • Respiratory infections with cough, sore throat and tonsillitis
  • Urinary tract infections (e.g. cystitis)
  • Poorly healing wounds, lip herpes
  • After chemotherapy or radiation

Active Organs

  • Immune System
  • Allergy: Patients who are allergic to wicker flowers should not consume products containing echinacea.
  • Immunosuppression: Patients who suffer from an immune deficiency or whose immune system is weakened by medication (e.g. after an organ transplant) are also advised against taking Echinacea.
  • Toxic substances: There is a warning that the juices from the roots of the narrow-leaved and pale coneflower contain toxic substances. This can have a particular effect on allergy sufferers and pregnant women.
  • Necessary medication: In addition, a doctor should be consulted in the case of serious infections in order not to delay a possibly necessary intake of antibiotics.