Medicinally used plant parts

The whole plant, but more often only the root. The roots are dug in spring or autumn, washed and gently dried. The herb is harvested in full bloom and dried in the shade. In the medicinal plant coneflower, the rootstock (as in valerian, umckaloabo, devil’s claw), as well as the herb (as in St. John’s wort) are used medicinally. The root or the whole plant is extracted with alcohol.

Ingredients

Echinacin, essential oil, resins, bitter substances, phytosterols, echinacoside Other ingredients of the roots and the herb are mainly heteropolysaccharides, phenolic compounds and long-chain carbohydrates. In addition, flavanoids are also found in the herb. The ingredients of the coneflower are contained in many ready-to-use medicines for the therapy of colds, urinary tract infections (cystitis, pelvic inflammation) and skin diseases or as a tincture, fresh plant juice and wound treatment.

Effect

The plant is one of the most important remedies in the medicine tribe of the North American Indians. Wounds of all kinds were treated with leaves and roots. We have researched this effect and found that the coneflower is effective against bacteria on the one hand, and on the other hand it increases the body’s defenses and can thus help with infections.

Its use for the prevention and supportive treatment of colds is medically recognized. Does not replace, sometimes necessary antibiotics, but can be taken together with them. Has no disturbing influences on the effect, as previously feared.

A tea made from coneflower has no effect. Echinacea is taken in the form of drops or homeopathic preparations. Ointments are used to treat wounds.

Fields of application

The fields of application of the medicinal plant coneflower are manifold. When used internally, in the form of tea, tincture, fresh plant extract or tablets, coneflower is able to strengthen and activate the immune system. Already before an infection the immune system should be activated and the power of the white blood cells should be increased by a fresh plant extract.

The stimulating effect on the immune system as well as against viruses and bacteria has been proven in studies.The use of Ecchinacea pressed juice has been shown to reduce the incidence of infection. In the case of vaginal mycosis (vaginal mycosis), the effectiveness of antimycotics (drugs against fungal infections) has been enhanced by the coneflower press juice. Externally applied preparations can be useful for poorly healing superficial wounds.

On the one hand, coneflower ointments are used to heal wounds and as an antiseptic for abscesses, boils and phlegmons. Echinacea is also said to have an inhibitory effect against herpes viruses. As an ointment preparation it fights the herpes blisters. A moist compress of coneflower essence can help to heal abscesses, nail bed inflammation, burns and insect bites. Only ready-to-use preparations available in pharmacies are used.