Purple coneflower has germ-repellent effects and is therefore popular for internal use as a supportive treatment for chronic and recurrent (recurrent) infections of the respiratory tract and the draining urinary tract. The herb can also be used internally for colds and flu and to increase the body’s defenses.
Application in cancer?
Experimental studies and application observations have further shown a positive effect of purple coneflower in cancer. However, the plant should be used here only supportively (adjuvant) together with other forms of therapy.
External use of purple coneflower.
Externally, echinacea can be applied to poorly healing superficial wounds, minor injuries, ulcers, and skin inflammations, which accelerates wound healing. According to observations and experimental studies, the herb is also said to be effective for herpes simplex.
Application in folk medicine and homeopathy
Folk medicine also uses echinacea to treat infections, for colds and to strengthen the immune system.
In homeopathy, the fresh, above-ground parts of the flowering plant are used to support treatment of severe and febrile infections.
Ingredients of purple coneflower
The main efficacy-determining constituents include cichoric acid, accounting for 1.2-3.1%, and various polysaccharides, including 4-O-methylglucuronoarabinoxylan and acid arabinorhamnogalactan. Also present are alkamides, polyacytylenes, flavonoids, and up to 0.32% essential oil.
Purple coneflower: indication.
Possible indications are:
- Respiratory infections
- Infections of the urinary tract
- Common cold
- Flu
- Increase the body’s defenses
- Wounds
- Ulcers
- Skin inflammations
- Herpes
