Echinacea
(Echinacea angustifolia or Echinacea purpurea)
Family: ASTERACEAE/COMPOSITAE
Energetics: Cooling. Drying.
Taste: Acrid. Pungent.
Tissue States:
Systems Affected: Respiratory system. Immune System. Liver. Lymphatic.
Parts Used: Whole plant (Root, Leaf, Flower)
Key Components: Volatiles oils. Polysaccharides. Echinacoside. Caffeic acid. Sesqueterpenes. Tannins. Linoleic acid. Beta-carotene. Vitamin C.
Preparations & dosage: Decoction: Tincture: Best tinctured fresh in 50% alcohol 1:2 ratio. Though I have also seen a recommendation for fresh tincture in 95% alcohol.
Actions:
Foundational: Stimulating.
Primary: Alterative
Secondary: Antiseptic.
Uses:
All acute inflammatory conditions and and acute bacterial and viral infections taken in small doses every 2 hours for 3 days then 3-4 x per day for 1-2 weeks until symptoms are gone.
Stimulates the immune system by increasing macrophage and T-cell activity. Polysaccharides help protect cells from viruses and bacteria.
Has a particular affinity for the respiratory system and is especially effective at helping the body fight back against bronchial and respiratory infections as well as infections of the mouth and throat.
For best effect take it as soon as you feel illness coming on before it has a chance to take hold. Echinacea is much more effective at this stage in illness.
Stimulates the flow of the lymphatic system to address swollen glands.
Stimulates the production of saliva
Combines well with:
Identifying:
Growing:
Harvesting:
Contraindications: Avoid echinacea up to 2 weeks before surgery as it could interact with the anesthesia and cause blood pressure issues. I have seen this experienced first hand.
Echinacea is considered safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding.
While there is no danger associated with taking Echinacea for extended periods of time there is also no real need for it either. It is best saved for acute illness.
Some people with autoimmune diseases may experience negative effects from echinacea. I believe it depends on the specific person and specific disease and the mechanism as to which the disease affects the person. Nonetheless, those with autoimmune disease should avoid or use caution and stop using if they experience adverse effects.
Energetics: Cooling. Drying.
Taste: Acrid. Pungent.
Tissue States:
Systems Affected: Respiratory system. Immune System. Liver. Lymphatic.
Parts Used: Whole plant (Root, Leaf, Flower)
Key Components: Volatiles oils. Polysaccharides. Echinacoside. Caffeic acid. Sesqueterpenes. Tannins. Linoleic acid. Beta-carotene. Vitamin C.
Preparations & dosage: Decoction: Tincture: Best tinctured fresh in 50% alcohol 1:2 ratio. Though I have also seen a recommendation for fresh tincture in 95% alcohol.
Actions:
Foundational: Stimulating.
Primary: Alterative
Secondary: Antiseptic.
Uses:
All acute inflammatory conditions and and acute bacterial and viral infections taken in small doses every 2 hours for 3 days then 3-4 x per day for 1-2 weeks until symptoms are gone.
Stimulates the immune system by increasing macrophage and T-cell activity. Polysaccharides help protect cells from viruses and bacteria.
Has a particular affinity for the respiratory system and is especially effective at helping the body fight back against bronchial and respiratory infections as well as infections of the mouth and throat.
For best effect take it as soon as you feel illness coming on before it has a chance to take hold. Echinacea is much more effective at this stage in illness.
Stimulates the flow of the lymphatic system to address swollen glands.
Stimulates the production of saliva
Combines well with:
Identifying:
Growing:
Harvesting:
Contraindications: Avoid echinacea up to 2 weeks before surgery as it could interact with the anesthesia and cause blood pressure issues. I have seen this experienced first hand.
Echinacea is considered safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding.
While there is no danger associated with taking Echinacea for extended periods of time there is also no real need for it either. It is best saved for acute illness.
Some people with autoimmune diseases may experience negative effects from echinacea. I believe it depends on the specific person and specific disease and the mechanism as to which the disease affects the person. Nonetheless, those with autoimmune disease should avoid or use caution and stop using if they experience adverse effects.
Sources:
https://herbmentor.learningherbs.com/herb/echinacea/
The Way of Herbs: Michael Tierra. Pg 131-133
Rosemary Gladstar's Medicinal Herbs: Rosemary gladstar. Pg 129-133
https://herbmentor.learningherbs.com/herb/echinacea/
The Way of Herbs: Michael Tierra. Pg 131-133
Rosemary Gladstar's Medicinal Herbs: Rosemary gladstar. Pg 129-133
Studies:
Bactericidal and anti-inflammatory properties of a standardized Echinacea extract (Echinaforce®): Dual actions against respiratory bacteria: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S094471130900292X
Bactericidal and anti-inflammatory properties of a standardized Echinacea extract (Echinaforce®): Dual actions against respiratory bacteria: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S094471130900292X
Comments
Post a Comment