Native Americans who inhabited the American Great Plains east of the Rocky Mountains used the various species of Echinacea to cure a multitude of health problems, including respiratory tract infections and snakebites. It was introduced into medical practice as early as 1887, and modern research began in 1930, when it was widely used in Europe. In North America, interest in the plant has been on the rise since the worrying phenomenon of the development of resistance of microorganisms to antibiotics was discovered.
Beneficial Activity
Echinacea stimulates the body's natural defences, in a non-specific way. That is to say that unlike a vaccine or an antibiotic, which are only effective against a specific type of infection, Echinacea protects against an infinity of pathogens. Clinical research has demonstrated that the stimulation of natural defenses is the result of several actions:
- Stimulation of white blood cells and their phagocytic power.
- Increased production of interleukin, a hormone causing inhibition of cancer cells. It is not known exactly how Echinacea produces these beneficial effects, but the increase in interferon, the agent responsible for the body's defense reaction against viruses, probably plays an important role. Other components, such as fat-soluble bioflavonoids, called: luteolin, rutin and quercetin, and water-soluble called: caffeoyl, are powerful free radical scavengers.
The German commission recognizes the use of echinacea as an adjunct treatment for colds and chronic urinary tract infections, as well as its topical use to treat chronic ulcers and poorly healing skin sores.
Preventive action
By stimulating your natural defences, Echinacea has a preventive action against various infections and thus helps to reduce the symptoms.
A curative action
Echinacea is particularly indicated in case of bacterial or viral infections. Used in cases of flu, colds, coughs and sinusitis, the stimulating properties of Echinacea on the body's defenses are of great help in stimulating your body's defenses.
*Achievable results and time frames vary from individual to individual and cannot be guaranteed.
