What is Echinacea used for in Herbal Medicine?

Echinacea, which originally comes from the Eastern parts of North America, is one of the primary remedies for helping the body protect itself  against bacterial and viral infections. Echinacea is commonly used for  the following conditions:

 

• Treating and preventing upper respiratory tract infections
• Treating and preventing infections in general
• Enhancing immunity in healthy people
• Inflammation of the upper respiratory system, including chronic bronchitis and sinus infections
• Abscess, boils, poorly healing wounds, eczema, psoriasis, mouth ulcers, venomous bites, skin infections and inflammation of glands and lymph nodes

Echinacea is especially useful for infections of the upper respiratory tract, including laryngitis, tonsillitis, the common cold, and other inflammatory conditions of the nose and sinus. In general, it may be used widely and safely. Tincture or tea of Echinacea may be used as a mouthwash for gingivitis or periodontal disease. The herb may be applied externally as a lotion to treat infected sores and cuts.

Prevention of upper respiratory tract infections (adults and children):

Preliminary studies suggest that echinacea is not helpful for preventing the common cold in adults. A recent meta-analysis suggested that standardized extracts of echinacea were effective in the prevention of symptoms of the common cold after clinical inoculation, compared with placebo. In children, a combination of echinacea, propolis, and vitamin C has been reported to reduce the number and duration of cold episodes. However, prevention research overall has not been well designed, and additional trials are needed before a clear conclusion can be drawn.

Treatment of upper respiratory tract infections (adults):

Although multiple low quality studies have previously suggested that taking echinacea by mouth by adults when cold symptoms begin may reduce the length and severity of symptoms, a clinical trial reported in July 2005 did not demonstrate any clinical benefit. Recent meta-analyses are conflicting; one suggested that standardized extracts of echinacea were effective in the prevention of symptoms of the common cold after clinical inoculation, compared with placebo, whereas the other reported no such benefit. Further research is needed.

You should read product labels, and discuss all therapies with a qualified healthcare provider. Natural Standard information does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.