Health Benefits of Echinacea
Echinacea: you might already be familiar with this useful herb as a tried-and-true immune system booster. Packed with antioxidants such as caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, and phenolic acids, echinacea can help reduce inflammation, and may even help reduce anxiety. In this article, we’ll explore the health benefits, uses, and side effects of echinacea.
What is Echinacea?
Echinacea, also known as purple coneflower, is a member of the daisy family, alongside sunflowers, marigolds, and chrysanthemums. In the garden or in the wild, you can identify echinacea by its bright purple petals, long stem, and large brown center. Of the nine species of coneflower, Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea pallida, and Echinacea angustifolia, are the most common.
Native to North America, echinacea has been used by indigenous peoples for centuries to treat ailments ranging from toothaches to arthritis. Today, many people continue to use echinacea in the form of teas, powders, tablets, and oils.
Strengthen Immune System
Most people are familiar with echinacea as a natural way to boost immune function, also known as immunomodulation. A popular additive to immune support teas and cough drops, echinacea’s ability to help strengthen the immune system ahead of cold season is well known, albeit controversial. Along with turmeric, it’s one of the most well known herbal supplements available today.
Several studies indicate that echinacea may help prevent the common cold, including one review that found supplementation reduced the rate of upper respiratory infection by as much as 22%.
Another study, conducted in children ages 4-12, found that echinacea was more effective than Vitamin C as an immune support supplement in children.
However, while echinacea can help you power up your immune system, it isn’t a cure or treatment for cold or flu (a common misperception). If your symptoms are severe or persistent enough to cause concern (like difficulty breathing or a temperature over 103 F), you should still see a doctor.
Pain and Inflammation Relief
Alkamides, glycoproteins, flavonoids–oh my! The list of antioxidants in echinacea goes on. With so many powerful anti-inflammatory compounds, is it any wonder that this beautiful purple plant has been used to treat both pain and inflammation for centuries?
In one review of 105 studies, echinacea supplements were associated with a decrease in inflammation markers, and an increase in anti-inflammatory markers, including cytokines, a kind of chemical messenger within the immune system.
Another study conducted in adults with osteoarthritis, found that a combined echinacea and ginger extract supplement led to a significant reduction in inflammation, pain, and swelling. Participants were individuals who had responded poorly to treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Reduce Anxiety
Several of the active anti-inflammatory compounds found in echinacea have also been found to have an anxiolytic, or antianxiety, effect. This includes rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, and alkamides, a class of naturally-occurring compounds with a range of bioactive effects, including anxiety relief.
One study published in 2019 found that a 40mg dose of echinacea taken twice daily for seven days led to significantly reduced anxiety. What’s more: the anti-anxiety effect lasted up to three weeks after supplementation stopped.
Echinacea Side Effects
Considering echinacea supplements? In general, echinacea products are regarded as safe and well-tolerated, especially for short-term use. The most common side effects of echinacea include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Skin rash
In a small number of cases, echinacea has been known to cause a severe allergic reaction including anaphylaxis and severe asthma attacks.
As with any new supplement, it’s important to consult with a doctor before adding echinacea to your regimen. Additionally, due to echinacea’s immunomodulatory effects, individuals with autoimmune disorders or individuals taking immunosuppressive drugs should exercise extreme caution.
Where to Buy Echinacea Supplements
Looking to buy high-quality echinacea? Our top recommendation is MediHerb Echinacea Premium by Standard Process. Echinacea Premium combines two different species of echinacea, Echinacea angustifolia and Echinacea purpurea, for maximum immune support. Buy it here in our shop.