Herb of the Month: Echinacea

Echinacea angustifolia
E. Purpurea, E. pallida, et al

Synonyms:      Snakeroot
Coneflower
Black Sampson

Parts used:     root, rhizome

You probably “got a clue” that this particular herb would be first, due to it being the featured painting for my introduction. So, what is so special about this herb?

For one reason, Echinacea has known immune boosting qualities. The root is the main portion used for this purpose. Its other uses are: “erysipelas, septicaemia, cancer, syphilis, and other impurities of the blood (Grieve, 265)”.

Echinacea is the ‘wonder herb for all acute inflammatory conditions (Tierra, 160)”.  It can be used for bacterial and viral infections. Usually, when there is inflammation or oozing pus it can bring noticeable healing within three days. It can also be used “for building resistance to colds, flu and infections (Gladstar, 29)”. 

There are no side effects even after large doses (Tierra, Ibid)”. In some persons there may be reactions for some people that can be alleviated by adding a tiny bit of licorice root and ginger. When using Echinacea, the herb should be given in smaller amounts more frequently during the acute stage for this reason. After four days, the herb should be tapered off with smaller doses taken three times a week for a couple of weeks.

This herb is the proprietary ingredient in my winter tonics. I haven’t had the flu in years! The other ingredients will be discussed in later blogs.

Do not take this herb if you are using Catnip, as the two do not interact well.  It is contraindicated when a person is under chemotherapy. Also “Using oral Echinacea with topical econazole nitrate crème can “reduce the recurrence of vaginal yeast infections in some women compared to using the crème alone (Liningar with Gaby, Austin, et al, 82)”.

Next Week, on Monday: more on the herb: Echinacea

Bibliography:

Ed. Schuler W. Liningar with Alan R. Gaby M.D., Steve Austin M.D., et al. A-Z Guide to Drug-Herb-Vitamin
         Interactions. Three Rivers Press, 1999

Gladstar, Rosemary.  Herbal Healing for Women. Simon and Schuster, 1993

M. Grieve, Mrs. A Modern Herbal, Vol. 1. Dover Publications, Inc., Revised 1982.

Tierra, Michael C.A, N.D. The Way of Herbs. Pocket Books, 1990.