Echinacea has been demonstrated to enhance skin health, blood sugar control, anxiety, and immunity. It might even possess anti-cancer qualities. But human-based research frequently has its limitations.
Results in this area are conflicting despite the fact that it is frequently used to treat the common cold. While studies have suggested it might decrease colds’ length, prevent them, or relieve their symptoms, many of these studies have been poorly conducted or failed to find any substantial benefits.
Despite this, there aren’t many products with similar potential immune-boosting properties as echinacea, so it might be worthwhile to give it a try.
Boosts Immunity
Echinacea tea has been a go-to remedy for boosting the immune system and preventing infections for a very long time. Antibacterial qualities of echinacea help keep infections from getting you sick. Additionally, echinacea tea might lessen the aches and pains brought on by the common cold and flu and soothe a sore throat.
The influence of echinacea on the immune system was the subject of a meta-analysis published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases Journal. Echinacea reduced the incidence of the common cold by 58 percent, according to 14 trials examined by researchers. Additionally, taking echinacea reduced recovery time by 1.5 days. Even if you do contract a cold, drinking echinacea tea can help you stay healthy and recover more quickly.
Additionally, echinacea tea aids in the eradication of free radicals, which result in oxidative stress and cell damage. By delaying the beginning of early aging and brain degeneration, this contributes to an improvement in general health.
Prevents Infection
Yeast infections and urinary tract infections can be treated with echinacea’s antibacterial properties. The majority of study demonstrates that the chemicals in echinacea leaves are responsible for these health advantages. Caffeic acid and other polyphenols found in tea, in particular, exhibit antiviral properties that shield against infection.
Echinacea may increase white blood cell counts, according to certain studies, albeit these studies are still in progress. The polysaccharides in echinacea tea may be useful in the treatment of illnesses like HIV, according to several research, one of which was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. These chemical substances function by limiting the replication of damaged cells, which delays the spread of infections.
Relieves Pain
Echinacea was first utilized as a pain reliever by Native Americans. The herb is now used to cure a variety of pains, including rheumatoid arthritis and toothaches. Tea made from echinacea can be used to relieve gastrointestinal discomfort, such as cramps and irritable bowel syndrome.
Echinacea’s impact on pain was investigated in a randomized, double-blind trial that was published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Researchers discovered that those who took echinacea used less pain medication to manage cold symptoms.
Improves Mood
Echinacea’s fragrant aroma can aid in reducing stress and depressive emotions. Dopamine, a hormone known for regulating happiness, is released in response to the aroma of echinacea. Cortisol, also referred to as the stress hormone, may also be reduced by echinacea.
The effects of echinacea on anxiety were explored in a study that was published in Phytotherapy Research. Echinacea dramatically reduced the excitatory synapses, according to research. This indicates that people who took echinacea extract had less dread and anxiety. Echinacea was found to modulate synapses, but it did not completely stop transmissions.
Soothes Respiratory Ailments
Upper respiratory tract infections and the symptoms of asthma may be treated with echinacea tea. These illnesses are frequently brought on by allergies or the common cold. Echinacea tea facilitates better airflow in the lungs and throat by soothing irritated muscles. Additionally, histamine, which is produced when the body overreacts to common stimuli and causes allergic reactions, is suppressed by echinacea. Echinacea has been shown to have bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory properties, according to research studies from 2015. These characteristics are comparable to those of synthetic medications used to treat asthma.
Echinacea tea: Does it actually work?
Mixed findings have emerged from studies. Echinacea extracts do appear to affect the immune system, your body’s line of protection against pathogens. According to research, it boosts the quantity of white blood cells, which fight illnesses. The herbal medicine had a very little advantage in avoiding colds, according to an analysis of more than a dozen research that was published in 2014.
However, neither children nor adults who took echinacea for a cold reported any relief from it in two trials supported by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.
However, because different studies examine different echinacea varieties and potencies as well as various plant or root portions, it might be challenging to compare the findings of several studies. There’s a chance that certain variations are superior to others. Additionally, it’s probable that the herbal cure will work against some but not all of the more than 200 cold-causing viruses.
Echinacea: Is it dangerous?
The United States and Canada are home to the blooming plant echinacea. Additionally known as coneflower. It belongs to the family of plants known as daisies. For many years, echinacea has been used as a herbal treatment. The viruses that cause colds, sore throats, and the flu are now frequently prevented or treated with it.
Most drug stores and health food stores carry echinacea products. It is available as teas, pills, liquid extracts, capsules, or dried plants. It is one of the most widely used herbs in the country.
Path to improved health
Echinacea is frequently used as a dietary supplement to treat infections like the common cold. They contend that it strengthens the immune system. This improves the body’s ability to combat the infection. As a result, the illness might not persist as long. When feeling well, some people use it to avoid getting sick.
Consult your primary care physician before using echinacea to treat a cold or the flu. Make sure to conduct your study as well. Before being sold, dietary supplements do not require FDA approval. The components in some supplements may not be what is listed on the label. Look for a business that quality tests their goods. You will then be certain that you are acting appropriately.
Pay close attention to the package label. Echinacea is available in a wide range of doses and strengths. Additionally, it may be combined with other nutrients. Observe the instructions on the packaging. Take only the prescribed amount. It can be hazardous to take more than is advised.
The majority of companies advise against eating echinacea on an empty stomach. They advise drinking a lot of water or eating before taking it. Echinacea shouldn’t be taken for more than a few weeks. Long-term safety has not been sufficiently investigated.
Before taking echinacea or any supplements, consult your doctor. If it will conflict with any other medications you take, he or she can let you know. They can also suggest the appropriate dosage for you.
Keep all herbal products out of young children’s sight and reach. To prevent them from losing their potency, keep them in a cool, dry area. Avoid keeping them in restrooms, which tend to get warm and muggy.
Does it work?
On the impact of echinacea on the common cold, numerous studies have been conducted. Researchers have not yet discovered concrete proof of its efficacy. They don’t think that taking it as soon as a cold hits will make it go away faster. Taking it when you are healthy may somewhat lower your risk of contracting a cold.
What are the side effects?
Minor adverse effects are possible with echinacea. These symptoms can include nausea, dizziness, and a queasy stomach. Allergic reactions such as redness, swelling, and breathing difficulties are considered serious adverse effects. It may exacerbate asthmatic symptoms. Inform your doctor as soon as possible of any negative effects you have.
Daisy family plants can cause allergy reactions in some people. These could include chrysanthemums, marigolds, ragweed, daisies, or other flowers. This could increase your chance of experiencing an allergic reaction to echinacea.
What is the most important information I should know about Echinacea?
If you have any of the following conditions, you shouldn’t use this product:
an autoimmune disease like lupus, psoriasis, or rheumatoid arthritis.
If you have any allergies, particularly plant allergies, see a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional to determine whether it is safe for you to use this product (especially ragweed, mums, marigolds, or daisies).
Never give a child any herbal or nutritional supplement without consulting a doctor. Children under the age of 12 should not take echinacea.
Brief overview
However, no studies utilizing Echinacea in the prevention or treatment of illnesses similar to COVID-19 have been found. Current research suggests that echinacea supplementation may reduce the duration and severity of acute respiratory tract infections. There were not many side events reported, indicating the relative safety of this herbal medication. Clinical studies have shown that Echinacea lowers levels of immunological molecules associated with cytokine storm, despite the fact that it might boost immune activity, which raises concerns that it can worsen over-activation of the immune system in cytokine storm.
Verdict
When given at the earliest sign of infection, Echinacea supplements may help with the symptoms of acute respiratory infections (ARI) and the common cold. No trials employing Echinacea in the prevention or treatment of illnesses like COVID-19, however, have been found. When taken at the outset of symptoms, Echinacea may lessen the intensity and/or duration of ARI, according to earlier research. E. purpurea or a mixture of E. purpurea and E. angustifolia having standardized levels of active components were employed in trials claiming benefit.
Echinacea use hasn’t been associated with many side effects, which suggests that this herbal remedy is generally harmless. No human studies using echinacea for up to 4 months could be found that showed cytokine storm symptoms.
The results were largely consistent with a reduction in the pro-inflammatory cytokines that are involved in the progression of cytokine storm and Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), factors that are highly significant in the death of COVID-19 patients when looking at all human trials that reported changes in cytokine levels in response to Echinacea supplementation. Even though there isn’t any research on the therapeutic benefits of echinacea in the treatment of cytokine storms right now, this evidence shows that more study is necessary.
How frequently should echinacea tea be consumed?
Depending on the product, different echinacea dosages are advised. The most frequently prescribed medication in the US is a liquid extract of the E. purpurea root, which is typically dosed at 3 mL every three to four hours for the first one to two days of upper respiratory sickness and then three times per day for the following week. Patients utilizing echinacea tea (prepared from the root of E. angustifolia or E. purpurea) must start with greater doses, usually 6 to 8 oz four times per day for the first two days before reducing it to once or twice per day on days three to seven.
Adult
Take echinacea three times daily for the first ten days of a cold, flu, upper respiratory infection, or bladder infection to stimulate the immune system generally.
Echinacea should NOT be taken on an empty stomach. Take it with food or a big glass of water instead.
Echinacea and kidney health
If you have renal illness, stay away from herbal medications because they can increase blood pressure.
Some, like St. John’s Wort (for poor mood), may interfere with renal disease medications.
Before using some, such as the cold and flu treatment echinacea, consult with your doctor or pharmacist because they may have an adverse effect on kidney function.
Another issue is that the amount of the active ingredient in herbal remedies can vary significantly across brands (and even between batches of the same brand). This makes it challenging to anticipate how potent a dose will be.
Will echinacea strengthen my immune system?
Echinacea may boost your immune system, enabling you to combat viral or bacterial colds and flu. According to certain studies, the echinacea plant includes compounds that aid in the production of white blood cells by your body. These white blood cells function as part of your immune system to combat infection when your upper respiratory tract (nose, mouth, and throat) becomes infected.
But a 2014 research that examined two dozen additional studies discovered only flimsy proof that echinacea supplements actually work to treat colds. Echinacea may help treat colds, but it has not been demonstrated to hasten the onset of a cold.
Several different infections may be repelled by echinacea. According to some research, echinacea helps treat ear infections, urinary tract infections, and slow-healing cuts and wounds. Even though echinacea can occasionally assist with small illnesses, if the issue persists, you should visit a doctor.
Introduction
Echinacea is a popular herbal medication and extract derived from a flowering plant (Echinacea purpurea) that is native to the United States, East of the Rocky Mountains. Echinacea has traditionally been used to treat and prevent upper respiratory conditions like the common cold. The use of echinacea has been linked to isolated cases of elevated serum enzyme levels and clinically obvious liver damage, despite the fact that it is typically well tolerated with few and moderate side effects.
Background
Echinacea (ek” I nay’ sha), also known as American coneflower and a perennial plant native to North America, is the source of this widely used herb. To manufacture teas, juices, extracts, capsules, or tablets, the echinacea plant’s aerial portions and roots are employed, either fresh or dried. The primary use is for the treatment or prevention of upper respiratory infections, but it is also said to have other uses, including the improvement of immune function, protection against other viral, bacterial, and fungal infections, and the relief of anxiety, migraine headaches, dyspepsia, skin rashes, and bee stings. There are at least 9 different species of echinacea, and their medicinal properties can vary. The most widely used extracts come from Echinacea purpurea, pallida, and angustifolia, which are used in thousands of commercial herbal and nutritional products. Although the exact composition of the active components in echinacea is unknown, plant extracts do contain a variety of polysaccharides, volatile oils, caffeic and ferulic acid derivatives, flavonoids, alkamides, and polyenes. Mixed findings have been found in controlled studies of echinacea in the prevention and treatment of common upper respiratory infections, and the majority of systematic reviews have come to the conclusion that there is little proof of its therapeutic efficacy. Echinacea extracts, however, have consistently been reported to be well tolerated and free of serious side effects. Minor stomach discomfort and skin rashes have been the most often reported side effects. Rare allergic responses have been reported, including urticaria, angioedema, and anaphylaxis.
Hepatotoxicity
Echinacea by itself has not been connected to liver injury in several controlled trials, either in the form of temporary serum enzyme increases or clinically obvious acute liver impairment. Toxic hepatitis and high serum aminotransferase levels have been linked to echinacea, according to summary data from national registries of adverse reactions. However, there have been sporadic case reports of clinically evident liver impairment with jaundice. There were little data about the liver damage, but according to two published accounts, hepatitis with jaundice appeared one to three weeks after commencing echinacea extracts, with moderate jaundice, noticeable ALT and AST rises, and a swift and complete recovery upon discontinuing. One of the cases had autoimmune characteristics, but neither instance displayed hypersensitive characteristics (fever, rash, lymphadenopathy or eosinophilia). It is unknown whether the cases were caused by a specific species, a method of preparation, or product contamination because of the variety in the components of echinacea products.