Especially during the so-called cold season, the organism is under great strain due to the spread of flu viruses and unwanted bacteria.Echinaceahas been considered a proven means ofStrengthening the immune system. Recent research is on the trail of the secret of the medicinal plant
What exactly is Echinacea?
The narrow-leaved coneflower (Echinacea angustifolia) is a perennial herbaceous plant in the daisy family (Asteraceae). It grows up to 1.5 meters tall and has taproots anchored vertically in the ground and numerous secondary roots. The coneflower originally comes from North America and enjoyed some popularity among the locals there centuries ago.as a remedy for cough and sore throatNowadays, the plant from the daisy family (Asteraceae) is also native to Europe as an ornamental plant. The botanical name "Echinacea" is derived from the ancient Greek word for "sea urchin" and goes back to the species-typical chaff leaves with their sharp spines. Accordingly, the coneflower is also known as the hedgehog's head.
What makes Echinacea so special?
Native Americans are said to have taken coneflowers for coughs, sore throats and tonsillitis. Today's studies suggest that ingredients in Echinaceaimmunostimulating and immunomodulating effectsPreparations containing Echinacea are therefore used as drops, tablets or capsules for the prevention andRelief from coldsand to strengthen the immune system.
How does Echinacea support the immune system?
Our immune system works around the clock to protect our organism from unwanted invaders. These include viruses, bacteria and fungi, but also environmental toxins. Part of our defenses consists of certain leukocytes (“white blood cells”) that literally eat up foreign bodies in the blood. According to studies, it is precisely these phagocytes that arestimulated by the ingredients of three Echinacea speciesby influencing the activity of bacterial tissue hyaluronidase. So far, it has not been possible to conclusively clarify which ingredients are responsible for which effects. However,In recent years, research has focused primarily on the alkamides, which have a high bioavailability and are easily detectable in the blood. Due to various immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties, they seem to play a special role in the positive effects of Echinacea.
Use of Echinacea
Nowadays, Echinacea preparations are used for respiratory and urinary tract infections or appropriate tinctures are takenexternally for poorly healing woundsOf the numerous species of the genus, only the following are generally used for medicinal purposes:
- Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
- Narrow-leaved coneflower (Echinacea angustifolia)
- Pale coneflower (Echinacea sylvestris)
Echinacea is available in many forms, namelyas drops, juices, ointments, teas, tablets, dragees and as fresh plant juice(only from purple coneflower). Unfortunately, all of these preparations have one thing in common: they are unsuitable for people who are allergic to Asteraceae.
What are the main ingredients of Echinacea?
All three pharmacologically used Echinacea species arerich in essential oils,Flavonoids,B vitaminsandvitamin C. The plants also contain alkamides, glycoproteins, polyacetylenes, polysaccharides and derivatives of caffeic acid. In addition, the medicinally interesting Echinacea plants have ahigh content of special anthocyanidins– plant pigments, which belong to the secondary plant substances.
