Use of Echinacea in Medicine
Abstract: Echinacea, also known as the purple coneflower, is an herbal medicine that has been used for centuries, customarily as a treatment for the common cold, coughs, bronchitis, upper respiratory infections, and some inflammatory conditions. Interpretation of existing literature suggests that echinacea should be used as a treatment for illness, not as a means for prevention of illness. The consensus of the studies reviewed in this article is that echinacea is indeed effective in reducing the duration and severity of symptoms, but that this effect is noted only with certain preparations of echinacea.
Echinacea has been used for hundreds of years by both Native Americans and throughout Europe to stimulate the immune system. The effectiveness of Echinacea preparations appears to vary greatly depending on what type of echinacea is used and also what parts of the plant are used. At Elderberry Family Farms, we use both Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea angustifolia. We also use the leaves and flowers as well as the roots. It’s not always easy to find suppliers for all parts of both kinds of echinacea.
Find out more at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S000629529900413X