Herbs & Supplements

Should I take it?

Several species of echinacea are known, but only three--Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea pallida, and Echinacea purpurea--are commonly used in medicine. Native people used them for multiple medical conditions, including treating poisonous snake bites. During the 1800s, echinacea was an essential part of U.S. medicine, and its use spread to Germany in the last few years of the 19th century. Echinacea compounds were used widely as antibiotics until better synthetic antibiotic medicines became available in the middle of the 20th century. In recent years, echinacea has regained popularity, possibly because no drugs are available to treat colds.

Echinacea species originated as wildflowers on the plains areas of the United States and Canada, but they are now cultivated in Europe and parts of Asia, as well as in North America. German homeopathic physicians were the first to grow echinacea in fields, rather than collecting the wild plants. Commercial cultivation is difficult, however, not all species grow well in Europe, and some practitioners contend that farm-raised plants are not as potent as wild echinacea. Additionally, natural echinacea habitat is being reduced by development and animal grazing. All these factors plus the rediscovery of echinacea's medicinal uses may have put its wild populations at risk, since current demand far exceeds the supply available from commercial growers. Unauthorized harvesting of wild echinacea means that some of the lesser-known species may be close to extinction. Several echinacea species have been put on the federal list of endangered plants.

All species of echinacea have basic similarities. They all grow as perennial plants consisting of a sturdy stem that supports a large daisy-like flower. In varying shades of reddish purple, the flowers have raised centers that are covered with spiky points, giving them a "hedgehog" appearance. Both the stems and the leaves are covered with fuzz. Different echinacea species can be distinguished by the shape of the leaves, the height of the plants, and the color and size of the flowers. Echinacea angustifolia (narrow-leaved coneflower) has a sharply bitter taste that produces a tingling sensation when it comes in contact with tissue inside the mouth.

Various parts of Echinacea species are used in medicine. Most often the roots, which can be as long as 20 inches, are taken from plants that are at least 3 years old. Flowers, leaves, and stems may be cut during the summer while 2-year-old to 3-year-old plants are in full bloom. Often called "aerial" (above ground) parts, they are dried for use as teas or extracts. Sometimes, freshly cut plants are crushed to make juice. Because fresh echinacea may contain some chemicals that are not present after the plant has been dried, some sources recommend that fresh echinacea juice be refrigerated to delay the loss of active components.

Dosage and Administration

Echinacea products to be taken by mouth come in many forms: fresh and dried "aerial parts" (flowers, leaves, and stems), fresh and dried roots, tablets, capsules, juice, lozenges, teas, extracts, and tinctures. Often, different species of echinacea are mixed into one product. Accidental or deliberate contamination with other plants is fairly common. Doses vary greatly depending on the condition being treated and the product being used. Individuals who decide to take echinacea should follow the directions on the package that is purchased.

For topical application, echinacea is available in creams, lotions, mouthwashes, ointments, toothpastes, and skin washes. Occasionally, it is added to cosmetics as an unproven anti-aging ingredient. Typically, echinacea preparations may be applied as often as needed. However, the directions on the package that is purchased should be followed.

Neither intravenous nor injectable echinacea is available in the United States.

Summary

Even though they are not proven to be effective, echinacea products are among the most widely used herbals in the world. They are taken by mouth to enhance immune system response and to lessen the duration and symptoms of colds and flu. When applied to the skin, they are used to relieve conditions such as eczema, insect bites, and psoriasis.

Risks

Echinacea's potential to increase immune function may worsen autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes. Individuals with autoimmune diseases should not use echinacea. Pregnant and breast-feeding women and small children should also avoid its use.

Side Effects

Side effects reported from taking echinacea by mouth include nausea and diarrhea. Some individuals may develop an allergic reaction from taking echinacea, applying topical forms, or handling the plant.

Interactions

Echinacea may interact with drugs that suppress the immune system and with several other drugs that are processed by the body in the same way that echinacea is processed. It may also interfere with the breakdown of caffeine.

Last Revised October 10, 2007