Echinacea purpurea: medicinal properties, instructions for use and features. Echinacea purpurea: healing action and application

E chinacea purpurea (Latin name Echinacea purpurea) is used in medicine as an immunostimulating and anti-inflammatory agent. The extract of the medicinal herb was included in the composition of a number of pharmacological preparations. Alcohol tincture of echinacea is used to prevent colds and infectious diseases, strengthen the immune system, raise the tone.

Taking the drug activates the production of interferon, which increases resistance to viruses and bacteria. The use of tincture helps to quickly cope with the disease, stop inflammation, accelerate the restoration of damaged tissues. The substances that make up the herb have a destructive effect on viruses, stimulate the activity of macrophages, granulocytes, and direct them to pathological foci. Cytokines affect cells responsible for nonspecific immunity. Inulin and betaine improve metabolic processes.

External use stimulates skin regeneration, accelerates the healing of wounds and eczema. Antioxidant action increases the elasticity of the vascular walls, prevents the formation of cholesterol plaques. Echinacea removes toxins from the body, cleanses the lymphatic system, improves blood clotting.

Taking the tincture normalizes blood pressure during hypotension, helps to cope with nervous fatigue, drowsiness.

In cosmetology, the product is used to cleanse the skin, fight acne, peeling.

Characteristics, description, chemical composition

Medicinal raw materials are the leaves, inflorescences, roots of the plant. The grass contains a number of biologically active components that have a complex effect on the body systems:

• polysaccharides, enzymes, essential oil;
• coumaric, caffeic, linoleic acids;
• flavonoid and organic compounds;
• glycosides, phytosterols, resins;
• mucous and tannins;
• polyamines, echinacin, vitamins of groups A, C, E;
• micro and macro elements (magnesium, iron, selenium, zinc, molybdenum, potassium, calcium, manganese);
• inulin, glucose, betaine, fatty oils (in rhizomes).

In pharmacy tincture, 100 ml of 60% ethyl alcohol accounts for 20 g of echinacea. Appears as a clear greenish-yellow to dark amber solution with a spicy aroma. During storage, turbidity and precipitation are acceptable.

Indications for use

Tincture is prescribed as a prophylactic and tonic. Herbs are recommended for the following conditions:

• acute respiratory viral diseases;
• bronchitis, pharyngitis, laryngotracheitis;
• inflammatory lesions of the oral mucosa;
• infected wounds, trophic ulcers, boils;
• eczema, burns, herpes, insect bites;
• flu, SARS, colds, rhinitis;
• pathology of the kidneys and urinary tract of a chronic nature;
• weakening of the body after a course of antibiotics, cytostatic therapy;
• low blood pressure, dizziness and lethargy against the background of hypotension;
• ulcerative lesions of the stomach, 12 duodenal ulcer;
• inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck with influenza, colds, tonsillitis.

During the period of seasonal incidence of viral infections, taking tincture strengthens the immune system and prevents infection.

Contraindications and side effects

If the recommended dosages are observed, the drug is safe for health. The use of longer than 3-4 weeks without interruption causes the accumulation of bioactive substances in the body, which leads to the development of symptoms of intoxication. There is a decline in immunity, weakness, headaches, nausea, increased blood pressure, sleep disturbances.

Make sure you are not allergic to the plant. If there is a feeling of sore throat, swelling, itching, skin rashes, stop taking the remedy and take an antihistamine tablet.

The use of tincture is contraindicated in the following cases:

• pregnancy and breastfeeding period:
• children under 12 years of age;
• autoimmune diseases, HIV, AIDS;
• all forms of tuberculosis;
• oncology of the hematopoietic system;
• severe arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus;
• individual intolerance to the components.

With caution and after consultation with your doctor, use the remedy for chronic liver pathologies, alcoholism, atopic dermatitis, concussions and bruises of the brain.

During the course of therapy, refuse to drive a car and work with an increased concentration of attention and speed of reactions.

Interaction with other drugs

When taken in parallel with immunostimulating drugs, there are violations of the functioning of the body's defense systems, deterioration of well-being. The simultaneous use of tincture and antiviral drugs enhances the effect of pharmacological agents. The use of an alcohol solution of echinacea along with drugs containing cephalosporin derivatives causes an increase in heart rate, profuse sweating, redness of the skin, and nausea. It is not recommended to use the drug together with immunosuppressive drugs.

How to take alcohol infusion of echinacea

Instructions for use for adults in the treatment of respiratory infections prescribes the use of 15-25 drops three times a day. According to this scheme, take a solution for prophylaxis during seasonal epidemics. For acute infections at the onset of the illness (first 3 days), drink 40–50 drops at a time, then 10–20 drops every 50–55 minutes.

For pathologies of the digestive and urinary systems, take 40 drops of the solution, after 2 hours - another 20. Starting from the second day, drink three times a day 30 minutes before meals (dosage - 20). In case of ethanol intolerance, replace the tincture with Immunal, Solgar Echinacea Extract, Echinacin.

For kids

Due to the alcohol content, the drug is not prescribed to babies. For them, tablets with echinacea extract (Doctor Theiss, Immunal, Estifan) will become safe analogues. Children over 12 years old are given 5-10 drops of tincture and diluted with water in a ratio of 1 to 2. The duration of the course of treatment is determined by the doctor, depending on the severity of the disease and the characteristics of the body.

For preventive purposes, take the drug for 10-12 days, for therapeutic purposes - 14-20. Reception for more than 8 weeks causes the development of complications.

Outdoor use

Pour 30 drops into 100 ml of saline and use for compresses and lotions. Apply gauze soaked in liquid, cover with polyethylene, fix. Change the bandage twice a day. For laryngitis, pharyngitis, sore throat, dilute 2 teaspoons of tincture in 200 ml of warm water, use 3 times a day to rinse the sore throat.

The plant is able to increase the immunity of animals. In veterinary medicine, the drug Echinacea compositum is used in ampoules for dogs.

Pet tinctures sold in pharmacies are harmful and dangerous to health.

How to prepare a remedy at home

If you plan to make an alcohol solution yourself, you will need dried or fresh herbs. They use ready-made pharmaceutical raw materials, the flower is also grown in the backyard - echinacea is unpretentious and does not require complex care.

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Choose biennial copies. Cut buds in July-August before opening. Leaves accumulate useful substances by autumn. Spread the grass in a thin layer in a place protected from direct sunlight. Ventilation is essential to avoid mold and rot. Collect rhizomes after the aerial part of the flower dies. Rinse thoroughly and sort through the raw materials, cut into pieces.

When using a dryer or oven, keep the temperature up to +50 degrees. When the raw material dries, transfer it to glass jars with airtight lids. Shelf life of grass is 6 months, roots - 2-3 years.

Recipes

To make a tincture, take 25 g of dried leaves and inflorescences and 0.5 liters of alcohol or vodka. Place the container in a dark place for 2-3 weeks, shake the liquid daily. Filter, take 20-25 drops three times a day before meals for 10 days to boost immunity and speed up recovery from respiratory infections.

For another method, use 100 g of roots per 500 ml of alcohol for infusion. Put the jar in a closet or dark room, shake the mixture occasionally. After 2 weeks, strain the solution, squeeze out the raw materials. Drink 15-20 drops 30 minutes before meals 3 times a day.

A strong immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effect has a tincture of leaves, buds and roots. To prepare, place finely chopped fresh raw materials in a glass jar, pour alcohol in a ratio of 1 to 4. Place in a cool place protected from the sun for a month. After filtering, pour into a dark glass bottle. Drink courses to increase the body's immune defenses during the cold season.

In the refrigerator, the tincture retains its healing properties for up to two years. For the treatment of children, it is preferable to use a decoction of water. With the right dosage, echinacea is beneficial: it supports a weakened body, accelerates recovery from illness.

Echinacea purpurea is a tall plant with large, attractive flowers that is very popular with summer residents. Echinacea not only decorates flower beds, but also has useful healing properties.

Description and chemical composition of Echinacea purpurea

Echinacea contains many nutrients that are beneficial to the human body. All parts of the plant are rich in trace elements - magnesium, manganese, calcium, silicon, selenium, iron, vitamins A, C and E. Echinacea contains antioxidants - echinocine and echinolon, organic acids, tannins, polysaccharides, resins, essential oil.

Inulin, glucose, betaine, phenolcarboxylic acids were found in the roots. All these unique substances that make up this wonderful plant increase the body's immunity and defenses, improve blood composition, cleanse the human circulatory and lymphatic systems, strengthen bones, and contribute to the rapid healing of wounds and tissue recovery after operations.

Medicinal properties and uses of echinacea

Echinacea purpurea is one of the most popular medicinal plants in the world. Many believe that echinacea is superior to ginseng in its healing properties and can cure many different diseases.

Echinacea has antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral properties and is used to treat inflammatory and infectious diseases - tonsillitis, tonsillitis, influenza, typhoid fever, diphtheria, cerebral meningitis, peptic ulcer.

Preparations from echinacea can accelerate the healing process of purulent wounds, burns, eczema, skin rashes, relieve pain, protect the body from viruses, fungi and bacteria, reduce warts on the body, prevent the reproduction of Escherichia coli, coccal infections, herpes virus.

Echinacea purpurea is used for oncological diseases, since the substances contained in its composition alleviate the condition after a course of chemotherapy and contribute to faster rehabilitation and recovery of the body.

Infusions and decoctions of this plant have a therapeutic effect in hepatitis, cystitis, nephritis, are used to treat gynecological inflammatory processes, diseases of the male genital area - with prostatitis and adenoma.

In pharmacology, medicines, tablets, ointments, tinctures, extracts, herbal preparations, biologically active additives are made on the basis of echinacea.

Contraindications for use

This wonderful plant, like any medicine, has contraindications that must be taken into account so as not to harm your health.

The recommended doses should be taken, higher doses have a negative effect on the nervous system, cause insomnia, irritability, nausea and vomiting. It is not recommended to take echinacea preparations for more than two weeks.

Echinacea preparations improve immunity, but it should be remembered that an overdose of the drug leads to the opposite effect, to a decrease in immunity, so you need to take only the recommended dose.

• tuberculosis
• leukemia
• multiple sclerosis
• HIV infection, AIDS
• rheumatoid arthritis
• scleroderma
• lupus erythematosus
• diabetes

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use echinacea for treatment.

Attention! Young men should not take echinacea tincture to strengthen the immune system, as alcohol tincture affects sperm motility, which leads to difficulty in fertilization.

Echinacea folk remedies

Decoctions, infusions and tea from echinacea improve appetite, cheer up, normalize blood pressure, increase vision, cleanse the body of toxins and toxins, slow down the aging process, restore strength after physical exertion, after operations.

Teas, infusions and decoctions are drunk for edema and insomnia, for inflammatory processes and chronic fatigue, for colds and flu, for skin diseases - eczema, boils, abscesses.

Water decoctions treat stomach ulcers, headaches and joint pains.

Fresh echinacea juice can lighten freckles and age spots, treat small wounds and cuts, lubricate purulent acne on the face. Fresh leaf juice relieves itching and swelling from the bites of bees, wasps, mosquitoes.

This article provides simple folk recipes that will help improve health, relieve pain, and improve well-being.

Decoction of echinacea leaves

One tablespoon of dry or fresh chopped leaves pour a glass of boiling water and boil for 10 minutes in a water bath, insist, strain. Take three times a day, 100 ml before meals.

Pour a tablespoon of dry raw materials into the floor with liters of boiling water in a thermos. Insist overnight, drink three times a day, 100-150 ml half an hour before meals. The course of treatment is 10 days, a five-day break and repeat the course again, then you still need a five-day break and drink echinacea infusion again for 10 days. This infusion cures diseases of the stomach, relieves joint pain and swelling, reduces appetite, cravings for sweets and alcohol.

Infusion for the treatment of colds and flu

To prepare the infusion, you need to grind the dry root, dry leaves to a powder. Take one teaspoon of roots and one teaspoon of leaves and three dried flowers, pour two cups of boiling water. Insist forty minutes. Strain, drink for the prevention of colds, one glass of infusion per day, and for treatment three times a day, a glass - in the morning, afternoon and evening.

Echinacea flower tea

Three fresh flowers or 2 teaspoons of dried flowers pour 0.5 ml of boiling water. Insist, strain and drink a glass three times a day during a cold.

alcohol tincture recipe

50 grams of dry grass and flowers or 200 grams of fresh pour one liter of vodka. Infuse for 20 days in a dark place, periodically shaking the container. Strain and take the tincture three times a day, 20-30 drops half an hour before meals. Drink tincture for 10 days, three days break, drink again for 10 days and again three days break, and again be treated for 10 days.

Echinacea is widely used to fight infectious diseases, especially acute respiratory infections, influenza and other upper respiratory tract infections. Some people take echinacea at the first sign of a cold to prevent infection. Other people take this remedy after the symptoms of a cold have already fully manifested themselves, hoping that it will help them reduce the severity of the disease.

Echinacea is also used in the treatment of other infections such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), vaginal yeast infections, herpes, human papillomavirus (HPV), bloodstream infections (sepsis), tonsillitis, streptococcal infections, syphilis, typhoid, malaria, ear infections, swine flu, warts and diphtheria.

In addition, echinacea is used for anxiety, low white blood cells, chronic fatigue syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, migraine, heartburn, pain, dizziness, rattlesnake bites, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and to enhance athletic performance.

Echinacea is also used as a douche in the treatment of vaginal yeast infections and urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Echinacea products are widely available commercially in many forms such as tablets, capsules, powders, juices, and teas.

However, not all echinacea-based preparations sold are of the proper quality. It happens that the product label says that it contains echinacea, but in fact it does not contain it. Buy drugs only from trusted brands, as some unscrupulous manufacturers use plants collected in environmentally polluted areas, as a result of which you get a drug with an admixture of selenium, arsenic and lead.

Echinacea promotes the activation of chemicals in the body that reduce inflammation, thereby reducing the intensity of symptoms of colds and flu, as well as other infectious diseases.

Laboratory studies have shown that echinacea can boost the body's immune system, but evidence that this occurs in humans is lacking. Echinacea also contains some chemicals that can attack a yeast infection.

Strengthening immunity

One of the most pronounced properties of echinacea is its ability to have a powerful stimulating effect on the immune system. This property enables the body to quickly restore immunity and begin to effectively fight pathogenic bacteria, viruses, fungi, various inflammatory processes and infections.

Skin Benefits

Due to its rich composition, echinacea has a beneficial effect on the skin. It has a rejuvenating effect, eliminates "senile" spots, accelerates the healing of wounds and skin lesions of various origins.

Benefits for the cardiovascular system

Echinacea has powerful antioxidant properties, which allows the body to reduce the amount of bad cholesterol in the blood and tissues of the body, significantly improve the elasticity of blood vessels and cleanse them of cholesterol plaques formed over the years.

Cleansing the body

This plant helps to purify the blood, promotes active cleansing of the lymphatic system, while improving the functioning of the kidneys and liver.

Benefits for the nervous system

Echinacea effectively stimulates the central nervous system, which makes it possible to naturally improve the condition of people with various depressive conditions, overwork and nervous exhaustion.

Also

Echinacea has the ability to increase blood clotting, is an oncoprotective agent, has a rejuvenating effect on the entire body and prevents premature aging. It improves metabolic processes, has a diuretic, anti-allergic and anti-rheumatic effect.

The effectiveness of echinacea

Consider the effectiveness of the use of drugs with echinacea in various diseases. Since various studies have been conducted on its effectiveness, we have mixed results, which you can read below.

Echinacea may be effective:

Cold. Many scientific studies show that taking certain echinacea preparations during the initial signs of a cold can slightly reduce symptoms in adults. However, other scientific studies show no benefit. The problem is that scientific studies have used different types of echinacea, processed in different ways. Since the studies are not consistent, it is not surprising that different studies show different results. If this remedy helps in the treatment of colds, the benefits of its use will be moderate at best. Research on the effectiveness of echinacea preparations as a preventative for colds is also mixed. Some studies show that taking echinacea can reduce the risk of developing a cold by 45% - 58%. However, other studies show that taking echinacea does not reduce the risk of the common cold.

Not Enough Evidence:

Anxiety. Early studies have shown that taking 40mg of echinacea extract (ExtractumPharma Zrt, Budapest, Hungary) daily for 7 days reduces anxiety. But, taking less than 40 mg per day does not have the desired effect.

Improving sports performance. Early studies have shown that taking echinacea (Puritan's Pride) four times a day for 28 days increases oxygen absorption during exercise tests in healthy men.

Gingivitis. Early research has shown that using a mouthwash containing echinacea, gotu kola, and elderflower (HM-302, Izum Pharmaceuticals) three times a day for 14 days can prevent gum disease from worsening.

Herpes simplex virus (HSV). Data on the efficacy of echinacea for the treatment of HSV remain unclear. Some studies show that Echinacea extract (Echinaforce, A. Vogel Bioforce AG) 800 mg twice daily for 6 months does not prevent, reduce the frequency, or duration of recurrent genital herpes outbreaks. However, other studies show that taking a combination preparation containing echinacea (Esberitox, Schaper & Brummer, Germany) 3-5 times a day reduces itching, tension, and pain in most people with herpes (Herpes Labialis).

Human papillomavirus (HPV). Early studies have shown that taking a combination preparation containing echinacea, andrographis, grapefruit, papaya, ant tree bark, and cat's claw (Immune Act, Erba Vita SpA, Italy) daily for one month reduces the recurrence of anal warts in people who have undergone their surgical removal. But this study was not of high quality, so the results are questionable.

Flu. Early research has shown that taking a specific echinacea product (Monoselect Echinacea, PharmExtracta, Italy) daily for 15 days may improve response to the flu vaccine in people with respiratory conditions such as bronchitis or asthma.

Low white blood cells (leukopenia). Early research suggests that taking 50 drops of a combination product containing echinacea root extract, arborvitae leaf extract, and wild indigo (Esberitox N, Schaper & Brummer, Germany) between chemoradiotherapy may improve red and white blood cell counts in some women with cancer mammary gland. But not all patients have this effect, and taking less than 50 drops does not seem to work.

Middle ear infections. Early research suggests that taking echinacea liquid extract at the first sign of a cold three times a day for 3 days does not prevent ear infections in children 1-5 years of age (especially if the child has already had this problem).

Tonsillitis. Early research shows that using a throat spray containing sage and echinacea every two hours, up to 10 times a day for 5 days, relieves sore throat symptoms. Other early studies show that taking 50 drops of a preparation containing echinacea (Esberitox, Schaper & Brummer, Germany) three times a day for 2 weeks, along with an antibiotic, reduces sore throat and improves overall well-being in people with tonsillitis.

Eye inflammation (uveitis). Early studies have shown that taking 150mg of echinacea (Iridium, SOOFT Italia SpA) twice a day, in addition to eye drops and steroids used to treat inflammation for 4 weeks, does not improve vision when compared with the results that people get using only eye drops and steroids.

warts. Early studies have shown that taking Echinacea daily by mouth for 3 months does not help to clear the skin of warts. But taking supplements containing echinacea, methionine, zinc, probiotics, antioxidants, and ingredients that boost the immune system for 6 months, in addition to using traditional treatments, seems to be a more effective treatment for warts than using traditional treatments alone.

There is also insufficient evidence for the effectiveness of echinacea preparations in the treatment of the following diseases:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Yeast infections
• Bloodstream infections
• streptococcal infections
• Syphilis
• Typhoid fever
• Malaria
• Diphtheria
• Migraine
• chronic fatigue syndrome
• Eczema
• Hay fever or other allergies
• bee stings
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Swine flu
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
• Dizziness
• Rattlesnake bites
• Other states

More research is needed to understand the efficacy of echinacea in these conditions.

Contraindications, side effects and safety

Echinacea is probably safe for most people when taken by mouth for a short amount of time. Various liquid and solid forms of echinacea are safe to use for up to 10 days. There are also some products such as Echinaforce (A. Vogel Bioforce AG, Switzerland) that can be used safely for up to 6 months. With regard to the safety of injectable echinacea, there is not yet enough information on this.

Some side effects have been reported during the use of drugs with echinacea, such as fever, nausea, vomiting, bad taste in the mouth, abdominal pain, diarrhea, sore throat, dry mouth, headache, numbness of the tongue, dizziness, insomnia, loss orientation, and pain in the joints and muscles.

Applying echinacea creams and ointments to the skin may cause redness, itching, or a rash.

Echinacea is most likely to cause allergic reactions in children and adults who are allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemum, marigold, or chamomile. If you have any allergies, be sure to check with your doctor before taking Echinacea.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Lactation: There is not enough reliable information on the safety of taking echinacea while breastfeeding, so avoiding it is recommended.

Inherited allergy susceptibility (atopic dermatitis): People with this condition are more likely to develop allergic reactions to echinacea. If you suffer from atopic dermatitis, your best bet is to avoid using echinacea.

Echinacea drug interactions

Moderate interaction - be careful with this combination:

• Caffeine interacts with echinacea. The body breaks down caffeine to get rid of it. Since echinacea may reduce the breakdown of caffeine, eating caffeinated foods or medications with echinacea may increase blood levels of caffeine and increase the risk of side effects such as nervousness, headache, and heart palpitations.
• Drugs that are converted in the body (cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates) interact with echinacea. Some drugs are converted and broken down in the body. Echinacea may interfere with the breakdown of certain drugs. Taking echinacea with certain medications may increase their effects and side effects. If you are taking any medication and would like to take echinacea as well, you should speak to your doctor first. Drugs of this type include: lovastatin (Mevacor), clarithromycin (Biaxin), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmun), diltiazem (Kardizem), estrogen, indinavir (Crixivan), triazolam (Halcyone), and many others.
• Hepatic metabolizing drugs (cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates) interact with echinacea. Some drugs are converted and broken down in the liver. Echinacea may decrease the rate at which the liver converts certain drugs. Taking echinacea with some medications may increase the effects and side effects of some of them. Talk to your doctor before taking echinacea with this type of medication. These drugs include: clozapine (Clozaril), cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), fluvoxamine (Luvox), haloperidol (Haldol), imipramine (Tofranil), mexiletine (Mexitil), olanzapine (Zyprexa), pentazocine (Talvin), propranolol ( Anaprilin), tacrine (Cognex), theophylline, zileuton (Zyflo), zolmitriptan (Zomig), and others.
• Medicines that suppress the immune system (immunosuppressants) interact with echinacea. Echinacea can boost the immune system. Taking echinacea along with some drugs that suppress the immune system may reduce the effectiveness of these drugs. Drugs of this type include: azathioprine (Imuran), basiliximab (Simulect), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmun), daclizumab (Zenapax), muromonab-CD3 (OCT-3, Orthoclon OKT-3), mofetil (CellCept), tacrolimus (FK506, Prograf), sirolimus (Rapamune), prednisolone (Deltazone, Orazon), corticosteroids (glucocorticoids), and others.

Minor interaction - be vigilant with this combination:

Midazolam (Versed) interacts with echinacea. Taking midazolam with echinacea increases the absorption of midazolam in the body. This may increase the action and side effects of midazolam.

Dosage

oral:

• For the treatment of colds, Echinacea purpurea extract (Echinacin, Madaus AG, Cologne, Germany) should be taken 5 ml twice a day for 10 days. Echinacea purpurea extract (EchinaGuard, Madaus AG, Cologne, Germany), to be taken 20 drops with water every 2 hours on the first day of the onset of cold symptoms, and then three times a day for up to 10 days. Echinacea purpurea whole plant extract (Echinilin, Inovobiologic Inc., Calgary, Alberta, Canada) to be taken 4 ml ten times on the first day of cold symptoms, then four times daily for 6 days, or 5 ml eight times on the first day the onset of cold symptoms, and then three times a day for 6 days. "Echinacea plus tea" should be drunk five or six times on the first day of the onset of cold symptoms, and then reduced to one cup a day for the next 5 days.
• For the prevention of colds, echinacea extract (Echinafors, A. Vogel Bioforce AG, Switzerland) should be taken at 0.9 ml three times a day (total dose: 2400 mg per day) for 4 months. At the first sign of a cold, you can increase the intake to five times a day for 0.9 ml (total dose: 4000 mg per day).

Echinacea is a medicinal perennial of North American origin brought to the European continent in the 17th century. The healing properties of the plant were known to the Indians. They prepared herbal decoctions to fight fever, wounds, and burns. Official medicine has studied in detail the medicinal properties and contraindications of echinacea. The flower extract is used in pharmacological immunostimulants.

Echinacea purpurea belongs to the Compositae family, in the early classification the plant was assigned to the genus Rudbeckia. The buds, leaves and roots contain biologically active components and provide a complex effect on the immune system:

• mucous and tannins;
• flavonoid compounds, phytosterols;
• enzymes, hydroxycinnamic acids;
• 0.1-0.5% essential oils with non-cyclic sesquiterpenes;
• polysaccharides, resins, saponins, echinolone;
• echinacoside, echinacin, polyamines;
• minerals (molybdenum, zinc, silver, manganese, calcium, potassium);
• vitamins of groups A, C, E.

The rhizomes contain the plant polysaccharide inulin, a probiotic that stimulates the digestive tract and removes harmful substances. Betaine has a positive effect on metabolism, neutralizes toxins, stimulates the process of assimilation of micro and macro elements.

Planting, harvesting and storage

Echinacea grass does not require complicated care, has a pleasant aroma, and is used in landscape design due to its decorative effect. It is grown in home gardens. Reproduction occurs vegetatively and by seeds. After dividing the bush, the young sprout is planted in spring or autumn. The flower is frost-resistant, but in severe winters it is covered with a layer of peat and spruce branches. Fertile soil with drainage is suitable for growing echinacea, the grass does not take root well on sandy soils. To plant it, choose a sunny area - the flower is photophilous and dies in a dark place.

Medicinal properties have purple and narrow-leaved varieties. To collect raw materials, the plant is taken from the second year of vegetation. During flowering in July - August, cut off the leaves and buds that have not yet opened. Spread the herb evenly on the paper in a well-ventilated area protected from direct sunlight. Harvest the roots in late autumn, when the aerial part of the plant dries up. Rinse thoroughly, cut into pieces and place in the dryer or oven. Keep the temperature below +50°C to prevent the essential oil from evaporating. After drying, transfer the raw materials to tightly closed glass containers. The grass retains its useful qualities for 6 months, the roots - 2-3 years.

echinacea for men

Due to the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, plant-based preparations are used in the treatment of diseases of the urogenital area. The components included in the composition inhibit the growth of pathogenic microflora, accelerate the excretion of harmful substances, and activate the process of regeneration of affected tissues. With inflammation of the prostate gland, the herb fights infection, increases the body's natural defenses, and relieves pain.

The healing plant helps to support a weakened immune system, prevent complications. Echinacea is prescribed for malignant neoplasms in the genitourinary system as an adjuvant.

Taking infusions increases male potency, but the biologically active components that make up the herb impair sperm motility. When planning conception, it is preferable to replace echinacea with similar drugs with a different active substance or reduce the dosage.

Healing plant for women's health

The herb is used in gynecology and endocrinology as an additional remedy. Under the influence of preparations with a flower extract, the work of the adrenal glands and the thyroid gland improves, the hormonal background normalizes. Echinacea is used for inflammatory processes in the cervix and ovaries, cystitis, candidiasis, chlamydia. Acting as an immunomodulator, the herb increases resistance to infections, stops the reproduction of fungi and bacteria.

The medicinal plant copes with the suppression of HPV and herpes viruses. Echinacea is also useful in the treatment of STDs. Grass improves skin condition, eliminates acne, reduces itching in allergic rashes. Taking decoctions and infusions reduces appetite, improves bowel function, speeds up metabolism, removes excess fluid and toxins, which helps with weight loss.

The value of a medicinal plant for children

Frequent illnesses weaken the immunity of kids and schoolchildren; against the background of an untreated ARVI, complications develop with new contact with viruses. Regular use of preparations with plant extract is an effective prevention of infection during the season of epidemics and a way to catch cold less often. Taken at the first sign of influenza, the decoction will speed up recovery and facilitate the course of the disease.

With tonsillitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, gargling with herbal infusion will reduce inflammation and stop the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. The drug "Immunal", which includes echinacea, is used from one year, other tablets are recommended from 4, tincture - from 12. Be sure to coordinate the treatment regimen with the pediatrician. If the baby is allergic, start taking it with a small dosage, carefully observe the reaction of the body.

Recipes

The pharmacy sells a number of preparations with an extract of medicinal herbs in various forms: "Immunorm", "Estifan", "Doctor Theiss" in tablets and drops, "Echinacea Compositum" in ampoules for intramuscular injections. For children there are lollipops, lozenges, syrups. In homeopathy, Echinacea Premium capsules are used as a source of hydrohydroxycinnamic acids. And they also sell ready-made alcohol tincture or medicinal collection with grass. It is easy to make healing remedies at home. Traditional medicine uses echinacea for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases.

To grow raw materials yourself, plant flowers in areas remote from industrial plants and highways. Collect leaves and buds from healthy, pest- and fungus-free plants.

Colds, runny nose, flu, SARS

Take a teaspoon of finely chopped roots and leaves, 3-4 dried inflorescences, brew 500 ml of boiling water. Leave to infuse for 40 minutes. Strain, at the first symptoms of malaise, drink a glass of medicinal tea 3 times a day.

In case of hypothermia, take 30 g of petals and leaves, 500 ml of hot water, boil for 15 minutes, pour into a thermos. After 4-5 hours, strain, take with honey or raspberry jam three times a day, 125 ml.

Prevention, boosting immunity

Pour a teaspoon of crushed raw materials with 200 ml of boiling water, place the container in a water bath for 10-15 minutes, filter after cooling. Take 100 ml three times before meals. The decoction has a strengthening effect, stimulates the body's immune defenses. The course of admission is 14-21 days. Useful infusion of 2 tablespoons of dried herbs and 250 ml of cold water. Leave for 9-10 hours, strain, drink 150 ml 2 times a day for two weeks.

cystitis and urethritis

Echinacea relieves inflammation, activates natural immunity. To prepare a flower decoction, pour a handful of dried buds into a thermos, steam with a liter of boiling water. Let it brew, take 50-100 ml 3-5 times a day.

Combined collection also helps. Mix equal parts yarrow, bearberry, echinacea flowers. 10 g of herbs, pour 300 ml of hot water, heat over low heat for 15 minutes. Cover the container with a blanket or blanket, leave for an hour. Filter, bring the volume to the original, drink 80 ml before meals.

Diseases of the bladder and kidneys

Pour 20 g of grass with 200 ml of vodka or diluted alcohol, close the container, put in a dark place for 14–21 days. Shake the solution regularly. Filter, consume 10 days, 20 drops before meals. Take a break for 72 hours and repeat the course.

Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

Steam a tablespoon of chopped raw materials with 450 ml of boiling water, cook for 20-25 minutes. Cool, filter. Take 100-150 ml warm three times a day to normalize the digestive system.

Pour 50 g of dried leaves and buds with 500 ml of 70% alcohol. Put in a dark cool place, shake the container daily. Strain the solution after 2-3 weeks. Take 20 drops before meals 3 times a day. After 10 days, take a break of the same duration. Indications for the use of tincture - gastritis, chronic constipation, ulcerative lesions of the stomach and duodenum 12.

Headaches, joint pains

Brew a teaspoon of leaves with 200 ml of boiling water, place in a water bath for 10 minutes. Leave covered for 1 hour. Filter, drink 100 ml before meals. Improves migraine and insomnia. A mixture of powdered roots, flowers, leaves and honey in a ratio of 1 to 3. Use with tea 3 times a day.

BPH

With benign prostatic hyperplasia, an infusion of medicinal herbs is useful. Take fresh or dried leaves, put on the bottom of a glass container, add vodka in a ratio of 1 to 10. Place in a dark, cool place for 2 weeks. Filter, drink 20-25 drops three times a day before meals.

Lymphadenitis

With the development of a viral, bacterial, fungal infection, pathogenic microflora spreads throughout the body. Penetrating into the regional lymph nodes in the inguinal region and on the neck, it causes inflammation. This is manifested by swelling, soreness of the skin around the affected area.

Bioactive substances in the composition of echinacea help restore the protective functions of the immune system, reduce pain, stop the reproduction of microbes. Therapy is combined with antibiotics and antiviral drugs. With an increase in intramammary nodes, women are given an ultrasound scan to rule out complications.

For adults, an alcohol tincture is suitable: dissolve 10 drops in water and take 4 times a day. For a child, syrup will be a safe substitute. To prepare, pour 4 tbsp. l. chopped roots 350 ml of boiling water, cook for 20 minutes. Add 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves. Let cool, filter, enter 4-5 tbsp. l. honey. For children from 3 to 10 years old, give 5 ml of syrup three times a day. Resorption of enlarged lymph nodes will speed up the use of compresses. Soak a gauze napkin diluted in a ratio of 1 to 2 with tincture, cover with a cotton layer and fix it on the affected area.

Inflammation of the mouth and throat

Grind st. l. raw materials, brew a glass of boiling water, let it brew for 1 hour. Filter, use for rinsing 3-4 times a day. It is permissible to use alcohol tincture (two teaspoons per 250 ml of water). Procedures relieve pain and inflammation, destroy pathogenic microflora, stimulate the restoration of damaged mucous membranes.

Nervous disorders, stress, chronic fatigue

30 g of buds pour 0.5 liters of boiling water, keep on moderate heat for 10-15 minutes. Cover the container, leave for 3 hours. Filter, drink 100 ml three times a day before meals. To prepare the tincture, take 100 ml of alcohol per 10 g of finely chopped roots. After 24 hours, strain, take 20-30 drops 3 times a day.

Open wounds, boils, ulcers, burns

The juice of the plant has an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, regenerating effect. Use it for washes and lotions. Substances in the herb increase blood clotting and speed up healing. The juice will also help with insect bites, eczema, psoriasis. When using an alcohol tincture, inject 40–60 drops into 100 ml of saline, soak gauze with liquid, apply to the affected area and fix with a bandage. Change the compress twice a day.

Conjunctivitis

For a glass of water, take st. l. dry roots and simmer the solution for 30 minutes. Cool, filter. Use for oral administration (2 tablespoons 4 times a day), washes and eye compresses.

HPV virus

After removing papillomas, a tincture of medicinal herbs will help boost immunity and prevent the recurrence of the disease. Pour vegetable raw materials with 70% alcohol in a ratio of 1 to 10, leave for 2 weeks. After filtering, take a solution of 15-20 drops three times a day for 30-45 days.

Use for skin and hair

In cosmetology, the flower is used to combat acne, inflammation, redness. Creams and tonics with an extract of a medicinal plant smooth out fine wrinkles, refresh the face, and improve skin color. Echinacea juice with distilled water in a ratio of 1 to 2 is useful for washing in the morning and evening to get rid of acne, accelerate healing, and normalize the sebaceous glands.

To make the curls look shiny and healthy, do not split or fall out, apply cosmetic masks with healing herbs to the roots. Mix 3 tablespoons of burdock oil with 15 ml of echinacea infusion, apply to hair, rinse after 1 hour. It is useful to use a decoction for rinsing. To prepare, pour a liter of boiling water st. l. leaves and petals, leave on low heat for 15 minutes. Filter, use the solution after washing your hair.

Side effects

Long-term use of the drug causes a malfunction of the immune system, increasing the body's susceptibility to harmful bacteria and viruses. There are jumps in pressure, sleep disturbances, increased heart rate. An overdose provokes the development of diarrhea, the appearance of nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and sometimes the body temperature rises.

To avoid unwanted side effects, do not take the drug for a long time without a break. The allowable course of admission is 6-8 weeks. When using pharmaceutical preparations, follow the recommendations indicated in the instructions.

Grass is a possible allergen, so be careful with hypersensitivity to plants of the Compositae family. The manifestations of individual intolerance to echinacea include redness on the skin, swelling, hives, itching, breathing problems, chest tightness. If allergic reactions develop, take an antihistamine tablet and seek medical attention.

Contraindications

Echinacea is a natural immune stimulant that helps to cope with a number of diseases. However, doctors impose a ban on the use of a herbal preparation in the following cases:

• period of pregnancy and lactation;
• HIV infection, AIDS;
• diagnosed autoimmune disorders. With these pathologies, the functioning of the body's defense system, which perceives its own cells as foreign, is disrupted, and taking medicinal herbs will aggravate the condition;
• all forms of tuberculosis;
• oncology of the hematopoietic system;
• children's age up to 3 years;
• allergic to the substances that make up echinacea.

In chronic liver diseases, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, traumatic brain injury, the decision on the admissibility of taking herbal infusions or tablets is made by the attending physician. When used properly and with care, echinacea is safe and beneficial for a weakened body.

The herb Echinacea purpurea belongs to the aster family, the instructions for use of the drug indicate that the plant has an antimicrobial effect, helps the rapid healing of wounds, improves blood composition, strengthens bones, improves immunity, cleanses the human circulatory and lymphatic systems. The healing properties of echinacea were known to the ancient Indians. They used the herb for many ailments, from the common cold to the bite of poisonous insects.

What is Echinacea purpurea

The herbaceous perennial plant Echinacea purpurea (purple cone, prairie flower) contains many nutrients that are beneficial to humans. The name of the plant in Latin is echinacea purpurea. The flower has an antiviral, antibacterial, antimicrobial effect, so it is often used in pharmacology and traditional medicine.

Morphological description: purple echinacea plant has a short multi-headed rhizome, branched straight stems up to 120 cm high. Green leaves are rough and oval, arranged in the next order. Inflorescences - single large baskets of purple color. As a rule, echinacea blooms from July to mid-autumn. For medicinal raw materials, all parts of the flower are used - the stem, root, inflorescences, leaves. Echinacea purpurea herb can be stored for no more than 6 months.

Compound

Healing properties in purple echinacea have stems, flowers, leaf juice, seeds, rhizomes. The plant contains essential oils, vitamins, polysaccharides, tannins, resins, organic acids, glycosides, alkaloids. There are flavonoids, enzymes, inulin, phosphates, fiber, saponins, phytosterols in echinacea. The plant contains phenolic acids and polyenes - substances that destroy different types of fungi. Chemical composition of purple echinacea:

• calcium;
• potassium;
• selenium;
• iron;
• silicon;
• cobalt;
• zinc;
• manganese;
• carotene;
• vitamins E, C, A.

Medicinal properties

The herb echinacea has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. The plant stimulates chemotaxis, promotes the release of cytokines, increases the phagocytic activity of macrophages. With course therapy, there is an increase in immunity and resistance to the effects of adverse factors. Preparations, including purple echinacea, have high activity against streptococcus, herpes viruses, staphylococcus, E. coli. In addition, the plant has the following properties:

• anticarcinogenic;
• antiviral;
• hemostatic;
• immunomodulatory;
• antitumor;
• antispasmodic;
• hepatoprotective;
• antiallergic;
• healing;
• antifungal;
• antioxidant;
• rejuvenating.

Application

Purple echinacea products are often used to treat burns. In addition, they are able to accelerate the healing of purulent wounds, skin rashes, eczema, relieve pain, protect the body from viruses and bacteria. The plant has a depressing effect on streptococci, Escherichia coli. Purple Echinacea is one of the most powerful herbal immune stimulants that helps to cope with various diseases faster. In folk medicine, the flower is used for:

• pneumonia, bronchitis;
• diseases of the bladder and liver;
• poliomyelitis;
• smallpox;
• diseases of the female reproductive system;
• blood poisoning;
• diabetes mellitus;
• oncological diseases;
• exposure to heavy metals and fungicides.

Benefits of Echinacea

Prairie flower or Echinacea purpurea is considered one of the popular medicinal plants in the world. Many healers are sure that it surpasses ginseng in its medicinal properties and can cure many diseases. The main advantage of echinacea is that preparations based on it have a beneficial effect on the immune system, strengthening the body's defenses. This is due to the fact that the grass in its composition has a huge amount of active substances, trace elements, essential oils. In addition, echinacea contains polysaccharides, tannins, glucose and more.

With a cold

A natural antibiotic and antiseptic, the herb echinacea is often used during an exacerbation of seasonal diseases. Even if a person is already sick, you can drink a herbal tincture at the very beginning of the development of the disease so that the disease goes easier. Purple echinacea for colds has an antimicrobial effect, lowers the temperature, and prevents viruses from multiplying. To quickly pass the symptoms of the disease, you should make tea: 1 tsp. dry chopped grass must be poured with 0.5 liters of boiling water and infused for about 40 minutes. It is necessary to take an infusion with echinacea 3 times a day, 250 ml each.

For kids

Doctors often advise parents to try purple echinacea to reduce the duration, severity, and frequency of flu, colds, ear infections, and the common cold. Only a pediatrician can determine the dosage, you can not self-medicate. The drug, even in a harmless form (tea or decoction), can harm the baby, so you should not give it without consulting a specialist. As a general rule, echinacea syrup is best for children. Take this remedy according to the following scheme:

• children at 2 years old, 1 tsp. 250 ml of water twice a day;
• babies from 3 to 5 years old - 2 teaspoons of echinacea per glass, also 2 times a day;
• from 5 to 12 years - a tablespoon 2 times a day (you can not dilute with water).

For face

Echinacea extract slows down the aging process, promotes tissue repair, protects against dehydration and flaking. The plant is often used in cosmetology. It effectively protects the skin from pathogenic microbes. In addition, plant-based products are hypoallergenic. Tincture of purple echinacea in the form of compresses and lotions is used for eczema, psoriasis, boils, acne, abscesses, abscesses, burns, warts. To remove freckles, age spots, with insect bites, decoctions from the plant are used..

echinacea and blood pressure

The natural medicinal plant echinacea is known for its ability to increase blood pressure (BP) in hypotensive patients. It is undesirable to use a remedy containing a plant for hypertensive patients, because. in this case, it will raise blood pressure even more. With low blood pressure, purple echinacea increases vitality, and with high blood pressure, taking the medicine will only aggravate the condition and increase the pressure to critical numbers.

What does echinacea treat?

Immunostimulating agent - tincture of echinacea purpurea has a positive effect on the mental state and nervous system of a person. The medicine effectively fights mental disorder, depression, overwork. Echinacea is often used in the treatment of colds, liver diseases and such diseases:

• diabetes;
• flu;
• prostatitis;
• urological ailments in men (vesiculitis, prostate adenoma);
• angina;
• bladder infections;
• hematological diseases;
• poisoning of varying severity;
• hepatitis;
• infectious diseases of the respiratory tract;
• indigestion, inflammation of the stomach;
• arthrosis, arthritis;
• infectious and inflammatory diseases of the kidneys;
• stomatitis;
• inflammation of the appendages, ovaries;
• diphtheria, coccal infection;
• herpes;
• oncological diseases;
• eczema, psoriasis.

Echinacea preparations

Echinacea-based drugs have been widely used in medicine. The plant is often included in dietary supplements. Products that include a purple cone are sold in pharmacies in various forms - capsules, alcohol tincture, dried flowers, drops, teas, tablets, lozenges, powders. The most popular echinacea medications are:

• Immunal. Means of plant origin. Prescribe a medicine for the prevention of colds, strengthening immunity and as an adjuvant for long-term use of antibiotics. Children (from 12 years of age) and adults can take Immunal in 2.5 ml of solution or 1 tablet 3 times a day. When using the drug, adverse reactions may occur: skin rash, shortness of breath, itching.
• Estifan. The drug has anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory effects. The drug is prescribed as an adjuvant for prolonged antibiotic therapy. The dose and duration of use should be determined by a specialist. Rarely, when taking Estifan, you may experience: vomiting, nausea, insomnia.

Instructions for use of Echinacea purpurea

Such a popular immunomodulator as purple echinacea has different forms of release: tablets, ampoules, tincture, drops, lozenges, capsules, solution. Regardless of the type of drug, the plant effectively increases human immunity, helps with physical fatigue of a person, with reduced muscle tone. Echinacea increases the body's defenses, it effectively fights radiation, radiation sickness. Instructions for the use of the drug depends on the form of release, the age of the patient and the duration of the disease.

Tincture

A drug based on echinacea roots in the form of a tincture or solution has a positive effect on the central nervous system, reduces the reproduction of pathogenic microbes, and increases the number of leukocytes in the blood. Taking echinacea tincture eliminates the spread of inflammation in acute and chronic kidney diseases, reduces the likelihood of contracting viral infections in autumn and winter. The total duration of treatment is prescribed by the doctor. Take the tincture as follows:

• for an adult, the first three days the dose of the medicine should be no more than 30 drops, once 30 minutes before meals;
• then the daily dose must be increased to 60 drops, divided into 3 doses;
• children over 12 years old should take a tincture diluted with water in a ratio of 1: 2 - 10 drops 3 times a day;
• for external use, 15 ml of tincture should be diluted with 100 ml of saline.

Decoction

With insomnia and the flu virus, to improve appetite, normalize pressure, it is recommended to use a decoction of echinacea. To prepare it, you need to take a teaspoon of fresh or dried leaves, grind and brew with a glass of hot water. Next, the mixture should be put in a water bath and boiled for 20 minutes, strain, leave for about an hour and drink 3 times a day before meals. This composition improves appetite, cures headaches, stomach ulcers, normalizes sleep and pressure.

Echinacea oil

Medicinal plant in the form of oil is effective for infected wounds, carbuncles, burns, abscesses, trophic ulcers, severe bedsores, cervical erosion. Use the drug to care for dry skin. In addition, purple echinacea oil smoothes stretch marks, wrinkles, and old scars. Method of application inside: twice a day, a teaspoon half an hour before meals. The course of admission is one week, then you need to take a break for 14 days. Warm echinacea oil can be applied externally by rubbing it into the problem area.