Echinacea tablets: instructions for use and reviews. Echinacea: the use of a unique plant in medicine

– a real gift of nature to man. Everything is useful in it: roots, stems, leaves, and inflorescences. In addition, she is unusually beautiful, her bright large inflorescences are a true decoration for the garden. Let's talk about the beneficial properties of echinacea and contraindications to its use, consider how to harvest and store raw materials, and also briefly find out which echinacea has a chemical composition.

The chemical composition of echinacea

The aerial part of echinacea is rich in polysaccharides (heteroxylans, arabinorhamnogalactans), essential oils, organic acids, flavonoids, tannins, hydroxycinnamic acids (ferulic, chicory, coumaric, coffee), polyamines, saponins, echinacin, echinolone, echinacoside (a glycoside containing caffeic acid and catechol), resins and phytosterols. The rhizome contains inulin, betaine, glucose, phenolcarboxylic acids, essential and fatty oils, and resins. Each part of echinacea contains enzymes, antioxidants, organic acids, vitamins A, E, C, macro- (calcium, potassium) and microelements (selenium, cobalt, silver, molybdenum, zinc, manganese).

Did you know? The Indians called echinacea "evening sun". They used it for bites of poisonous insects and snakes, and from here the plant also received the name "snake root".

Medicinal properties of echinacea

The range of medicinal properties of echinacea is very large. It is endowed with antiviral, antifungal, immune system strengthening, antimicrobial, antirheumatic, detoxifying and anti-inflammatory properties. Widely used in the fight against all kinds of infectious diseases: SARS, influenza, swine flu, urinary tract infections (UTIs), upper respiratory tract infections, human papillomavirus, vaginal yeast infections, herpes, syphilis, typhoid, malaria, tonsillitis, bloodstream infections, streptococcal infections, warts and diphtheria, ear infections.

Echinacea is also used for dizziness, low white blood cells, migraines, anxiety, chronic fatigue, rheumatoid arthritis, heartburn, rattlesnake bites. It is widely used externally to treat abscesses, boils, skin wounds, gum disease, burns, ulcers, eczema, psoriasis, herpes simplex virus, bee stings and mosquitoes, and hemorrhoids. This plant is also a good helper for dermatological problems, because echinacea treats acne and ulcers, blackheads and warts, abscesses and eczema on the skin. With its help, age spots and freckles are removed, it relieves skin inflammation and smoothes wrinkles. It also enhances hair growth, gives them shine and saves from dandruff.

Echinacea preparations

Echinacea-based preparations are now extremely popular and are sold in pharmacies in many forms - dried flowers, capsules, drops, extract in tablets and lozenges, powders, teas and juices, alcohol tincture. The pharmaceutical industry in many countries manufactures preparations of their echinacea purpurea to strengthen the human immune system (for example, "Immunal"). Echinacea preparations are allowed to be prescribed to children from the age of six, and alcohol tincture - from the age of twelve.

Now more than three hundred types of echinacea preparations are known, and the list of diseases for which echinacea preparations are used has exceeded seventy names. Preparations with echinacea have immunostimulating, antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.

Did you know? Approximately 10% of the entire dietary supplement market in North America and Europe is occupied by preparations with echinacea.

Use in folk medicine: treatment of diseases with echinacea

The medicinal properties of echinacea have long been used in folk medicine in the form of teas, decoctions, tinctures and alcohol tinctures. Echinacea treatment was simply indispensable for flu and colds, constipation and gastritis, abscesses and ulcers, headaches, joint pain, prostate adenoma, inflammation in women, was used to streamline metabolism and well-being.

Echinacea tea for flu and colds

Echinacea tea is a very valuable remedy for colds and flu. It lowers body temperature, has an antimicrobial effect, prevents bacteria and viruses from multiplying. Echinacea tea is made as follows: one teaspoon of crushed plant root, one teaspoon of leaves and three flowers are poured with boiling water (0.5 l) and infused for about 40 minutes. It is necessary to take tea in the treatment of a disease three times a day, one glass each, and for prevention - one glass a day.

Echinacea tincture will relieve fatigue, increase immunity

Perhaps the most pronounced beneficial quality of echinacea is its ability to raise immunity and strengthen the entire body. It should be used by anyone who is often stressed and faces fatigue. To prepare echinacea tincture, pour 0.5 liters of boiling water into 30 g of dry or fresh flowers in an enameled saucepan, cover with a lid and boil for 10 minutes. Then let it brew in a warm place for five hours to reach the highest concentration of nutrients. Then strain the infusion, add honey, syrup, sugar, or berry juice to it to taste. Drink half a glass three times a day.

Echinacea tincture for constipation or gastritis

In the treatment of these ailments, echinacea tincture will help according to this recipe: pour 20 g of raw materials (stems, flowers, leaves) with a glass of vodka, leave to brew in a dark place for twenty days, shake occasionally. Before taking the tincture should be filtered and taken 20-30 drops a day before meals.

Alcohol tincture for prostate adenoma

With prostate adenoma, you will need an alcohol tincture of echinacea. You can buy it at a pharmacy or make it yourself: pour fresh or chopped dry echinacea leaves with alcohol (vodka) in a ratio of 1:10, let it brew for ten days. Take 25-30 drops three times daily before meals.

Echinacea decoction for headaches and joint pain

A decoction of echinacea can help with headaches, migraines, joint pain, insomnia. The decoction is prepared as follows: a teaspoon of chopped fresh (dry) echinacea leaves is poured with a glass of boiling water, placed in a water bath for five to ten minutes, then removed from the water bath and infused for some time. Take 100 ml three times a day before meals.

From a headache, you can also use honey with echinacea, prepared according to this recipe: grind all parts of echinacea into powder and mix well with honey (for 300 g of honey - 100 g of echinacea powder). Used three times a day with tea.

How to prepare medicinal raw materials from echinacea

All parts of the plant have medicinal properties. The aerial part of echinacea is collected in summer (July-August), and the rhizome with roots is collected in spring and late autumn. Only flowering plants are harvested, and as for the roots, three or four-year-old roots are suitable for medicines. The harvested raw materials are dried in the shade in the fresh air, spreading it in a thin layer, or in special dryers. The raw materials are stored in a dry place. Echinacea herb can be stored for no more than six months, and echinacea tincture can be stored for one to five years, in a well-closed bottle, in a dark and cold place.

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 some echinacea-based 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 taking 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 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 preparations such as Echinaforce (A. Vogel Bioforce AG, Switzerland) that can be safely used for up to 6 months. As far as the safety of injectable echinacea is concerned, there is not yet enough information available.

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 more 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), estrogens, 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. 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 certain 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 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 up to five times a day for 0.9 ml (total dose: 4000 mg per day).

A strong immune system is the foundation of good health. Find out how easy it is to keep yourself in optimal shape using echinacea preparations. This plant has long been used in folk medicine. The modern pharmacological industry produces tablets with extracts of this flower, which should be given a place in the home first aid kit.

Preparations for immunity

Echinacea is a medicinal plant whose immunostimulating properties have been known for a long time. Many people grow it in flower beds near their homes for its beautiful purple flowers. They may not be aware of what valuable healing ingredients echinacea contains. The natural compounds that make up the plant are able to activate immune cells and help in the prevention of diseases. This distinguishes the effect of echinacea preparations from antibiotics and antibacterial agents, which begin to fight pathogens when a person is already sick.

In pharmacology, flowers, seeds, ground parts and roots of this medicinal plant are used as raw materials for the production of medicines. Due to the ease of use, consumers often purchase echinacea extract tablets, and you will learn more about some of these preparations below. Often in pharmacies there are other dosage forms containing this immunostimulant:

• alcohol tincture;
• liquid extract;
• syrup;
• echinacea capsules;
• compositum (solution for injection);
• dried grass.

Such a drug is often used to prevent colds or as an anti-inflammatory agent in complex therapy. These tablets for immunity increase the body's resistance to pathogens of bacterial, viral and fungal diseases. They have a pronounced strengthening and protective effect on the body:

• from influenza viruses, herpes;
• with inflammation of the nasopharynx and oral cavity;
• with frequently recurring infections of the respiratory and urinary organs;
• show a pronounced preventive effect during seasonal outbreaks of SARS.

Echinacea P

According to the instructions for the drug, this dietary supplement, in addition to the powder of the herb Echinacea purpurea, contains vitamin C. This increases the anti-inflammatory effect of such tablets. Thanks to the technology of cryoprocessing, with which Echinacea P is produced, each dose of the drug ensures that the following substances enter the human body in a concentration sufficient to provide a powerful immunostimulating effect:

• B vitamins;
• minerals: iron, calcium, selenium, silicon;
• essential oils;
• glycosides;
• inulin;
• antibiotic polyacetylenes.

Immunal

This echinacea tablet contains the juice of the plant. Such a drug has a pronounced strengthening and immunostimulating effect on the body. Immunal is often prescribed when you need to improve your health before the upcoming seasonal colds. It is also used when the patient has a decrease in the body's defenses after prolonged antibiotic treatment. When using this medicine, the number of leukocytes in the blood increases, which stop the reproduction of microorganisms - the causative agents of the infection and destroy them.

medicinal properties of echinacea

Preparations made on the basis of this plant, if you follow the rules for taking them, can bring great benefits to a person. So, echinacea for immunity is one of the proven remedies that can effectively stimulate the body's natural defenses. For this reason, often indications for its use are increased mental and physical stress. Its pronounced antiviral properties against herpes and influenza have been proven. Preparations based on this plant have proven themselves in the treatment of inflammatory infectious diseases of the respiratory system.

Echinacea tablets often perform an auxiliary function in the treatment of skin lesions: purulent wounds, burns, rashes, eczema. The medicine prevents the reproduction of coccal infections and E. coli, protects the body from fungal infections. Echinacea preparations can be used as an addition to the main therapy in the treatment of diseases of the liver, kidneys, inflammatory gynecological ailments, and diseases of the male genital area. Also, such drugs are used as an aid in recovery after exposure to chemotherapy and radiation.

Contraindications

What are the restrictions for taking echinacea preparations? It is necessary to immediately stop taking the medicine if side effects appear in the form of a hypersensitivity reaction or an allergy is observed after its use. Echinacea in tablets or in another dosage form is also contraindicated in such cases:

• with progressive systemic diseases: leukemia, tuberculosis, multiple sclerosis;
• with AIDS and HIV infection;
• if a person has an autoimmune disease;
• until the child reaches the age of 4 years (some drugs - up to the age of 12 years).

How to take echinacea tablets

Such drugs are now considered safe means, since there have been no reports that their use in large quantities led to intoxication of the body. Nevertheless, before using them, you need to consult a doctor, especially if the drug will be combined with other medicines when taking it. The general procedure for the use of tablets is established by the instructions for each drug, but the specialist will determine their dosage per day and the duration of administration, based on the state of health of a particular patient.

Some echinacea tablets are meant to be sucked, others are recommended to be swallowed and washed down with plenty of water. The question of how long it will take to take them, only the attending physician can competently answer. In most cases, adults are advised to take 3-4 tablets per day for at least a week, and the optimal course is one month. According to individual indications, the use of echinacea preparations can be extended for up to two months.

For children's immunity

Subject to the rules and dosages of taking such pills, they can be an excellent prophylaxis to prevent colds and viral diseases in a child. Here is the general order of how echinacea can be dosed to children (it must be specified by the doctor in each case):

• children from 4 to 6 years - 1 tablet twice a day;
• from 6 to 12 years - 1 tablet three times a day;
• children over 12 years old - 2 tablets 2 times a day.

The medicine is used for 5-7 days, then a two-day break is taken, and the reception is continued again. The general course in this case is 1-1.5 months. If the child has already shown symptoms of the disease, echinacea can be prescribed 5 times throughout the day. For toddlers, it may be necessary to crush the tablet and mix it with a small amount of liquid so that the baby can swallow it.

Review

Marina, 44 years old: I have known about the healing properties of this plant since childhood. Mom dried flowers, leaves and even echinacea roots, and then she made healing teas for my brother and me when the children started to catch cold en masse at school. In my family, I continue the tradition of using this remedy as an aid to immunity and often choose the most convenient form for use - tablets.

Ivan, 54 years old: For several years in a row, in order to increase immunity, I have been drinking a course of echinacea tablets in the fall. In my opinion, it is much better to prevent a state of inoperability so that a cold or flu does not throw me out of a normal life rut. I recommend this remedy, because I am satisfied with the results of its action: SARS for two years definitely did not hurt.

Katerina, 32 years old: I use echinacea tablets to control the manifestations of colds on the lips. Previously, herpes “pleased” me five times a year, it was very painful and, moreover, it was inconvenient to appear in public. Seeing somehow a positive review of echinacea on one of the forums, I started drinking pills or tincture in a course of 2-3 times a year. Now the virus is very rare.

Echinacea is an amazing plant in its properties, even the Indians learned to make healing potions based on it. The flower was brought to our country in the 18th century, and its unique medicinal properties were recognized only at the beginning of the last century, since then, echinacea has been massively grown and used.

Tablets, syrups, ointments, infusions and decoctions are made from the flower, which have a unique effect on the body. Nowadays, the medicinal properties of the root, rhizome, from which echinacea tincture is made, is one of the most popular herbal remedies, is well studied.

Let's take a look together with you - what is the secret of its popularity, its medicinal properties, indications and contraindications for its use and recommendations on how to drink it.

The effect of tincture on the human body

Thanks to the useful components that make up echinacea, the medicinal properties of which no one doubts, as well as a whole complex of vitamins, minerals and trace elements, echinacea alcohol tincture has an anti-atherosclerotic, antibacterial, immunostimulating effect.

Moreover, the immunostimulating effect does not depend on the age of patients, it is the same in adults, toddlers, adolescents and the elderly. This property of the plant is effectively used in the treatment of inflamed lymph nodes. The main medicinal properties of echinacea are the improvement of immunity, the activation of the body's defenses, so the plant of the century was considered a universal therapeutic and prophylactic agent, until the world learned about antibiotics.

In addition to the above, thanks to the iron, silicon, calcium, selenium and other trace elements that are part of the plant, we observe the unique properties of the plant - to participate in hematopoiesis, the formation of teeth, bones, nails and hair and normalize blood pressure.

In what cases it is advisable to take tincture

Indications for the use of the drug:

• tincture is recommended to be taken in the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections and bacterial infections, with inflammation of the lymph nodes;
• it is recommended to use tincture as the basis for a solution for inflammation of the oral mucosa (for rinsing);
• effective use of the drug in infectious diseases of the genitourinary system, as a result of which the reproductive functions of the body are reduced. The medicinal properties of the tincture restore reproductive functions without affecting the hormonal background;
• the use of tincture is effective for low pressure, colitis, gastritis and gastric and duodenal ulcers;
• tincture is recommended to be taken when the body's defenses are reduced (after surgery, during great physical and mental stress, with chemotherapy, long-term use of antibiotics, etc.);
  tincture can be drunk for the prevention of acute respiratory viral infections, acute respiratory infections and other diseases.

The drug can not only be drunk, but also applied externally, if there are such indications:

• non-healing wounds and trophic ulcers, bedsores, burns;
• boils, eczema;
• herpes, etc.

The tincture contains alcohol, so it is diluted with saline, while its medicinal properties are preserved. This composition is used to impregnate tampons, lotions and compresses.

The beneficial properties of echinacea also lie in the fact that betaine, which is part of it, regulates blood pressure and prevents the occurrence of a stroke or heart attack. Echinacea is taken by hypotensive patients, as it increases blood pressure, but those who have blood pressure above normal also need to know its properties in order to exclude the drug.

Application 1.

Echinacea at reduced pressure. Echinacea under reduced pressure should be used carefully, no longer than the period recommended by the doctor, otherwise there may be side effects:

• increased excitability of the nervous system;
• irritability, dizziness;
• lack of sleep and high blood pressure.

Application 2.

Echinacea and inflammation of the lymph nodes. Inflammation of the lymph nodes is a sign that there is a focus of infection nearby or a disease of a nearby organ begins. Therefore, it makes no sense to treat lymph nodes, you need to eliminate the cause of their inflammation. This is exactly what echinacea does. The cocktail of healing components included in it not only copes with the infection in the lymph nodes and neighboring organs, but also localizes its spread, while strengthening the protective functions of the body. Echinacea has an analgesic effect, and substances such as silicon contribute to the healing and restoration of the lymph nodes affected by the inflammatory process.

With inflammation of the lymph nodes, echinacea tincture will be effective only in combination with other drugs prescribed by a doctor.

If you dilute 10 drops of tincture in a quarter cup of warm boiled water and take it four times a day, inflammation in the lymph nodes will noticeably decrease and recovery will come faster.

Attention:

1. Treatment can only be started if Echinacea purpurea tincture has been prescribed by a doctor.
2. In each case, the use of the tincture can be different: internally or externally, in different doses, diluted, etc. It all depends on the age, health status and individual characteristics of the patient's body.
3. Most often, the tincture is recommended to be taken in combination with other drugs, in no case replacing antibiotics and other drugs with it.

How long does it take to take the tincture

The course of taking the drug depends on the individual characteristics of the patient, the severity of the disease and other factors. Given these factors, as well as indications, the doctor himself prescribes a treatment regimen, which must be strictly adhered to.

The traditional regimen of administration: for preventive purposes - 20 drops three times a day, for therapeutic purposes - 30-40 drops three times a day.

Are there contraindications for echinacea tincture?

Like every drug, including herbal products, tincture has its own contraindications.

These include:

• scleroderma and other autoimmune diseases;
• diabetes mellitus, tuberculosis;
• because of the alcohol included in its composition, the drug can only be taken by adults, it is strictly forbidden to give it to children;
• age contraindications - age up to a year;
• allergies to echinacea, chamomile, marigolds and ragweed are also serious contraindications for the use of tincture;
• There are other contraindications: pregnancy, lactation, alcoholism and hepatitis. In such cases, the tincture is replaced with tablets, syrups, etc. They are given not only to adults, but also to children over four years old. For example, for the treatment of lymph nodes in children, herbal teas with echinacea, plant oil and its extract are often used.

In conclusion, it should be added that dried echinacea herb can be stored in a dry, dark place for no more than six months, and the tincture will retain its properties for up to five years in a tightly closed container, also in a dark and cold place.

A perennial plant native to North America was used by the ancient Indians to treat wounds. There are several types of echinacea, but only purple (Echinacea purpurea) has medicinal properties. Now the plant is cultivated in Europe, Russia, the North Caucasus.

What is echinacea

This plant is distinguished by rough straight stems, basal leaves and large baskets that reach a diameter of 15 cm. Echinacea purple grows up to one meter in height, has a specific smell and a purple-red color. It is often confused with rudbeckia, but they are two different herbs. Among medicinal plants, echinacea purpurea occupies a well-deserved place of honor, since its medicinal properties make it possible to heal not from the consequences of diseases, but from the root causes.

Echinacea - composition

The medicinal plant is rich in various mineral and biologically active substances. Echinacea contains a lot of iron, selenium, potassium, calcium, silver, cobalt, manganese, magnesium, zinc and other components useful for the human body. Its rhizomes are saturated with fatty and essential oils, tannins, resins, organic acids, inulin, glucose, alkaloids, polysaccharides.

The special value of echinacea is the presence of betaine in the composition, which prevents the development of stroke and heart attack. Such a rich therapeutic composition provides an excellent opportunity for preparations with echinacea to participate in hematopoiesis, the formation of the strength of bones, nail plates, and teeth. Use drugs based on echinacea purpurea should be strictly according to the instructions (description), so that there is no overdose.

Echinacea - benefits and harms

The diverse chemical composition of the plant exhibits antiseptic and antiviral properties. The benefits of echinacea are shown in the treatment of influenza and other viral infections, since phenolcarboxylic acids have a stimulating effect on the immune system. Echinacea purpurea has anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties, accelerates the healing of wounds, eczema, and ulcers. The benefits and harms of echinacea are close, because the plant's ability to simulate immunity sometimes turns against a person if he has an autoimmune disease.

Echinacea - application

The unique properties that echinacea contains are used not only for the prevention of various diseases, but also in complex treatment. For medicinal purposes, stems, roots, leaves, flowers of a young plant that has not reached two years are suitable. The internal use of echinacea is relevant for ear infections, colds, diabetes, women's diseases, diseases of the liver, bladder. The plant affects streptococcus, staphylococcus, E. coli. Echinacea and when used externally gives excellent results. The medicinal plant relieves skin problems such as:

• insect bites;
• burns;
• furunculosis;
• abscesses;
• eczema;
• hives.

Echinacea for immunity

Alcohol tincture containing echinacea roots has a powerful immunostimulating effect on the human body. Its reception is especially relevant as a prophylactic during acute respiratory diseases. The systematic use of echinacea tincture for immunity inhibits the reproduction of microbes, awakens a phagocytic response, and increases the level of leukocytes in the blood.

Echinacea, infused with alcohol, is also effectively used to treat diseases of the skin, the genitourinary system, to restore tissues and heal wounds. You can buy a tincture at any pharmacy or make it yourself according to a prescription:

• peel the dug up echinacea root, wash, chop;
• pour alcohol 70 or 95% so that it completely covers the roots;
• insist the mixture in a warm place for two weeks;
• then press, filter;
• take a tincture of echinacea root to increase immunity, 15-30 drops three times a day.

Echinacea for children

When a child's immune resistance decreases, this is accompanied by prolonged and frequent colds. You can restore a weakened immune system with the help of various preparations created on the basis of an immunostimulating plant with medicinal properties. Now echinacea for children from 2 years old is available in the form of herbal teas, lozenges, chewable tablets, syrups. For babies up to a year, the intake of any medicinal herbs should be coordinated with the attending pediatrician.

Echinacea during pregnancy

In a woman during the bearing of a child, immunity is greatly reduced, but the use of various medicines is highly undesirable. In the early stages of pregnancy, the formation of the baby's organs occurs, so you can not put him in danger. The beneficial properties of echinacea determine its intake in strictly prescribed doses by a doctor for pregnant women and mothers during lactation. A study was conducted that looked at the positive effects of the herb on the fetus and women's health. Echinacea during pregnancy helps to avoid sore throats, flu and other infectious diseases.

Echinacea for colds

In the cold season, colds often become guests in the house. Traditional medicine knows many recipes that will relieve fever and cough at home. The traditional way to get rid of the symptoms of hypothermia is to prepare a decoction of the dried herb Echinacea. How to brew echinacea for a cold:

1. Take 30 g of dried flowers of the plant. Place in a glass or ceramic container.
2. Fill raw materials with boiling water (2 cups). Boil on low heat for 10 minutes covered.
3. Let the broth brew in a thermos for 5 hours. Strain, take echinacea with jam or honey three times / day, 125 ml each until complete recovery.

Echinacea for HIV

Some immunologists advise HIV-positive patients to use decoctions and infusions of echinacea as an adjunct to the main treatment. It is a natural immunostimulant that protects tissue cells from pathogenic invasions. However, there is another group of specialists who believe that taking echinacea for HIV is unacceptable, since an increase in immunity activity is accompanied by a depletion of healthy cells in the body. Before using any medicine that activates the immune system, you should consult your doctor.

Echinacea for cancer

Oncologists say that drugs based on echinacea are contraindicated if a person has advanced cancer. However, it is allowed to use an immunostimulating herb after radiation or chemotherapy. Echinacea in oncology can provoke the growth of unwanted cells, but after irradiation it will help to normalize the blood formula and quickly restore lost body functions.

Echinacea side effects

Most people do not experience any side effects from taking medications containing echinacea. However, there is a small percentage of patients who are not very well affected by the plant. Judging by their reviews, long-term use of echinacea causes indigestion, nausea and dizziness. Some people develop allergies in the form of swelling and rash. Other side effects of echinacea, after which you should stop the medicine and consult a doctor:

• increase in body temperature;
• difficulty swallowing or breathing;
• pressure reduction;
• rapid overwork;
• depression.

Echinacea - contraindications

The spectrum of diseases in which the indication for use is a perennial plant of the Aster family is incredibly large. However, useful echinacea - the medicinal properties of which are known to both folk and traditional medicine, has its own contraindications. Doctors do not recommend taking extracts, tinctures and decoctions with it for people suffering from insomnia, mental illness and increased excitability, since the plant affects the human nervous system. The main contraindications to the use of echinacea:

• rheumatoid arthritis;