Echinacea | Not Just For The Common Cold

Echinacea

Echinacea purpurea (or Coneflowers) The most commonly used form for medicinal purposes is Echinacea purpurea. It’s a wildflower that grows well in North America and attracts pollinators and butterflies. 

Medicinal Uses

Viral Infections

Echinacea has antiviral activity and can help prevent and treat common viruses like cold and influenza. It is an anti-inflammatory agent, too. It has been proven to boost immunity and reduce the duration and severity of the common cold. 

Diabetes Management

Studies have shown that Echinacea may help lower blood sugar levels by suppressing enzymes that digest carbohydrates. This reduces the amount of sugar entering the bloodstream which lowers blood sugar levels. 

Another study found that echinacea extract made cells more sensitive to insulin, which lowers blood sugar. Echinacea activated the PPAR-y receptor, which is a target receptor for diabetic drugs.    

Mental Health

Stress and anxiety may be reduced by alkamides, rosmarinic acid, and caffeic acid compounds. These are all found in the echinacea plant. It may also help you feel less anxious without feeling less energized. 

Acne

Echinacea has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and may inhibit the growth of Propionibacterium which is a common cause of acne. 

Anti Aging Skin Care

Echinacea extract improves skin hydration and reduces wrinkles. Skin care products containing echinacea extract may help reduce these signs of aging. However, it needs to be properly formulated because its shelf-life of it is short so it may not be effective in certain anti aging skin care products. 

Anti Cancer

Some studies have shown that the chicoric acid in Echinacea may trigger cancer cell death (apoptosis) and suppress cancer cell growth. 

Other Medicinal Uses

Echinacea has been approved by the Federal Health Agency as supportive therapy for upper respiratory tract infections, urogenital infections, and wounds. It is an anti-inflammatory and may reduce your risk of chronic diseases over time. Osteoarthritis, pain, and swelling.  

Potential Side Effects

Echinacea is thought to be safe for short-term use, but it may suppress immunity with habitual use. Rashes, itchy skin, hives, swelling, stomach pain, nausea, and shortness of bre