Herb Profile: Echinacea

Numerous articles have been written on the effectiveness of herbs. In August 1998, Jama Network reported that alternative therapies, including herbal medicine, increased by 40% from 1990 to 1997. Why were so many people starting to use herbs? Mark Blumenthal, founder of the American Botanical Council, states that herbs have solid science behind them. Others agree such as naturopathic physician Donald Brown of Seattle. He is recognized as a top herbal expert who explains that herbal remedies that have the best scientific evidence behind them and the clearest definition of their uses will be the ones that become the most popular. For this article, we are looking at one of the most popular and powerful herbs – Echinacea. 

ECHINACEA 20th CENTURY HISTORY

The US medical profession was introduced to Echinacea in 1887. It was introduced in Europe in 1895. The purple coneflower (Echinacea) became very popular and by the 20th century was the top-selling herb in America. When penicillin and other “wonder drugs” were created the flower was off the bloom for Echinacea and the demand for it waned. By the 1930s Echinacea fell from use after propaganda by the AMA promoted it as a worthless plant and anyone who defended it was “debunked”. 

In Europe, Echinacea was growing in popularity, especially in Germany. Dr. Gerhard Madaus (after securing Echinacea purpurea seeds from America) began growing and researching the benefits of Echinacea. Most German research at the time did not include Echinacea angustifolia since Dr. Madaus didn’t obtain those seeds. Germany published some of the most comprehensive studies on Echinacea and Dr. Madaus founded Germany’s leading herbal medicine manufacturer. Today Dr. Madaus's studies are still used as some of the best scientific studies.

The research on Echinacea was done by medical researchers, doctors, and herbalists. The German physicians established that Echinacea’s primary action was to increase the number of white blood cells. This enhanced the immune system and assisted the body to fight off infections.  Since the 1930s, over 400 journal articles have been published on this so-called “worthless plant.” More studies have been written on the chemistry, pharmacology, and clinical uses of Echinacea than any other herb. What do all these studies conclude? The majority of them state that Echinacea is effective in treating viral and bacterial infections, fungus, healing wounds, and reducing inflammation. 

ECHINACEA THROUGH HISTORY

Echinacea has pricked man’s interest for hundreds of years. The Echinacea plant is common in North America and was one of the Native American Indian’s favorite herbs. The Plains Indians used Echinacea as an antiseptic, analgesic, and as poisonous antidote to insect and snake bites. They used it for toothaches, wounds, sore throats, and childhood diseases such as mumps, smallpox, and measles. Other Indian tribes known to use Echinacea were; Cheyenne, Choctaw, Comanche, Dakotas, Pawnee, Sioux, Meskawaki Fox, and Omaha. The part of the Echinacea plant most often used was the root stalk. 

The early settlers learned about Echinacea, and its therapeutic uses, from the Indians and it has been used ever since. History teaches that in 1762 settlers and Dakotas Indians used Echinacea to treat saddle sores on horses. Soon Echinacea root became the secret ingredient in tonics and blood purifiers. From 1916 to 1950, Echinacea was listed in the US National Formulary (published by the Journal of the American Medical Association) as a useless remedy.

WHAT WE KNOW

From the plains of North America to the halls of science in Germany what have we learned about Echinacea? What we know is that it is best for immune enhancement. What does that mean? It is not the herb of choice to be used as a preventative but to help strengthen the immune system to shorten the duration of illness. The studies to date show that Echinacea is an herb helpful in treating; colds, coughs, flu, URI (upper respiratory infections), sore throat, swollen glands, urinary tract infections, herpes, candida, wounds, skin infections (topical use), psoriasis, eczema, inflammation (topical use) and other minor infections. 

How does the science explain how this herb works? Echinacea stimulates your immune system to make killer T-cells, which kill viruses and bacteria and also help your white blood cells attack germs. It is also recommended that anyone with an auto-immune disease, such as lupus, HIV, MS, or TB should not use Echinacea. Researchers believe that Echinacea can worsen these conditions. Others feel that although there are a few restrictions on using Echinacea the benefits outweigh any risks.

STUDIES ON ECHINACEA

In April 2008, the National Library of Medicine Center for Biotechnology reported on how Echinacea influences the human immune system cells including adaptive immune cells. They tested Echinacea extracts that used different varieties of Echinace (purpruea, angustifolia, and pallida). They found that each variety offered broad immune-modulating properties. The three varieties delivered similar immune support functions in different percentages of biological function. One variety may help the immune system make more lymphocytes while another produces more killer T-cells (antibodies). They also found Echinacea to inhibit tumors and caused necrosis of the tumor in mice.

“Our research shows that these three Echinacea varieties show that the plant offers wide-spectrum immunomodulator action for both innate and adaptive immune responses. We also found the Echinacea angustifolia and Pallida to have additional anti-inflammatory action.”  National Library of Medicine Center for Biotechnology, April 2008

It is also important that an immune system stimulant herb like Echinacea does not cause a cytokine risk as it suppresses the IL-6 cells that normally transmit a cytokine storm. Echinacea does not inhibit immune cells but supports them.

“In conclusion, our study using three different species of Echinacea has proven them to be effective immunomodulators (working on the immune system directly) on a complex scale.” National Library of Medicine Center for Biotechnology, April 2008

Here is what else they found:

• Echinacea stimulates multiple modulating effects on immune system function
• Echinacea stimulates nonspecific, innate, and adaptive immune system cells
• Echinacea possesses an immuno-modulating effect on the immune system
• Echinacea offers a very robust immune system response

“To our knowledge, this is the first study that demonstrates the relevance of Echinacea’s immune-enhancing effects.” National Library of Medicine Center for Biotechnology, April 2008

A September 2003 study looked at the immune system influence of Echinacea, Ginseng, and Astragalus root. They talked about the traditional herbal medicine lore that such remedies strengthened the body’s resistance to disease. The research also mentioned interest in cancer patents. 

“Numerous clinical trials have been carried out on Echinacea preparations and it appears the extracts shorten the duration and severity of colds and other types of respiratory infections.” PubMed, September 2003

They mention Ginseng as being studied as an anti-fatigue agent but has not been studied as an agent for immune system function. However, their preclinical work showed it offers immune-stimulating activity. The report states that astragalus root is the least studied agent in science but preclinical work shows it offers “intriguing” immune activity.

“Echinacea, Ginseng, and Astragalus have satisfactory safety profiles and cancer patients may want to use these botanicals to inhibit tumor growth and to boost resistance to infections.” PubMed, September 2003

In March 2011, The National Library of Medicine Center for Biotechnology looked at Echinacea to be used against the common cold. This was a randomized control study. They used extracts of Echinacea purpurea root and angustifolia root tablets with placebo tablets. Volunteers were between the ages of 12 to 80 with new onset symptoms of the common cold. Although the herb tablets are less potent than extracts and we do not know the dose used, the herbs still shortened the duration of illness.

“We observed shorter illness duration and lower severity of symptoms in the group using the herb tablets.”  The National Library of Medicine Center for Biotechnology, March 2011

Cancer Research of the UK looked into Echinacea in regards to treating cancer and stated no studies were using Echinacea for cancer. They were looking into Echinacea because it was the most widely used herb for cancer in an American survey. They also stated that laboratory and animal studies of Echinacea provided evidence that Echinacea stimulates immune cells and prevents inflammation. They advocated for a human clinical trial to prove it. 

COMMON QUESTIONS

The experts believe that the popular herbs will have the best scientific evidence behind them and the clearest definition of their uses. 

• We’ve been told that Echinacea is not to be used as a preventative and only to be used intensively for short bursts. Why? The research suggests that Echinacea stimulates the immune system to shorten our duration of illness and if it were used too often it would not be as effective at stimulating our immunity. 
• What if you have a chronic condition, can you still use Echinacea? It is recommended to use Echinacea for no more than three weeks and take a one-week break before you resume use. 
• Can you use Echinacea with other herbs? Echinacea is an excellent herb to combine with other herbs such as astragalus root, ginseng (American or Siberian), garlic, and cayenne. Some research involving long-term herbal programs including Echinacea combined with other herbs generally recommends a lower dose of Echinacea. 
• Can you use Echinacea with prescribed medications or over-the-counter medicines? Generally, it is best not to combine herbs with prescribed medications or OTC medicines. You especially do not want to use Echinacea with antibiotics or auto-immune suppressants because Echinacea stimulates your immune system and the drugs suppress it. 

GROWING ECHINACEA

If you have room in your garden to dedicate some space to medicinal herbs it’s recommend you make room for Echinacea. Any garden is beautified by this daisy-like, pink-purple cone flower that attracts butterflies. It blooms in early to late summer with large, showy flowers which are great as a perennial border. Echinacea is drought tolerant and has a compact root system, and no significant diseases have been found to affect it. It is recommended not to plant Echinacea near cucumbers. The cucumber mosaic virus has been known to affect Echinacea causing its leaves to yellow, which is caused by aphids. 

Which variety of Echinacea angustifolia or purpurea should you plant? They are both indigenous to North America and easy to grow from seed. 

• Echinacea Angustifolia will have long, thin petals, and grow to less than 12 inches high with a rose-purple to a pale purple color. It does well in zones 4 to 9 and particularly likes high elevations where winters are cold. 
• Echinacea Purpurea is the choice for residential gardens across America. It has long, stiff stems and one large cone of purple flowers. It grows up to three feet high and is native to Virginia, Georgia, and Louisiana. It is easy to cut and dry and is harvested in late fall. Unlike Angustifolia, it prefers lower elevations with milder winters. 

Plant your seeds in the spring when the soil is between 55 to 70 degrees F. Plant near the surface of the soil and after they begin to germinate, lightly cover with 1/8 inch of soil. Plants should be 18 to 24 inches apart. Germination time is within 10-20 days and after germination they grow quickly. Most Echinacea will grow in zones 3 to 10 and prefers shade in well-drained, neutral soil (pH between 6-8) but it can grow in clay-laden soil. It doesn’t like weeds and blooms from June to October.

This vibrant and resilient flower native to North America has garnered attention for its remarkable health benefits and medicinal properties. Renowned for its immune-boosting properties, echinacea is celebrated for its ability to reduce the severity and duration of colds and respiratory infections, making it a staple in natural medicine cabinets worldwide. Beyond its immune-boosting qualities, echinacea is also valued for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, aiding in the management of conditions like arthritis and promoting overall well-being. Our generation is witnessing a resurrection of a self-care approach to health. We believe that by converting to a healthy lifestyle and using medicinal herbs people are going to change how wellness is approached.

You can find more information on using Echinacea by checking out our cold-pressed, certified organic Echinacea tinctures: Adult Echinacea, Children's Echinacea, Echinacea Deluxe, and Immune Booster

*The information contained herein is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure disease. Seek medical advice from a licensed medical physician before using any product or therapy.*

Sources:

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/188148

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4712855/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2362099/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15035888/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3056276/

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cancer-in-general/treatment/complementary-alternative-therapies/individual-therapies/echinacea#:~:text=Laboratory%20and%20animal%20studies%20of,changes%20to%20the%20immune%20system.