|
Herbs & Supplements
American Coneflower
Scientific Name: Echinacea
Other Names: Black Sampson, Comb Flower, Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea pallida, Echinacea purpurea, Hedgehog, Indian Head, Purple Coneflower, Rudbeckia, Sampson Head, Scurvy Root, Snakeroot
Who is this for?
Uses
Echinacea acts as a stimulant to the immune system by several methods, which include increasing the production of specific types of white blood cells and strengthening human cell walls so bacteria and viruses have a harder time getting into cells. It is probably best known as a preventative and treatment for viral upper respiratory infections, such as colds and the flu. A number of human studies have been conducted to evaluate echinacea's effectiveness for these conditions, but they are inconsistent--with some finding significant antiviral effects and others finding no differences between echinacea and placebo (inactive sugar pills). Additionally, study results are difficult to compare because the studies used a wide range of products, strengths, doses, and treatment methods. In general, however, when they are taken as soon as symptoms begin, echinacea products may reduce the length of time that cold or flu symptoms last. Taking echinacea may also lessen the severity of upper respiratory viral infections, but it does not seem to prevent them.
Echinacea's immune-enhancing effects have also been studied extensively for cancer and AIDS patients. In Europe, intravenous (IV) echinacea used to be available for add-on therapy in the treatment of some types of cancer. It is no longer used much, though, due to side effects that are associated with its use. Additionally, no clear conclusions about echinacea's true effectiveness have been reached in studies. Some researchers feel that stimulating immune function actually may cause cancers and AIDS to progress faster; while others find a disease-treating effect from using echinacea. Some preliminary evidence from other clinical studies appears to show that echinacea may have antifungal effects, possibly adding to its infection-fighting ability. Until more evidence is available, however, echinacea cannot be recommended for any of these serious conditions.
Topically, echinacea may have anti-infective and anti-inflammatory effects, so it has been applied to treat skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. It is included in topical products that are used to relieve conditions as diverse as hemorrhoids and insect bites. Some early evidence from animal studies shows that topical echinacea preparations may also protect skin from damage due to sunlight.
|
Note: The above information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not meant to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
In general, herbal products are not subject to review or approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not required to be standardized, meaning that the amounts of active ingredients or contaminants they contain may vary between brands or between different batches of the same brand. Not all of the risks, side effects, or interactions associated with the use of herbal products are known because few reliable studies of their use in humans have been done.
This information is provided for your education only. Please share this information with your healthcare provider and be sure that you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin to use any herbal product.
|
|
Who is this for? 
