Purple Echinacea, medicinal properties and the contraindications of which we will consider in detail in this article on the website “”, it is considered one of the most useful plants, both in folk and official medicine. It is thanks to the beneficial qualities of echinacea that effective preventive and medicinal products against many ailments appeared in their recipes.
Echinacea is a unique plant! It can not only decorate your summer cottage or front garden with bright colors and an indescribable aroma, but also help the body repel the attacks of diseases and viruses that strive to do so during periods of cold and dampness.
Echinocea is a member of the Asteraceae family and is a fairly common tall (stem length reaches one and a half meters) perennial with a developed root system and thin cuttings.
Single inflorescences of this medicinal flower can reach fifteen centimeters in diameter and have a rich palette of colors (from dark red to purple).
Chemical composition of the plant
Latest laboratory research in Canada showed that Echinacea contains elements from seven different biologically active groups:
the plant also contains:
- iron – 45 mg;
- chlorine – 74 mg;
- magnesium – 119 mg;
- aluminum 127 mg;
- potassium – 315 mg;
- calcium – 778 mg;
- vitamin C – 232 mg;
- provitamin A – 85.6 mg.
In small doses, Echinacea also contains:
- vanadium;
- beryllium;
- barium;
- zinc;
- nickel;
- cobalt;
- silver;
- selenium;
- molybdenum.
And in order to supplement this list with winter period and stay healthy and energetic, don’t forget to combine the use of echinacea with other beneficial gifts from the garden, such as healthy!
Medicinal properties of purple echinacea
The range of use of drugs based on purple echinacea, the medicinal properties and contraindications of which we will consider below, is quite wide:
In addition, today there are methods specifically developed for the prevention and treatment of cancer using drugs made from medicinal echinacea. Also, similar medications are used successfully to relieve nervous stress, as well as physical stress. By drinking Echinacea tea, you can quickly normalize your sleep, forgetting about insomnia and anxious thoughts. And similar decoctions and infusions are recommended for schoolchildren and people who engage in mental work, because their use contributes to more effective memorization and perception of information, as well as increasing concentration.
At the same time, extracts from echinacea have an invigorating and tonic effect, having a slight anesthetic effect and reducing the photosensitivity of human skin to solar radiation. ultraviolet rays. In addition to all of the above, drugs and folk remedies from echinacea have radioprotective, anti-inflammatory and antiallergic effects. Another medicinal plant with benefits and contraindications can be found in the article about!
Update: October 2018
Echinacea purpurea is a perennial from the Asteraceae family. Echinacea purpurea has numerous medicinal properties, and beneficial substances are contained in all parts of the plant - stems, flowers, leaves and rhizomes with roots.
The historical homeland is the Atlantic North America, where the plant actively colonized river banks and was called “deer root.” The indigenous people of the continent have used this crop for a very long time, but with the advent of antibiotics, its use has greatly decreased. Today, Echinacea is cultivated in Russia, France, Germany, Ukraine and other CIS countries. The plant is light-loving, winter-hardy, and actively colonizes moist, fertile soils. Virtually no care required: loves sun, light soil and abundant watering.
It is not only a valuable medicinal plant, but also a good honey plant. Pink-violet inflorescences are actively visited by bees throughout the entire flowering period. From the collected nectar, bees make high-quality echinacea honey, which has excellent taste and healing properties.
What Echinacea treats, and in what cases it is advisable to take plant preparations, we will consider in this article.
Morphological description
The height of the plant reaches 80–120 cm. The stems are straight or slightly branched, covered with bristly hairs. The multi-headed rhizome is highly branched, numerous roots penetrate deeply into the soil; when cut they have a very pungent taste.
Leaves are divided into two types: stem and basal:
- The stem leaves are lanceolate in shape, narrowed towards the petiole, have a lush green color, and are rough to the touch. They are arranged alternately on the stem.
- The basal leaves are slightly serrated, located on long petioles collected in rosettes. The shape resembles a wide oval, sharply narrowed towards the petiole.
Blooms in the 2nd year of life. Flowering begins at the end of May - beginning of July, the duration of this period is up to 75 days. The inflorescences are purple-violet, rather large baskets and shaped like a chamomile. The size of the baskets is 10-12 cm. The core consists of tubular flowers of reddish or Brown and protrudes dome-shaped above the inflorescence. Reed flowers are pointed at the ends and have an underdeveloped pistil; and bisexual tubular ones are distinguished by a reddish-brown color.
Propagates well by seeds and grown through seedlings. Can reproduce by dividing the rhizome. Only tubular flowers bear fruit. The fruit is a tetrahedral, oblong brown achene, 5–6 mm long, with a small tuft.
Stories and applications
Echinacea was first described by Carl Linnaeus in his works on botany. Since the 70s of the 20th century, it began to be grown as a garden crop, and several varieties were bred.
The Soviet scientist S.A. Tomilin studied this plant in great detail and recommended echinacea preparations for tonsillitis, sore throat, depression, fatigue (mental and physical), parametritis, inflammatory processes in internal organs, acute and chronic infectious diseases (typhoid fever, erysipelas, diphtheria, osteomyelitis, cerebral meningitis), as well as for the treatment of wounds, burns, ulcers. His work greatly contributed to the introduction of the plant into traditional medicine and homeopathy.
IN folk medicine The plant was used to a greater extent to treat various infections and wounds.
Some plant varieties, including purple, are grown by gardeners for decorative purposes, decorating flower beds and front gardens. It blooms beautifully and for a long time, and looks very aesthetically pleasing, and lasts a long time in a vase after cutting.
Collection and preparation, cultivation
- flower baskets are cut from the stems in July-August;
- grass - at the very beginning of flowering;
- roots with rhizomes, which are at least 4 years old - in late autumn.
The roots are washed and dried in the shade. The grass and inflorescences are also dried in the air, in a well-ventilated place, in the shade.
The shelf life of the grass is 6 months, inflorescences – 1 year, roots – 2 years.
The seeds of this useful plant can be purchased in the gardening department of the store. It will take a long time to germinate them, more than a month, so they should be planted in February (they love warmth and moisture). Seedlings are planted in the ground at the end of May, in light, fertilized soil, choosing a well-lit place. Flowering of the bushes begins in the 2nd year.
A simpler way is to divide the root. This can be done in spring or autumn by planting part of the root shoots deep into the hole.
Chemical composition and medicinal properties
The plant contains a whole storehouse of useful substances that have a complex healing effect:
- potassium is involved in maintaining water-salt balance, important for normal heart function;
- calcium prevents the accumulation of harmful cholesterol and strengthens bone tissue;
- iron is part of hemoglobin and is involved in the transport of oxygen in the blood;
- selenium being the most powerful antioxidant, protects organs and systems from the action of free radicals and prevents the development of cancer pathology;
- silicon strengthens blood vessels, participates in the formation of cartilage and connective tissue;
- cobalt is involved in metabolism and hematopoiesis;
- zinc has a positive effect on the condition of hair, skin and nails;
- manganese helps the central nervous system and thyroid gland;
- vitamin A and carotene are involved in vision function; vit. A is a powerful antioxidant;
- Vitamin C strengthens the walls of blood vessels, improves immunity and has an anti-inflammatory effect;
- Vitamin E is another antioxidant that strengthens the immune system;
- phenolcarboxylic acids have pronounced immunostimulating, antiseptic and diuretic properties;
- polysaccharides are involved in the production of interferons, which are directly involved in the implementation of antiviral immunity. Accelerate the restoration of damaged tissues;
- flavonoids improve antiviral protection, help fight carcinogens, allergens, increase vascular permeability and have an antispasmodic effect;
- polyenes have an antifungal effect;
- tannins have anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory effects;
- inulin has beneficial influence on intestinal function, helps in the fight against diabetes;
- betaine is a substance that is one of the factors in the prevention of stroke and heart attack;
- synarin increases resistance to infectious diseases and viral nature, accelerates the recovery of patients suffering from ARVI.
The essential oil, which is contained in all parts of the plant (in flowers - up to 0.5%, in grass - up to 0.35%, in roots 0.05-0.25%) is rich in non-cyclic sesquiterpenes, which have fungicidal and bactericidal activity. The plant also contains resins (about 2%), organic acids (linoleic, palmitic, cerotinic), fats, silicates, phosphates, chlorides, fiber, which play a certain role in the positive complex effect.
According to research, taking preparations based on Echinacea purpurea increases the number of leukocytes in the blood by an average of 50% and enhances the activity of protective properties liver.
Thus, the echinacea herb has the following medicinal properties: immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, anticarcinogenic, antiallergic, antispasmodic, anti-aging, hepatoprotective. Plant preparations are highly active against staphylococcus, streptococcus, E. coli, influenza viruses, and herpes.
Mechanism of action
The plant has a very complex chemical composition - in combination, all the beneficial substances have a pronounced immunostimulating effect:
- increase the phagocytic activity of macrophages;
- stimulate chemotaxis;
- promote the release of cytokines.
During a course of treatment, there is an increase in the nonspecific immune response and resistance to adverse factors.
Uses of Echinacea
In terms of its usefulness, Echinacea purpurea is often compared to ginseng - the famous “root of life” and is called no less majestic - a plant for a thousand diseases. Also beautiful plant called the “blood purifier.”
The plant is included in more than 240 drugs, including patented drugs for the treatment of AIDS.
Monopreparations of the plant are used for a variety of conditions:
- mental and physical fatigue;
- mental depression;
- infectious diseases: scarlet fever, erysipelas, gonorrhea, osteomyelitis, tonsillitis, tonsillitis, cerebrospinal meningitis, septic conditions;
- respiratory and viral diseases: ARVI, herpes, influenza, viral rhinitis(treatment and prevention);
- inflammatory diseases: rheumatoid arthritis, polyarthritis, hepatitis, nephritis, cystitis, adnexitis, prostatitis, gastritis, pancreatitis, cervical erosion;
- diseases associated with metabolic disorders: diabetes, obesity, liver disease (as a drug to improve immunity);
- leukopenia caused by irradiation or treatment with cystostatics;
- potency disorders;
- masculine and female infertility(V complex treatment);
- in complex treatment for alcoholism and smoking;
- condition after operations, long-term treatment with antibiotics, chemotherapy;
- pain syndrome: headache and joint pain;
- skin lesions: eczema, psoriasis, burns, frostbite, trophic ulcers, purulent deep wounds, carbuncles, abscesses, insect bites.
Used for prophylactic purposes when early signs colds, with prolonged antibacterial therapy, for the improvement of health of persons who have been exposed to radiation or who live in areas unfavorable in terms of radiation levels.
There are documented cases of Echinacea curing patients suffering from cutaneous form lupus erythematosus though autoimmune diseases are a contraindication to treatment.
Doctors advise using plant preparations at the first signs of a cold or flu in parallel with the main treatment: the plant can increase the effectiveness of traditional methods of therapy by 20-40%.
Scientific Research on Echinacea
Since the beginning of its use by folk healers, the plant has been of interest to official medicine. Scientific research The properties and capabilities of Echinacea have been and are still being carried out in many countries. Let's list some of them.
- In 2001, domestic scientists conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the effectiveness of plant preparations in the treatment of patients with ARVI. The study involved 80 people, each of whom had early symptoms of ARVI. The patients were divided into 2 groups: group 1 received Echinacea purpurea, group 2 received placebo. Based on observation results average duration illness in the 1st group was 6 days, in the second - This allowed us to conclude that plant preparations can reduce the duration of viral infections.
- Parallel double blind study was aimed at studying the effect of plant preparations on the severity and frequency of colds and flu in people with increased susceptibility. The trial involved 108 patients: half of them received 2-4 ml of echinacea juice per day, and the second group received a placebo. Patients who received the plant juice got sick less often, the periods between illnesses became longer, and the symptoms became less severe. Thus, the feasibility of using echinacea in patients with a reduced immune response has been proven.
- Another study only confirmed the effectiveness of plant preparations in the treatment of viral infections of the upper respiratory tract. In this scientific work 282 healthy people aged 18-65 years who had previously suffered from colds 2 or more times a year took part. At the first signs of colds, half of the patients received echinacea extract: 10 doses for the earliest symptoms of the disease, and 4 doses over the next 7 days. Patients were examined on days 3 and 8 of illness.
During the observation period, 128 people fell ill: 59 of them received echinacea extract, and 69 received placebo. Patients who took the extract had 23.1% less symptoms of the disease.
- The results of a study by scientists from Canada's McGill University, conducted on mice, suggested that plant preparations can prolong the life of patients suffering from leukemia. The significant genetic similarity allows the study results to be extrapolated to humans, but more testing is needed.
The study was conducted on mice with leukemia. After 13 months of using echinacea preparations, 74% of mice from the experimental group remained alive, while the survival rate of animals that did not receive the drug was only 46%. There was also an increase in the number of natural killer cells in the spleen and bone tissue mice treated with the plant preparation. Based on this, scientists concluded that the use of plant preparations is useful in for preventive purposes– to increase the quantity immune cells, playing a key role in protection against cancer, the risk of which increases with age.
- Echinacea can be used as an auxiliary drug in the treatment of cancer. The study involved 55 patients after a course of radiotherapy: 85% had a stable white blood cell count. In patients who did not take the plant preparation, a steady decrease in the number of leukocytes was noted.
- The anti-inflammatory properties of the plant allow it to be used as aid in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. One recent study showed that using 15 drops of the plant extract three times a day can reduce the severity of inflammatory reaction by 20-25%.
Plant preparations increase natural protective forces body, have a stimulating effect on the immune system. Moreover, the positive effects “work” not only in adults, but also in children with still unformed immune system, and in elderly people whose protective functions of the body are reduced due to the general aging of the body.
Traditional medicine recipes
It should be understood that Echinacea and its products cannot be considered as monopreparations, but only as an addition to the main treatment.
Universal alcohol tincture of Echinacea
Can be used for all of the pathologies listed above, with the exception of alcoholism, since it contains alcohol.
Pour raw crushed root or fresh flowers with 70% alcohol 1:4 and leave in a dark place for 1 month or more. Take half or a whole teaspoon 3 times a day for 10 days in a row.
The same tincture can be used externally (diluted halfway with chilled boiled water) to treat wounds, carbuncles, abscesses and healing burns (treatment, wet compresses). It also helps against herpes (cauterizing herpetic eruptions 3-5 times a day).
The second recipe for vodka tincture
Helps with the onset of acute respiratory viral infections, and is used to prevent viral infections.
Take echinacea flowers, place them in a half-liter jar so that the volume is filled to the top, fill it with high-quality vodka and close the lid tightly. Leave in a dark place for 40 days. Next, drain and strain the preparation. Take 15 drops half an hour before meals, diluted in a small amount of water or adding the tincture to tea, 3 times a day.
Tincture made from the raw root of the plant
Take 1 part of raw roots and pour 5 parts of vodka over them, leave in a dark place for 30 days. Take 15-20 drops, diluted in water, 3 times a day.
Tea
Helps with flu, colds, inflammatory processes, after suffering serious illnesses, operations, after treatment with antibiotics, for alcoholism. It can also be used for eczema, ulcers and boils.
Take 3 pcs. fresh echinacea flowers or dry raw materials from crushed roots and leaves (2 tsp), pour half a liter of boiling water and leave for 40 minutes. To prevent diseases, it is enough to take 1 glass per day, and for treatment – 3 glasses per day. This tea rejuvenates the body and slows down the aging process.
Echinacea decoction
Recommended for flu and colds, coughs, swelling, stomach ulcers, headaches, joint pain. It also improves vision, stimulates appetite, normalizes blood pressure, and is characterized by a tonic and restorative effect. For streptococcal skin infections, psoriasis and snake bites, local lotions are made from the decoction on damaged areas of the skin.
Take 1 tsp. fresh or dry echinacea leaves, pour 200 ml of water, heat in a water bath for half an hour, then leave and strain. Take a third of a glass 3 times a day, before meals.
Infusion
Take 30 gr. fresh or dried flowers, place in an enamel saucepan, pour 500 ml of boiling water, cover and boil for 10 minutes. Leave in a warm place for 4-5 hours, strain and add syrup, sugar, honey or juice to taste. Drink half a glass 3 times a day.
Juice of fresh inflorescences
Helps speed up the healing process of wounds, treats acne, ulcers, warts, long-term use eliminates dark spots and freckles. Effective in the treatment of ARVI.
To obtain it, the inflorescences are crushed and the juice is squeezed out of the pulp. Use undiluted, 3-5 ml per day. before meals. Externally - treat the affected skin 3-4 times a day.
Oil extract from the roots of the plant
Helps in the treatment of peptic ulcers and gastritis. Lotions with the drug are used in the treatment of burns and bedsores. Tampons, soaked healthy oil, helps in the treatment of cervical erosion (administered at night).
Take 1 cup unrefined olive oil and 50 gr. chopped roots, leave for 1 month. Take 1 tsp orally. 60 minutes before meals, twice a day.
Remedy for headaches, high blood pressure and nervous tension
Take the dry parts of the plant and grind them to a powder. Mix 100 g of powder with 300 g. honey and mix thoroughly. Take 3 times a day, with tea, 1 tbsp.
Echinacea for children
Herbalists and traditional healers It is recommended to use plant preparations in pediatrics, starting from 1 year. Representatives of official medicine are somewhat more restrained about such conclusions and advise not to use echinacea preparations before 3 years. Preferred dosage forms are syrup, tea, decoction. Alcohol tincture can be used for children under 12 years of age only externally, for treatment acne, skin damage.
Echinacea preparations are recommended for children primarily to strengthen immune defense and increase resistance to infectious agents that children constantly encounter in kindergarten and school. Also used in complex therapy viral and bacterial infections respiratory organs, ENT organs, oral cavity, skin and genitourinary tract.
Pharmaceutical preparations with Echinacea
The plant is included in many drugs and dietary supplements. Let's take a closer look at the most popular ones.
Lozenges with Echinacea
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Echinacea Forte, oral solution
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Echinacea purpurea tincture
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Echinacea herbContraindications for use and restrictions
- Individual intolerance;
- Allergic reactions to any member of the family (especially for children);
- HIV and AIDS;
- Leukemia;
- Tuberculosis;
- Atherosclerosis;
- Autoimmune diseases;
- Children up to 2 years of age (for drugs containing alcohol – up to 12 years).
Caution should be used when using this treatment persons prone to allergies, patients with allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma.
Echinacea should not be used in combination with immunosuppressants, glucocorticosteroids and cytokines.
Side effects
Side effects are extremely rare and may include the following:
- weakness, feeling tired;
- drowsiness;
- headache and dizziness;
- nausea;
- body aches;
- dyspeptic symptoms;
- pain and sore throat.
Patients who are hypersensitive to the components of the drugs may experience swelling, redness of the skin, itching, shortness of breath, rash, sharp deterioration well-being are possible allergic reactions, if ignored, anaphylactic shock may develop!
If any adverse reactions During treatment, you should immediately stop taking the drug and consult your doctor for advice on the advisability of continuing therapy.
Echinacea purpurea. This plant is used to enhance the body's protective functions, so it is widely used in the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections and other diseases. What medicinal properties and contraindications does Echinacea purpurea have? You need to know this in order to use this healing flower as effectively as possible without harm to health.
Chemical composition
This plant has unique composition, thanks to which many medicinal properties appear. Main components of Echinacea:
- vitamins, micro and macroelements;
- flavonoids;
- essential lipids;
- polysaccharides;
- derivatives of caffeic acid
- alkylamides.
Echinacea flowers have medicinal properties and have a large amount useful components— essential oils, resins, organic acids, tannins. The general strengthening and tonic properties of the plant are achieved due to the presence of antioxidants - echinocin, equinolone.
Important! Selenium, zinc, potassium, silver, calcium, cobalt and many other trace elements were found in all parts of the flower. ABOUT useful properties oh, and contraindications for echinacea can be read in our article.
IN medicinal purposes a developed rhizome is also used, which has a unique chemical composition. The main components of the underground part of the flower are essential oils, inulin, phenolcarboxylic acids, glucose, betaine, and resins.
Medicinal properties of Echinacea
Thanks to the presence of iron in the plant, the chemical composition blood, the number of red blood cells increases. Calcium helps increase bone strength, silicon has a positive effect on the formation and rapid growth of new body tissues.
Selenium, the amount of which is simply huge in Echinacea, significantly increases the body's protective functions, it better resists attack various viruses, infections, bacteria.
Inulin speeds up metabolism, participates in the breakdown of fats, and removes harmful substances from tissues. This element has a positive effect on the immune system, liver, increases bone strength, and reduces the amount of sugar in the blood.
Important! The flowers, rhizomes, leaves and stems of the plant have beneficial properties.
Echinacea purpurea is included in many medicines and funds homemade. Once in the human body, it destroys pathogenic microorganisms - E. coli, staphylococcus, streptococcus.
Medicinal properties of the plant:
- increases the body's protective functions;
- anti-inflammatory;
- antibacterial;
- antiviral;
- cleansing the body of harmful substances;
- antifungal.
Echinacea also has antiallergic properties, removes from the body excess liquid, speeds up metabolism.
Important! The underground part of the plant is used in the treatment of burns, accelerates wound healing, and helps stop bleeding.
Regular use of preparations containing the flower significantly slows down the aging process, accelerates the regeneration of all body tissues, suppresses growth, the formation of malignant and benign tumors. Unique means have a positive impact on healthy looking hair, nails, skin.
The rejuvenating effect of echinacea is achieved by cleaning the circulatory and lymphatic systems from free radicals and other harmful substances that poison the body and contribute to the activation of aging processes.
Echinacea for men
This plant has an extremely positive effect on male body, especially on organs and systems that relate to the genital area. It can relieve inflammatory processes, suppress the proliferation of fungi, and destroy infections and viruses.
Important! Some studies have shown that men who want to have children do not need to get carried away with treatment with echinacea, since it impairs sperm motility and suppresses testosterone production.
Remedies prepared from the plant will help with:
- prostatitis;
- inflammatory processes of the genitourinary system;
- prostate adenoma;
- the presence of sexually transmitted infections.
Echinacea purpurea in different varieties dosage form used for cancer that affects not only the reproductive system, but also other organs. These products increase the body’s protective functions and remove harmful substances.
Healing plant for women
Echinacea is indispensable in the treatment of many female diseases that can appear at any age. It is quite effective if you have:
- candidiasis;
- chlamydia;
- gonorrhea;
- syphilis.
Also, products containing the plant are used in the treatment of inflammatory processes of the ovaries, cervix, Bladder, kidney. They have a positive effect on the functioning of the adrenal glands and thyroid gland, stimulating the production of hormones. The result of this is normalization hormonal levels, eliminating problems associated with dysfunction of these organs.
Echinacea for children
The use of preparations containing the plant has an extremely positive effect on children's body. They are effective in preventing colds and flu. Regular consumption of echinacea significantly increases the body's resistance to various infections, viruses, and bacteria.
- Tincture, decoction, infusion, tea will be effective medicines in the treatment of otitis media, stomatitis, and gum inflammation. They can be used to lubricate insect bites and cuts.
- For colds, bronchitis, and sore throat, you can use inhalations and take warm baths using echinacea extract.
- It is recommended to carry out aromatherapy, it has no contraindications, has a positive effect on the child’s well-being, and improves immunity.
Use of a unique plant for skin
Various cosmetical tools, containing echinacea extract, have a wonderful effect on the skin and hair. They relieve inflammation, stimulate regeneration processes, increase skin elasticity and firmness.
Important! Shampoos and masks based on echinacea improve hair growth and prevent split ends. You can also get rid of dandruff.
If you use water infusions, alcohol tinctures For wiping the face, you can eliminate bags under the eyes and improve the condition of the skin. These remedies will be effective in the presence of diseases:
- eczema;
- herpes;
- psoriasis;
- hives.
Echinacea extract will help with papilloma, warts, and boils.
To improve the condition of the skin throughout the body, it is recommended to take warm baths with the addition of fresh broth.
Echinacea tincture - medicinal properties and contraindications
An alcoholic tincture from this plant has many beneficial properties. It is shown:
- for joint pain;
- for diabetes;
- with hepatitis;
- with inflammatory processes of the genitourinary system;
- to improve immunity.
The alcohol tincture is taken orally in 1-2 ml doses, which must be diluted in a small amount of water. Drink this elixir three times a day before meals for 8-10 days. After this, take a break for 3-5 days, continue treatment if necessary.
Important! Echinacea tincture has its own indications for use; you can read about it in detail here. It is strictly contraindicated for the treatment of children. The product also increases blood pressure, so do not use it if you have severe hypertension.
Also this medicine can be taken as an external remedy. Rub it on your chest and back for bronchitis. Apply compresses containing alcohol extract for skin diseases.
How to cook at home
To obtain healing agent you need to use dry raw materials. It is better to buy the herb at the pharmacy, only then can you be sure of its quality. 
For the tincture, take 25-30 g of dried leaves, flowers and stems of plants. Place them in a glass container and fill with 450 ml of vodka. Infuse this mixture in a cool, dark place for 19-22 days. You need to shake the container constantly to get the most benefit from the herbs.
After this period, strain the tincture and use as directed.
Traditional medicine recipes
To treat a large number of diseases, increase the body's protective functions, and accelerate metabolic processes, decoctions and infusions are used.
Healing decoction
To prepare medicine you need:
- Take 1 tbsp. l. dried raw materials, which must first be crushed.
- Fill it with 450 ml of boiling water. Simmer over low heat for 25 minutes.
- Let it sit for 35 minutes, then strain.
- Take 120 ml warm water three times a day to improve the functioning of the pancreas, digestive system. The course of treatment is 9-12 days.
Cold water infusion
This remedy will be effective in losing weight and improving immunity.
To prepare the infusion, take 1-2 tbsp. l. herbs, pour 260 ml of cold boiled water. Leave for 8-9 hours, then strain.
Take 150 ml 2-3 times a day before meals for 10-15 days.
Contraindications for use
Despite the large number of beneficial properties, products containing echinacea have some contraindications that you need to be aware of before use.
You should refrain from consuming a unique flower if you have:
- autoimmune diseases;
- insomnia
- hypertension;
- AIDS;
- acute sore throat.
Despite some contraindications, treatment with Echinacea shows exceptional positive result to your health. The plant has a unique composition, contains a large amount of vitamins and nutrients that are very necessary for humans.
The level of healing potential of some plants is not inferior even to powerful ones. antibiotic drugs. And Echinacea purpurea is often used instead of medicine. The main thing is that the medicinal properties and contraindications of echinacea correspond not only to needs, but also individual characteristics patient's health.
Echinacea is a perennial plant of the Asteraceae family. Despite the fact that the plant's homeland is located in the east of the North American continent, tall stems of grass topped with purple-pink inflorescences can be found in most of our garden plots.
For many gardening enthusiasts, echinacea (or rudbeckia) is, first of all, ornamental plant. However, even people far from gardening know about the medicinal properties of the flower. Which is not surprising - many popular medicines have been created based on the herb extract.
with their own therapeutic possibilities The plant owes its rich chemical composition.
Thanks to the availability essential oils, vitamins A, C and E, organic acids, natural antimycotics, glycosides, tannins, antioxidants and microelements such as iron, selenium, silicon and calcium, common benefit Echinacea is equivalent to the effect of several medications, including multivitamin complexes and antibiotics.
The use of the plant provides therapeutic results in several directions at once.
Active ingredients of Echinacea purpurea:
- participate in hematopoiesis;
- stimulate bone formation, nail plates, hair and teeth;
- prevent cell aging;
- prevent the development of tumors;
- activate the synthesis of interferons and increase immunity;
- bind free radicals and toxins and promote their removal;
- support the processes of restoration of damaged tissues;
- enhance the protective potential of the liver.
It is characteristic that, unlike others medicinal herbs, all above-ground parts of Echinacea purpurea are of pharmacological interest - both inflorescences and stems with leaves.
What diseases does it help with?
Powerful impact active ingredients Echinacea purpurea can enhance the therapeutic effect in the treatment of most infectious diseases, (including sexually transmitted diseases), as well as during exacerbations of a neurological nature.
The use of plant extracts is indicated for:
- respiratory and viral diseases - influenza, acute respiratory infections;
- diseases with chronic course- hepatitis, rheumatoid arthritis, prostatitis, nephritis and cystitis;
- skin lesions - purulent wounds, trophic ulcers, boils, eczema, psoriasis, burns, including sunburn;
- pathologies of the ENT organs - rhinitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis;
- fungal infections - thrush, trichophytosis;
- infectious pathologies - lesions urinary tract, gonorrhea, syphilis, typhoid fever, scarlet fever, meningitis, typhoid, malaria, diphtheria, human papillomavirus.
In addition, the use of echinacea is appropriate for septic processes, bee, mosquito and snake bites, exacerbation of the herpes virus, hemorrhoids, oncological processes, streptococcal infections, as well as headaches and dizziness.
Echinacea for immunity
Due to its powerful immunomodulatory properties, Echinacea herb is recognized throughout the world as one of the most effective medicinal plants to strengthen immunity. The effect of the herb is expressed in increasing the resistance of cells to damage by pathogenic microorganisms.
Echinacea purpurea not only prevents the penetration of germs through cell membrane, but also blocks the very possibility of their spread throughout the body.
Moreover, active substances herbs help increase the number of leukocytes in the blood, enhance phagocytic processes and stimulate the production of immunoglobulins.
Benefits for children
The most successful and widespread use of Echinacea purpurea is in the treatment of childhood respiratory diseases. Strengthening the body's resistance to defeat viral infection, the plant allows not only to shorten the recovery period, but also to strengthen the immune system.
No less effectively, plant extracts are used to prevent childhood diseases.
For oncology
Thanks to the existence of plants such as Echinacea purpurea, the possibility of treating cancer with herbs has become a real possibility.
It has been proven that the use of echinacea products stops the development of malignant tumors already at the initial stage.
One of the components in the herb, glycoprotein, has the ability to directly affect atypical cells.
In addition, the overall effect of the active components in the plant provides powerful support for the immune system:
- increases the number of phagocytic cells;
- stimulates interferon synthesis;
- enhances the functionality of T-lymphocytes;
- promotes the production of immunoglobulins that neutralize the effect of antigens.
Using echinacea-based products - great way prevention of cancer.
During pregnancy
It is known that most traditional medications are contraindicated for expectant mothers, so preference is usually given to herbal remedies. And since echinacea is on the list of the most popular immunomodulatory plants, it is chosen first.
However, medical opinions on this matter are not so clear. The reason is that very little research has been conducted on the effect of echinacea on the development of pregnancy and the fetus. And although no specific contraindications to treatment with echinacea have been identified for pregnant women, doctors do not recommend using plant-based products for more than a week.
Echinacea for colds
The most important property of echinacea is its ability to strengthen the immune system and support the body in the fight against pathogens. Using the plant during a cold allows you to use the entire rich composition of the plant and thus increase the level of resistance to any microorganisms, including viruses.
Research by scientists has shown that regular intake of echinacea extract reduces the likelihood of developing colds by 55%.
Instructions for use of Echinacea
Take advantage healing power Echinacea purpurea can be used by consuming decoction, tincture and tea from the plant, or use ready-made pharmaceutical products based on it.
Tincture
Echinacea tincture is a medicine created on the basis of an extract from the roots of the plant and ethyl alcohol 60%. In addition, an alcohol tincture of Echinacea can be made at home. To do this, four parts of crushed plant material are poured with one part of alcohol with a strength of 70% and kept for a month.
You need to take 15 drops of this tincture before meals - adding it to tea or diluting it with water.
The use of tincture is indicated for patients prone to frequent respiratory diseases and patients with slowly healing trophic ulcers.
Echinacea tablets
Medicines based on Echinacea are also available in the form of tablets, the pharmacological activity of which is ensured by the action of the herb juice. Indications for taking tablets based on Echinacea purpurea juice include colds, flu, long-term treatment antibiotics, as well as preventive measures.
Children from 4 to 12 years old take one tablet three times a day. The dose for adults is two tablets three times a day. For colds, it is recommended to increase the number of doses to five times a day.
Decoction
Decoctions and teas from Echinacea purpurea are prepared at home.
To prepare the decoction, take 10 g of dry plant and 500 ml of water. The product is brought to readiness at a low boil, then infused for about three hours in a warm place and filtered.
You need to take a decoction of echinate before meals. Children under 7 years old - one tablespoon, children from 7 to 14 years old - two to three tablespoons for two weeks. Single dose for adults - half a glass of decoction.
In ampoules or capsules
Intramuscular administration of Echinacea purpurea is possible when using complex drug"Echinacea compositum." In addition to echinacea, the product contains several medicinal plants with anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and detoxification properties.
When individual intolerance patient of the active components of the plant, the use of medicines with echinacea extract can cause the development adverse reactions.
Characteristic signs of allergies are:
- urticaria, erythema and itchy rashes throughout the body;
- cough, runny nose, sneezing;
- nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
- weakness, feeling tired, dizzy;
- headache.
The most pronounced manifestation of adverse reactions is considered to be Quincke's edema.
If you experience the slightest discomfort after taking echinacea-based products, you must stop taking the drug and immediately consult a doctor.
Contraindications for use
The optimal therapeutic effect when taking Echinacea is achieved only in case of full compliance with medical recommendations.
Doctors consider the use of plant-based products undesirable in the following cases:
- for tuberculosis;
- after organ transplantation;
- if the patient has a history of allergic reactions to plants of the Asteraceae family - chamomile, chrysanthemums, marigolds;
- with liver dysfunction.
Also, you should not use products based on the plants discussed as an additional immunomodulator when taking medications with a similar effect.
Echinacea purpurea is an amazing gift of nature, capable of restoring health only with a reasonable approach to treatment and under vigilant medical supervision.
This plant has a lot folk names: hedgehog flower, comb flower, snake root. This is what the Indians once called it, because the homeland of this plant is North America. Well, we know it under the name Echinacea.
Echinacea is doubly interesting because it can be used both as an ornamental plant and as a medicinal plant. Among some Indian peoples, it was considered a sacred flower, a helper plant. It especially helped during rituals, dedicated to the day Sun. When they had to dance and sing all day without food or water, people chewed pre-cleaned roots, and thanks to this they experienced a long holiday.
In some tribes, Echinacea was called the “crest flower.” The fact is that the convex center of the inflorescence is very hard, and it was used for combing long hair. The Comanches used echinacea as an antidote for snake bites. The plant also served as a stimulant for them on days when they went on long hikes without sleep or rest.
There were legends about the healing art of Indian shamans. There are many cases when European medicine recognized a sick person as hopeless, but the Indians cured him. Medicines were made from echinacea different ways. Healers prepared from roots and leaves thick decoction and lubricated the neck with it if the throat hurt badly. In this way, painful sensations were relieved. White settlers, who were able to adopt the experience of indigenous American peoples, also used healing properties Echinacea. Its roots in those days were considered a panacea for all diseases.
Appearance in Europe
The plant appeared in Europe in the 18th century. Settlers brought it from America as an ornamental crop, but medicinal information reached Europeans much later. Naturalist Carl Linnaeus studied the plant and named it Rudbeckia purpurea in honor of Olof Rudbeck, who discovered the body's lymphatic system. But Linnaeus's conclusions turned out to be somewhat premature. The fact is that the plant has varieties. Echinacea and rudbeckia are similar in flower structure. Both plants have a convex conical base from which the petals extend. Only in Echinacea they are purple, and in Rudbeckia they are bright yellow. In other respects they are also completely different. This was proven in 1793 by the German scientist Conrad Mench, who identified the purple beauty as a separate genus, Echinacea. "Echinos" is translated as hedgehog, because when the seeds ripen, the flower becomes prickly.
Classification
There are 9 species of this plant, but most often only three are used - purple, pale and angustifolia. All of them belong to the largest family in plant growing, which is called Asteraceae (or Compositae). Its representatives are characterized by the presence of a basket, tongueless flowers and tubular flowers inside. The Astrov family also includes dahlias, chrysanthemums, sunflowers, cornflowers and many other plants. The most famous medicinal plant is chamomile, which has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Beneficial features
In the 20th century, doctors in many countries began to study the mechanism of action of the components of echinacea on human health. It turned out that this plant stimulates the body's natural defenses. Soviet scientists were also interested in its medicinal properties. They began to study it especially in the 80s, after the disaster at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant.
To date, it has been absolutely proven that echinacea can support the body’s defenses and improve blood quality.
The immunostimulating effect of the plant is to increase the number of leukocytes and increase their activity. That is why during a flu epidemic it is recommended to use echinacea tincture or decoction (flowers or roots).
Possible harm, contraindications
It is important to remember that any medicine should be taken as recommended by a doctor. In the case of echinacea, the principle “the more the merrier” does not apply. There are contraindications.
By the way, why do some plants have medicinal properties and others do not? Useful substances we call those that benefit the body. And unused substances are simply not taken into account. Therefore, there are no useful or useless substances in the plant. Compounds that are products of metabolic processes in plants have a healing effect. Echinacea purpurea has the main active substance, by which it is standardized, these are hydroxycinnamic acids. They are a product of secondary metabolism. It is known that some substances that have therapeutic effect, when the dose is increased, they can become poisonous. Therefore, you need to be careful with herbal medicine.
An overdose of echinacea-based products leads to a decrease in immunity, so such medications should be taken only in recommended doses.
And here are a couple more contraindications:
- 1. Alcohol tincture of Echinacea impairs sperm motility, which leads to difficulty in fertilization.
- 2. It is not recommended to take Echinacea decoction for more than 10 days without a break when treating gastritis, as well as allergies, multiple sclerosis, leukemia, tuberculosis and during pregnancy.
Echinacea in folk medicine, recipes
Infusions, decoctions and alcohol tinctures are prepared from the leaves, stems, roots and flowers of this plant, which can be used to combat various ailments. For example, folk recipes using echinacea help improve vision, normalize blood pressure, restore strength, relieve swelling, overcome insomnia and lift your spirits! Fresh echinacea juice will help lighten age spots and freckles, relieve itching and relieve swelling from insect bites. And this is not the whole list... Let's take a closer look at effective folk remedies based on this plant.
Headache remedy
Grind the dried leaves, roots and flowers into powder. Then mix 100 g of the finished powder thoroughly with 300 g of honey. Take the mixture 3 times a day, with tea (not hot and not very strong). Effect of taking: calming effect, reduction blood pressure, getting rid of headaches, improving sleep.
Infusions for colds and flu
Infusion of flowers. Pour 2 teaspoons of dried flowers or 3 fresh flowers into 0.5 liters of boiling water. After 20-30 minutes, strain and drink. Drink 3 glasses of infusion a day.
An infusion of dried roots, leaves and flowers. Grind the leaves and roots of Echinacea separately into powder. Then take 1 teaspoon of ready-made powders and 3 dried flowers, pour 0.5 liters of boiling water over it all. After 40-60 minutes, the infusion can be filtered and it is ready for use. To treat colds, drink this remedy 3 times a day, 1 glass, and for prevention during the cold season, it is enough to drink one glass a day.
A decoction for stomach ulcers and to relieve joint pain
Pour 1 tablespoon of crushed dry echinacea leaves into 0.5 liters of boiling water and place in a water bath for 10 minutes. After this, it is necessary for the broth to infuse for 20-30 minutes. You need to take this remedy 100 ml before meals, 3 times a day. In addition to its therapeutic effect on the stomach and joints, the decoction has a beneficial effect on eye health.
Alcohol tincture
Alcohol tincture of Echinacea gives a good healing effect and can be used to combat the most various diseases, For example:
- cold;
- low immunity;
- cystitis;
- nephritis;
- gastritis and stomach ulcers;
- hepatitis;
- prostatitis, adenoma;
- gynecological inflammation;
- side effects of chemotherapy;
- burns;
- eczema and psoriasis;
- bedsores.
You can prepare the tincture yourself as follows: take dry crushed leaves and flowers (or chop fresh ones very finely) and pour alcohol or vodka in a ratio of 1:10. The product is infused for 10-15 days, and the tincture should be taken 3 times a day before meals, 25-30 drops.
Growing Echinacea
Echinacea can be grown in your personal apothecary garden without much difficulty. For medicinal purposes it is better to use flowers, they are more saturated biological substances. But in general, all parts of the plant are considered medicinal. Half a flower basket can be brewed with tea and drunk throughout the day to boost immunity.
The timing of collecting echinacea for medicinal purposes is related to the time of flowering of the central shoot. Purple baskets need to be harvested 6-7 days after blooming. By the way, the petals of Echinacea at the very beginning of flowering are located horizontally, and as the inflorescence matures, they begin to descend downward, becoming denser and heavier. This allows you to determine the age of flowers by appearance.
Decorativeness
Echinacea is grown in gardens not only as a medicine. This flower is a real decoration of the site. In 1997, the owner of one of the Dutch nurseries discovered an unusual echinacea flower. Instead of the usual tubular flowers, its prickly cone was dotted with bright pink petals. It was terry echinacea. At first, amateur gardeners did not attach much importance to the discovery, and even wanted to give up growing this variety. But chance intervened. The flower caught the eye of Mark van Noort, a famous Dutch breeder, after which terry echinacea was appreciated. Today, terry varieties are grown in monoflower beds, and they look amazing there. The only drawback of this type is the heaviness of the inflorescence, so the plant needs additional supports.
Breeders are still working on new varieties of Echinacea today. Plants with yellow, white and orange petals have already appeared. Echinacea blooms for a long time, and one flower can delight with its decorative effect for up to 3 weeks, and the entire plant for up to 3 months. It blooms in mid-summer and retains its ceremonial appearance even in autumn.
Features of cultivation
The plant has fairly large seeds; they can be embedded in the soil 2-3 cm deep. These are optimal conditions for maintaining the required humidity. The light brown or yellowish seeds can be stored for 3 years.
It is better to plant Echinacea on sunny place, although it can tolerate partial shade. In open space it reveals its properties better. In an unshaded area, Echinacea will have a powerful stem and flower, but in the shade it will not produce abundant flowering.
It is very important to support the plant in the first year of growing season. During this period, it develops slowly: from the moment of seed germination (emergence of seedlings) to the state of active vegetation (when a dense rosette of leaves is formed) it can take up to 2 months. During this time, weeds will appear that will interfere with the development of young shoots, so you will have to fight the pest herbs.
Before planting a plantation, the soil must be made fertile using organic fertilizers. Echinacea is a perennial plant and will be needed in the future nutrients. If you cut off the buds, the nutrients will accumulate in the roots, and then they can be used for medicinal purposes. And if Echinacea is grown to decorate the garden, then let it bloom and please the eye with the purple hue of its petals.
P.S. Echinacea is beneficial in all ways. In the flower garden it always looks decorative, even when it fades. And on their own medicinal properties it is comparable to an entire first aid kit.
