ECHINACEA

Botanical: Echinacea angustifolia; E. purpurea; E. pallida

Synonyms: American Coneflower, Kansas Snake Root,

Purple Coneflower, Missouri Snake Root. Scurvy Root.
The name Echinacea comes form the Greek echinos,
meaning hedgehog.

Family: Asteraceae (Daisy family). Formerly Compositae.

[See Calendula notes for other family members.]

Habitat: Native to Midwest North America, from Saskatchewan to Texas. A perennial herb.

History, Folklore & Traditional Use:

M. Grieve (1931): “Echinacea increases bodily resistance to infection and is used for boils,
erysipelas, septicaemia, cancer, syphilis and other impurities of the blood, its action being
antiseptic. It has also useful properties as a strong alterative and aphrodisiac. As an injection, the
extract has been used for haemorrhoids and a tincture of the fresh root has been found beneficial
in diphtheria and putrid fevers.”
Wood (2009): Echinacea is one of the most important remedies of the plains Indians, being one of
the ‘snake medicines’ used to treat snake bites, insect bites and various kinds of blood
poisonings. The American Eclectic physicians of the 1800s defined Echinacea broadly as a
remedy for ‘bad blood’. Also used to treat sore throats and toothaches.
The Eclectic physician John King and the pharmacist John Uri Lloyd reluctantly tested it and to
their surprise found a valuable medicine (Winston & Kuhn 2008).

Taste: Sweet, cool and strongly diffusive

Tissue State: Cold/ Depression & Heat/ Irritation (Wood 2009).

Parts Used Medicinally: The fresh root (E. angustifolia; E. purpurea) and the cone of E.
purpurea (Winston & Kuhn 2008).

Active Constituents: (Kuhn & Winston 2008; Mills & Bone 2000):
No single active constituent has been identified as being responsible for Echinacea’s medicinal
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activity. Its numerous constituents all contribute to its activity
Caffeic acid derivatives – increase phagocytosis (most active in the flowering heads of E.
purpurea)
 Echinacosides, antioxidants, chlorogenic acid, chicoric acid
 Stimulate phagocytosis, increase leukocyte activity
 Increase macrophage activity, increase T-cell activity and interferon
 Has weak activity against E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and
Streptococcus sp.
 Inhibit hyaluronidase activity, thus limiting degenerative inflammatory disease & spread of viruses
Lipophilic components
 Alkylamides – enhance phagocytosis, inhibit oedema, & enhance wound healing
 Echinacein – pungent component; a complex isobutylamide
 Unsaturated alkyl ketones or isobutylamides – inhibit leukaemic cells
 Polyacetylenes (found in E. pallida roots) – cytotoxic, inhibits inflammatory cytokines.

D-acidic arabinogalactin polysaccharide

 As an injectable, stimulates B-lymphocyte proliferation, T-
lymphocytes, beta-interferon, and tumour necrosis factor
Decreases activity of herpes simplex virus-1 & influenza A.

Primary nutrients:
None known.

Body System Affinity: LYMPH & BLOOD.

Low-grade, toxic, septic conditions. hot, irritated histaminy
conditions (Wood 2009)
Herbal Actions: (Bone 2003; Wood 1997)
 Immune modulating  Vulnerary
 Immune enhancing  Lymphatic
 Depurative (Alterative)  Sialogogue
 Antiinflammatory  Diffusive

Therapeutic Application/ Medicinal Physiological Mode(s) of Action:

Use: (Bone 2003; Kuhn & Winston 2008; Wood (1997): “Echinacea posses a unique taste. It is
Wood 1997, 2009; McIntyre 1996) sweet, cool and strongly diffusive (or tingling &
Treating & preventing upper numbing) – it imparts a strong, tingling impression on
respiratory tract infections; the tongue, indicating an immediate and powerful
effect on the nervous system. The diffusives in
Treating & preventing infections in
herbalism (eg. Lobelia, Prickly Ash, Bayberry,
general;
Cayenne) tend to pick certain areas where they act
Enhancing immune response in most strongly – with Echinacea it is the lymph and
healthy individuals; blood.
Nasopharyngeal catarrh, respiratory As a diffusive with an emphasis on the lymphatic
catarrh, chronic bronchitis; system and blood, Echinacea acts predominantly on
Abscess, boils, poorly healing low states of fever with exhaustion, lymphatic
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wounds, furunculosis, eczema, sluggishness and septic materials in the bloodstream.
psoriasis, mouth ulcers, venomous The most characteristic symptoms are pimples and
bites, skin & glandular inflammations. boils, dirty, dull skin tone, swelling and purple colour of
To prevent and treat the common the veins or tongue, exhaustion, dullness of the mind
cold – may decrease the chances of and sensorium, swollen glands, and tired, dull eyes.
getting a cold and decrease its The fever is continuous, not punctuated by intermittent
severity. chills, and may be high or low – but usually the latter.

 Officially approved in Germany for
treating colds, influenza & upper
respiratory infection
 But clinical trial results are
contradictory and confusing. This
could be because it has a specific
sphere of action that is not relevant
to everybody. Also, it was not
traditionally used in this way (Wood
2008).
As a supportive remedy for otitis
media, sinusitis, bronchitis, cystitis,
prostatitis, tonsillitis & laryngitis
The tincture or decoction may be
used as a gargle/ mouthwash in the
treatment of sore throats, pyorrhoea
and gingivitis.
It may be used as an external lotion
to help septic sores and cuts,
wounds, ulcers, burns, stings and
bites.
A douche for a wide range of vaginal
infections.
Its cooling effect on the skin is quite pleasant in hot
conditions.”
McIntyre (1996): Echinacea has an antibiotic ands
antifungal effect, an interferon-like antiviral action and
an anti-allergenic action. This means it can be taken at
the first signs of sore throats, colds, chest infections,
tonsillitis, glandular fever as well as for candida and
post-viral fatigue syndrome
It stimulates the circulation and stimulates
sweating, helping to bring down fevers.
As a blood cleanser it helps to clear the skin of
infections, and helps relieve allergies such as
urticaria and eczema.
Hoffman: “This all points to the conclusion that
Echinacea’s actions relate to immune system
functioning on some level, helping deal with infections
and stimulating the immune response. It activates the
macrophages that destroy both cancerous cells and
pathogens, increases the level of phagocytosis by
raising levels of white blood cells such as the
neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils, and B
lymphocytes. It also has an effect on properidin levels,
indication an activation of the complement system.”

Hoffman: “Echinacea is one of the primary remedies for helping the body rid itself of microbial
infections. It is often effective against both bacterial and viral attacks, and may be used in
conditions such as boils, septicaemia and similar infections. In conjunction with other herbs it may
be used for any infection anywhere in the body (for example in combination with Yarrow or
Bearberry it can effectively stop cystitis).”
It is especially useful for infections of the upper respiratory tract such as laryngitis, tonsillitis and
for catarrhal conditions of the nose and sinus. In general it may be used widely and safely.

Constitution/ Complexion: (Wood 2009)

Broken down and weak constitutions. Run down from overwork/ overstudy. Can’t take a rest.

Mental/ Emotional:
Wood (1997): “Echinacea is an excellent remedy for
exhausted, prostrated, tired people who have been run
down by too much work or study. I call it the “farmer’s
remedy”, because it is indicated for people who just can’t
take a rest, have to work hard, through a season, and
then fall sick, prostrated, when they get a little vacation. It
could just as well be called the “student’s remedy”, or
even a medicine for poor work habits.
People who are ‘worked to the bone’; when they finally
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As a Flower essence (McIntyre 1996):
Used for those who feel shattered by severe trauma in their lives (cf. Asteraceae family
theme). They may feel profoundly alienated, unable to contact that inner place of strength and
calm. It helps to bring about a sense of calmness, and greater resilience when under
enormous stress.
Homeopathic provings of E. angustifolia (Murphy 2001): “So nervous could not study. Slowness in
every action – speaks slowly, replies slowly, walks slowly. Confused feeling of the brain.
Confused, depressed or crossed. Becomes angry when corrected, does not wish to be
contradicted. Cannot exert mind. Does not wish to think or study. Felt depressed and much out of
sorts. Angry when corrected, worse when contradicted.”

Formulations:
Sinusitis/ colds: in combination with Thuja & Baptisia (Bone 2003).
Mediherb produce a popular product which is a mix of Echinacea angustifolia & E. angustifolia
and Andrographis for the general symptoms of colds and flus.
Throat inflammations/ septic sore throat: Calendula, Echinacea & Myrrh.

Compare:
Baptisia (Wild Indigo) – septic fevers (eg. typhoid), septic conditions of the blood, fatigue.
Echinacea’s closest analogue.
Astragalus, Andrographis, Olive Leaf, Yarrow, Liquorice, Thyme, Elecampane, Calendula,
Thuja, Red Clover and others.

Contraindications: Bone (2003) states that there is no conclusive evidence that using
Echinacea for long periods is detrimental or that it is contraindication in disorders such as
autoimmune disease, allergies & asthma. However, Wood (1997) considers that it is best not
used as a ‘daily immune support’, that it should be used when needed, then discontinued (on the
basis that the aim of treatment is to help the immune system support itself, not to provide a
crutch). This is in line with traditional indications.
Cautions:
Known allergy to other members of the Asteraceae family (Bone 2003).
Transplant patients taking immunosuppressive drugs – short-term therapy only is suggested
(Bone 2003).
Allergic reactions, mainly contact dermatitis, may occur rarely in susceptible patients
susceptible to Echinacea aerial parts and plants from the Asteraceae family. The likelihood of
Echinacea root extracts causing allergy is very low (Bone 2003).

Herb/ Drug Interactions:

Unknown (Kuhn & Winston 2008).

Pregnancy/ Lactation: No adverse effects expected (Bone 2003; Winston & Kuhn 2008).

Dosage (Bone 2003):

3-6ml of 1:2 extract per day = 20-40ml of 1:2 extract per week
the same dose applies to a liquid blend of E. angustifolia & E. purpurea roots.

Other Comments/ Observations/ Insights:

Echinacea is often inappropriately used as a daily ‘immune support’. This is a misuse of the herb:
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it is best only used when needed, then discontinued (Wood 2009). The aim of treatment is to help
the immune system support itself, not to rely on external agents.

Doctrine of Signatures (Wood 1997):

The doctrine of signatures also points to the properties of
Echinacea. The flower petals are coloured indigo-purple at the
outer edges, changing to an intense red-purple towards the
centre. The colour indigo is a signature for septic fevers. The
reddish tint towards the inside of the petal reminds one of
‘histaminic irritation’. This indicated the application of Echinacea in
inflammation, both in septic and irritated cases.
Inside the petals we find the inflorescence, a black mound which
has been likened to a boil or pimple. A constitutional tendency to
the production of boils is a highly characteristic indication for this
remedy. The black colour also indicates the necrotic tendencies.

The dark green leaves give way to the dark reddish tint in the stems. This is often a signature for
septic infection of the blood – Echinacea is well indicated when there are swollen veins in the
arms or legs. Purple-reddish tint in stems often indicates the presence of iron, copper and cobalt
– and alterative properties of the herb (eg. Dandelion, Plantain, Yellow Dock).
Plants featuring black colour are unusual in the plant world – it is a signature for necrotic
tendencies. Examples of such plants in herbalism are:
Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa), Wild Indigo (Baptisia tinctoria), Squawvine (Mitchella
repens).
Echinacea was traditionally known as a ‘snake herb’. It was used widely as a remedy for snake,
spider and insect bites in North American aboriginal medicine. Again this is a signature for blood-
poisoning (what snake venom does), and that the herb cleanses the blood and the lymphatics.
References:
Bone, K. 2003. A Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs. Elsevier Health Sciences.
Kuhn, M. & Winston, D. 2008. Herbal Therapy & Supplements: A Scientific and Traditional Approach..
2nd Edition. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
McIntyre, A. 1996. Complete Floral Healer. Hodder & Stoughton.
Hoffman, D. Echinacea monograph. HealthWorld online.
Wood, M. 1997. The Book of Herbal Wisdom. North Atlantic Books.
Wood, M. 2009. The Earthwise Herbal: A Complete Guide to New World Medicinal Plants. North
Atlantic Books.
Murphy, R. 2001. Homeopathic Remedy Guide. Indian Books and Periodicals Publishers.