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Echinacea

EchinaceaWhen it comes to boosting immunity and fighting seasonal infections like colds and flu, nothing compares to Echinacea Root. It is one of the most popular herbal extracts that is derived from a flowering plant.

Echinacea has many unique bioactive compounds, which makes it so good at boosting immunity and helping fight infections and inflammation. It is rich in alkamides, polysaccharides, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, glycoproteins, and more. Echinacea reduces inflammation, stimulates the immune system, and has antiviral properties.1

Health Benefits of Echinacea

  • Supporting Immune Function and Seasonal Health

    One of the most well-established benefits of Echinacea is its ability to boost the immune system, particularly during cold and flu season. By enhancing the activity of key immune cells, such as macrophages, natural killer cells, and T-lymphocytes, Echinacea helps the body respond more effectively to viral and bacterial infections. This immune-enhancing effect makes Echinacea a popular choice for those looking to reduce the severity and duration of seasonal infections like colds, flu, and other respiratory issues.2

  • Anti-inflammatory Properties

    Inflammation is a natural part of the body’s immune response, but chronic inflammation can lead to a variety of health problems. Echinacea is good for reducing both acute and chronic inflammation. Alkamides in Echinacea help regulate inflammatory pathways by inhibiting the activity of certain enzymes that produce pro-inflammatory molecules, such as cyclooxygenase (COX). This inhibition can help alleviate inflammation in conditions like arthritis, allergies, and other inflammatory disorders.3

  • Relieving Respiratory Issues and Enhancing Recovery

    Echinacea’s role in supporting respiratory health goes beyond its immune-boosting effects. It also helps soothe irritated respiratory tissues and reduces inflammation in the airways. Echinacea can help alleviate symptoms such as sore throat, cough, and congestion by reducing inflammation in the mucous membranes and enhancing mucus clearance.4

  • Helps Maintain Blood Sugar

    Recent studies show that Echinacea is also good for those living with diabetes. It helps lower inflammation and reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications. However, some early studies show that it may even help lower blood sugar levels and exert an antihypertensive effect. This means that it may also have a role in reducing the risk of diabetes-related complications.5
  • Helps Reduce Anxiety

    Although Echinacea has long been known to help fight seasonal infections and boost immunity, recent studies show that it may also help stabilise mood and reduce stress. Echinacea is especially good for managing mood disorders like anxiety. Clinical studies show that its regular use for a few weeks may provide significant benefits.6

Apart from the above benefits, Echinacea is also a potent antioxidant that helps lower inflammation and reduce the risk of chronic ailments. Echinacea may also have a role in antiaging programs.6

Echinacea Side Effects

Echinacea is quite a popular supplement and therefore it has been subject to many clinical studies. Hence, one can confidently say that it does not appear to have any severe side effects apart from individual intolerance. Studies show that the chances of side effects from Echinacea are similar to those of a placebo.6

Properties

  • Allergies3
  • Anti-Aging6
  • Anti-Bacterial2
  • Anti-Inflammatory1,3
  • Antiviral1
  • Anxiety6
  • Arthritis3
  • Cold Symptom Reduction2
  • Cough4
  • Diabetes / Blood Sugar5
  • High in / Good Levels of Flavonoids1
  • High in / Good Levels of Phenolic Compounds1
  • High in / Good Levels of Polysaccharides1
  • Hypertension5
  • Immune Booster1, 2
  • Influenza Symptom Reduction2
  • Mood Stabilising6
  • Mucus Reduction4
  • Respiratory Support2,4

References:

  1. Manayi A, Vazirian M, Saeidnia S. Echinacea purpurea: Pharmacology, phytochemistry and analysis methods. Pharmacognosy Reviews. 2015 Jun;9(17):63.
  2. Karsch‐Völk M, Barrett B, Kiefer D, Bauer R, Ardjomand‐Woelkart K, Linde K. Echinacea for preventing and treating the common cold. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2014 Feb 20;2014(2):CD000530.
  3. Sharma M, Schoop R, Hudson JB. Echinacea as an anti-inflammatory agent: the influence of physiologically relevant parameters. Phytother Res. 2009 Jun;23(6):863–7.
  4. David S, Cunningham R. Echinacea for the prevention and treatment of upper respiratory tract infections: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Med. 2019 Jun;44:18–26.
  5. Chiou SY, Sung JM, Huang PW, Lin SD. Antioxidant, Antidiabetic, and Antihypertensive Properties of Echinacea purpurea Flower Extract and Caffeic Acid Derivatives Using In Vitro Models. J Med Food. 2017 Feb;20(2):171–9.
  6. Haller J, Krecsak L, Zámbori J. Double-blind placebo controlled trial of the anxiolytic effects of a standardized Echinacea extract. Phytother Res. 2020 Mar;34(3):660–8.