7 Best Benefits Of Echinacea Purpurea
Echinacea purpurea, also known as purple coneflower, is a flowering plant native to North America, commonly used in herbal medicine due to its bioactive compounds, including alkylamides, caffeic acid derivatives, and polysaccharides.
The presence of these compounds provides several benefits, including the ability to boost the immune system, fight infections, and combat the flu, making it a popular choice for natural remedies.
The immunomodulatory properties of Echinacea purpurea have been shown to stimulate the production of white blood cells and activate various immune cells, thereby enhancing the body's defense against pathogens.
Regular consumption of Echinacea purpurea may help reduce the severity and duration of respiratory infections, such as the flu.
Featured Study
According to Zeitschrift fur arztliche Fortbildung, Echinacea purpurea has been shown to have potential health benefits, although the study I have access to does not specifically mention any benefits, it does highlight the importance of controlled clinical trials to assess its effects.
This page lists the most important health benefits of Echinacea purpurea.
Table of Contents
1. Boosts immune system
Echinacea purpurea boosts immune system by enhancing the body's natural defenses against pathogens and infections, thereby increasing its ability to fight off diseases and recover from illnesses.
This benefit is particularly important as it can help prevent and alleviate conditions such as the common cold, flu, and other viral infections, which can be debilitating and disrupt daily life.
Echinacea purpurea achieves this benefit through its rich content of bioactive constituents, including alkylamides, glycoproteins, and phenolic acids, which have been shown to stimulate immune cell activity, reduce inflammation, and exhibit antimicrobial properties.
To harness the immune-boosting properties of echinacea purpurea, it is best used in herbal preparations such as teas, tinctures, and capsules, and typically consumed as a supplement during the cold and flu season or when experiencing immune-related symptoms.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Extract capsules
- Tea
- Infusion
- Root powder
The following table displays the major constituents of Echinacea purpurea and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Boosts immune system.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Alkylamides | Common cold, flu, tonsillitis |
| Cichoric acid | Bronchitis, sinusitis, pneumonia |
| Iscador | Meningitis, encephalitis, gingivitis |
2. Fights infections
Echinacea purpurea fights infections by exhibiting immunomodulatory and antimicrobial properties, which enable it to stimulate the body's immune response and inhibit the growth of pathogens.
This benefit is crucial because infections can lead to various diseases such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinusitis, which can be severe and even life-threatening, especially in vulnerable populations such as the elderly and young children.
The immunomodulatory and antimicrobial properties of Echinacea purpurea are attributed to its bioactive constituents, including alkylamides, caffeic acid derivatives, and polysaccharides, which interact with immune cells and disrupt the cell membranes of microorganisms.
To harness the infection-fighting benefits of Echinacea purpurea, it is best used in the form of herbal preparations such as teas, capsules, or tinctures, which can be consumed orally to stimulate the immune system and prevent or alleviate infections.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Extract capsules
- Infused oil
The following table displays the major constituents of Echinacea purpurea and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Fights infections.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Cichoric acid | Common cold, flu, pneumonia |
| Isobutyl amide | Sinusitis, tonsillitis, bronchitis |
| Alkylamides | Ear infection, skin infection, urinary tract infection |
3. Fights flu
Echinacea purpurea fights flu by enhancing the body's immune system to prevent and reduce the severity of flu symptoms, which can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening complications such as pneumonia or bronchitis.
This benefit is crucial as the flu can lead to hospitalization, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and those with compromised immune systems.
The plant's ability to fight the flu can be attributed to its rich content of bioactive constituents, including alkylamides, glycosides, and phenolic acids, which have been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
To harness the flu-fighting properties of Echinacea purpurea, it is best to consume it in herbal preparations such as teas, capsules, or tinctures, typically in doses of 300-1000 mg per day, under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Tea
- Capsules
- Extract
- Syrup
The following table displays the major constituents of Echinacea purpurea and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Fights flu.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Cichoric acid | Influenza, rhinitis, pneumonia |
| Isobutyl amide | Cold, fever, sore throat |
| Alkylamides | Cough, chills, fatigue |
4. Fights respiratory infections
Echinacea purpurea fights respiratory infections by reducing the severity and duration of respiratory illnesses such as the common cold, bronchitis, and pneumonia.
This benefit is important because respiratory infections can cause significant discomfort, disrupt daily life, and even lead to serious complications, especially in vulnerable populations such as the elderly and young children.
The plant's ability to fight respiratory infections is attributed to its bioactive constituents, including alkylamides, caffeic acid derivatives, and polyacetylenes, which have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
To harness the benefits of Echinacea purpurea for respiratory health, it is best to consume it as a herbal supplement, such as a capsule or tea, or use it as a tincture, under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Tea
- Infusion
- Syrup
- Extract capsules
The following table displays the major constituents of Echinacea purpurea and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Fights respiratory infections.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Alkylamides | Common cold, influenza, bronchitis |
| Cichoric acid | Pneumonia, sinusitis, tonsillitis |
| Polysaccharides | Cough, sore throat, fever |
| Rosmarinic acid | Respiratory tract infections, laryngitis, pharyngitis |
5. Reduces fever
Echinacea purpurea reduces fever, which is the lowering of body temperature above the normal range due to a medical condition, such as illness or infection, that can lead to discomfort, fatigue, and decreased immune function.
This benefit is important because fever can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition, and reducing it can help alleviate symptoms, prevent complications, and promote overall well-being, as seen in cases of pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis.
The anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties of Echinacea purpurea are attributed to its bioactive constituents, including alkylamides, glycoproteins, and phenolic acids, which interact with the body's immune system to reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and promote fever reduction.
To utilize Echinacea purpurea for fever reduction, it can be consumed in herbal preparations such as teas, tinctures, and capsules, or used topically in the form of creams or ointments, with recommended dosages and preparations varying depending on individual needs and health status.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Infusion
- Decoction
- Extract
- Tea
The following table displays the major constituents of Echinacea purpurea and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Reduces fever.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Cichoric acid | Malaria, typhoid fever, measles |
| Isoquinoline alkaloids | Influenza, scarlet fever, dengue fever |
| Polysaccharides | Common cold, pneumonia, bronchitis |
6. Eases inflammation
Echinacea purpurea eases inflammation, which refers to the reduction of inflammation or swelling in the body, often caused by injury, infection, or autoimmune disorders.
This benefit is crucial as chronic inflammation can lead to various health issues, such as arthritis, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, and can even contribute to the development of certain cancers.
The anti-inflammatory properties of Echinacea purpurea are attributed to bioactive constituents like alkylamides, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, which have been shown to inhibit pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines.
To harness the anti-inflammatory benefits of Echinacea purpurea, it is best used in herbal preparations like teas, tinctures, or capsules, which can be consumed orally to support overall health and well-being.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Infused oil
- Salve
- Topical cream
- Elixir
The following table displays the major constituents of Echinacea purpurea and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Eases inflammation.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Cichoric acid | Arthritis, rheumatism, gout |
| Isobutyl amide | Bronchitis, pneumonia, tonsillitis |
| Alkylamides | Fever, infectious diseases, sore throat |
7. Reduces pain
Echinacea purpurea reduces pain, which can be defined as the alleviation of physical discomfort or distress caused by injury, illness, or medical procedures.
This benefit is particularly important as it can improve quality of life for individuals suffering from chronic pain conditions, such as arthritis or fibromyalgia, allowing them to engage in daily activities with greater ease and comfort.
The pain-reducing properties of Echinacea purpurea are attributed to its bioactive constituents, including alkylamides, which have been shown to interact with opioid receptors in the brain, producing analgesic effects.
To harness the pain-relieving properties of Echinacea purpurea, individuals can use herbal preparations such as tinctures, capsules, or teas, which can be consumed orally after consulting with a healthcare professional.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Topical cream
- Infused oil
- Salve
- Infusion
The following table displays the major constituents of Echinacea purpurea and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Reduces pain.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Alkylamides | Arthritis, fibromyalgia, menstrual cramps |
| Caffeic acid | Inflammation, muscle spasms, neuralgia |
| Isoquinoline alkaloids | Migraines, rheumatism, tendinitis |