Echinacea: Its benefits, forms, and side effects
What is Echinacea?
Echinacea is a group of flowering plants belonging to the Daisy family. These plants are native to the prairies and open grasslands of North America. The group includes nine species, but only three are commonly used in herbal supplements:
Echinacea is also known as coneflower and is distinguished by its unique appearance, with a cone-shaped seed head surrounded by petals that are pink or purple, depending on the species.
Typically, all parts of the plant, including the roots, are used for their various health benefits. These benefits include reducing inflammation, boosting immune function, and lowering blood sugar levels.
What are the Benefits of Echinacea?
Echinacea has several benefits, including:
Boosting the Immune System: Echinacea may help strengthen and enhance the immune system, which can be useful in cases of cold or flu. Some evidence suggests that taking Echinacea may reduce the duration and severity of colds, though its clinical significance might be limited. It is best to avoid use in people with immune system disorders or those taking immune-suppressing medications.
Reducing Anxiety: Although evidence is limited, Echinacea might help reduce anxiety due to compounds such as alkylamides, rosmarinic acid, and caffeic acid. Some studies have shown that taking 40 mg of Echinacea extract twice daily for a week may decrease feelings of anxiety.
Alleviating Eczema Symptoms: Using an Echinacea extract cream may help alleviate symptoms of eczema, such as redness, itching, swelling, and dryness when used for 12 weeks. Its effectiveness when used alongside steroid creams for eczema has not been proven.
Potential Additional Benefits: While evidence is limited for other conditions, Echinacea may improve health in cases such as:
Forms of Echinacea Extracts
Echinacea can be found in various forms, including:
Side Effects of Echinacea
Echinacea is relatively safe for short-term use, but its long-term effects are unknown. Potential side effects may include:
These symptoms are more common in individuals who are allergic to other types of flowers.
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