what does echinacea do?

Answer 1

echinacea powerfully supports the body's natural defenses by enhancing white blood cell functions

Answer 2

Some species of Echinacea, notably E. purpurea, E. angustifolia, and E. pallida, are grown as ornamental plants in gardens. Appropriate species are used in prairie restorations. Some species are used by domestic stock for forage; an abundance of these plants on rangeland supposedly indicates "good health".
North American Plains Indians, perhaps more than most other plant for various herbal remedies. In the 1930's "Echinacea" became popular in both Europe and America as a folk medicine. Echinacea has been attributed with the ability to boost the body's immune system and ward off infections, particularily the common cold. Depending on which species is used, herbal medicinals can be prepared from the above-ground parts and/or the root. It is not known which of echinacea's many chemical components might be responsible for its touted health benefits, although all species possess compounds of a chemical class called phenols (as do most other plants). Cichoric and caftaric acids are phenols that are present in E. purpurea; echinacoside is a phenol found in higher levels within E. angustifolia and E. pallida roots. When making herbal remedies, these
phenols can serve as markers to evaluate the quantity of echinacea in the product. Other constituents that may be important include alkamides and polysaccharides.

A medical study by Taylor et al. (2003) demonstrated that echinacea products made from the entire plant (not just the root), and taken after the second cold symptom appeared, provided no measurable beneficial effect for children in treating the severity or duration of symptoms caused by the common cold virus. Studies by the University of Virginia School of Medicine (Turner, 2005) confirmed these results, and added that Echinacea had no clinically significant effects on the common cold even if taken immediately upon infection, or as a prophylaxis starting a week prior to symptoms of infection.

Echinacea herbals should not be taken by persons with progressive systemic and auto-immune disorders such as tuberculosis, leicosis,

Answer 3

"Echinacea is thought to serve as a stimulant to the body's immune system by activating white blood cells, whereby making it more difficult for foreign bodies to infect cells. Echinacea is one of the most popular herbal remedies for respiratory infections. Echinacea's positive effects on the immune system have also been studied extensively for cancer and AIDS patients. Some researchers believe that stimulating immune function actually may cause cancers and AIDS to progress faster, while others find a disease-relieving effect from using Echinacea. Some evidence from other clinical studies appears to indicate that Echinacea may have antiviral and antifungal effects, possibly adding to its infection fighting ability. However, Echinacea's use in all of these conditions needs further study before it can be recommended."

Answer 4

All of the above answers are accurate except for "taken on a regular basis." Echinacea is not a long-term drug. It loses its efficaciousness when taken over a long period. It should be used at the first sign of illness but never for longer than 2 weeks at a time. I find that a day or two of intense therapy, in conjunction with massive doses of Vitamin C and a zinc lozenge, is all I need to ward off a cold.

Answer 5

Echinacea (Echinacea Angustofolia, Purpapera, Pallida) is an excellent herb for all kinds of viral & bacterial infections, strengthens the immune system against pathogenic infection by stimulating phagocytosis & T-Cell formation, blood cleansing properties, acne, bronchitis, colds & flu, congestion, psoriasis, tonsillitis, wounds, ear infections and stimulates the immune system.

Answer 6

It is purported to have anti viral properties and should be taken either at the on set to winter when coughs and colds begin to surface or on the onset of a cold.

It should be noted that recent studies have suggested there is not as much credence as once thought in echinacea's anti viral powers. However, many people swear by it.

Answer 7

Echinacea helps to boost your immune system. Vitamin C can do the same thing. People often take one or both to help fight off colds.

Answer 8

It is a natural plant extract which helps to boost the bodies natural defence systems. You can buy the item in all sorts of forms tablets, drops, elixhirs. Whatever you do though, don't by the tea! with my experience it is like drinking grey knats pee. Apart from the strange looks people give you it smells and tastes gross.

Answer 9

Taken on a regular basis it helps ward off viruses such as the common cold, it builds up your immune system.

Answer 10

It's a German pink daisy bitter dilution which enhances the immune system.