Echinacea Angustifolia – Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Composition, And More

What is Echinacea Angustifolia?

Echinacea angustifolia, or narrow-leaved echinacea, is a flowering plant of the Asteraceae family native to North America. This herb has been used as a medicine since time immemorial, especially by Native Indians.

Echinacea Angustifolia, commonly used in the modern world, is best known for enhancing the immune system and enabling the treatment of colds and flu. It also has other compounds like polysaccharides and alkamides that explain the reason for this effect, and it is an antioxidant.

The plant can be used in extracts, tinctures, and capsules, among other forms. It is considered safe for short-term use; however, pregnant women should avoid it, as it may result in side effects like nausea or allergy.

Echinacea Angustifolia Chemical Constituents

Echinacea angustifolia contains a variety of biologically active chemical constituents that contribute to its medicinal properties. Key components include:

• Alkamides: These are the primary active compounds in Echinacea angustifolia, particularly isobutylamides, which are believed to enhance immune function.
• Polysaccharides: These complex carbohydrates play a crucial role in stimulating the immune system and providing anti-inflammatory effects.
• Caffeic Acid Derivatives: Compounds such as chicoric acid are present, which have antioxidant properties and may help in reducing inflammation.
• Volatile Oils: This plant has essential oils such as pentadecadiene and pentadecene, which makes it aromatic.
• Glycoproteins: These proteins are involved in just about any biological process, including immune response regulation.
• Phenolic Compounds: Echinacea angustifolia also contains flavonoids and other phenolic acids that aid in its antioxidant properties.
• Keto Alkenes and Polyacetylenes: These compounds may have extra therapeutic effects because, compared to alkamides and polysaccharides, they have been explored considerably less.

Echinacea Angustifolia Preparation

To harness the benefits of Echinacea angustifolia, it is important to prepare the plant correctly. Here is a simple, step-by-step method to prepare Echinacea angustifolia extract;

1. Collecting and Grinding the Plant: Start by gathering Echinacea angustifolia plants. Wash and dry them thoroughly. Then, grind the whole plant to make a fine powder.
2. First Extraction: Take the ground plant material and add it to a solution of 40-80% ethanol. This solution will help extract active chemicals from the plant. Heat the mixture for about 1-2 hours, allowing the ethanol to work effectively. Once it has heated up, filter the mixture to remove the solid residue and liquid (filtrate).
3. Second Extraction: To ensure all active compounds are extracted, take the solid residue from the first extraction and repeat the process. Add another batch of 40-80% ethanol, heat for 1-2 hours, and then filter again.
4. Combining Filtrates: Combine the filtrates from both extractions. This mixture now contains the concentrated active compounds of Echinacea angustifolia.
5. Concentrating the Extract: To concentrate the extract, reduce the pressure of the combined filtrates. This step removes excess ethanol, leaving behind a thick, concentrated extract.
6. Vacuum Drying: Finally, dry the concentrated extract under vacuum conditions. This procedure eliminates all residual moisture, leaving a dry, pure extract of Echinacea angustifolia suitable for use.

Echinacea Angustifolia Mother Tincture

Echinacea angustifolia mother tincture is a widely used herbal remedy known for its protective properties. Many people turn to it to prevent infections and speed up healing. This tincture is made from the fresh root of Echinacea angustifolia, harvested in winter. The preparation process is simple yet effective.

1. Harvesting and Preparing the Plant: During the winter, get new roots of Echinacea angustifolia. Ideally, these roots should still be used fresh because drying them can strip them of many of their health benefits.
2. Choosing the Solvent: Next, make a hydroalcoholic solution. This is an optimal solution made from water and alcohol. The alcohol content should be 60 – 80 %, depending on the solubility of the active ingredients present in the preparation.
3. Extracting the Active Ingredients: Mix the fresh roots with the hydroalcoholic solution in a ratio of 1:10 of mass (part of the root to 10 parts of solvent). Depending on the desired yield, use percolation or maceration to extract the active constituents. Solvent percolation is the slow movement of the solvent throughout and through the plant material, and solvent marcation is subjecting the plant material to a long standing in the solvent.
4. Filtering the Extract: To dispose of the solid plant debris, filter the mixture after the extraction process. From the above extraction kinetics, we can see the extraction efficiency increases with increasing agitation speed up to 1200rpm. This step then results in the filtering of the plant’s compounds into a clear liquid that resides on top of the alcohol.
5. Alcohol-Free Tincture Option: In an alcohol-free medium, vegetable glycerin is used as a solvent other than alcohol. This method, called hydroglyceric maceration, involves the same plant-to-solvent ratio of 1:10. As for glycerin, the extraction efficacy is lower than alcohol. Therefore, it is possible to use ultrasonic extraction. In this technique, the plant undergoes sound waves that help extract active ingredients from the plant.
6. Ultrasonic Extraction: Ultrasonic extraction is a modern, clean, and quick technique for preparing Echinacea Angustifolia homeopathic mother tincture. In this process, sound waves help dismantle the plant material and release the commodities encased in it. By this method, high-quality, alcohol-free tinctures are prepared rapidly and effectively with no intervention of the problem.

Benefits of Echinacea Angustifolia

Majorly used for its healing properties, Echinacea angustifolia also boosts health and wellness. Some of its medicinal benefits include;

• Positive Immune Effect: Echinacea angustifolia is a well-known remedy for preventing or treating colds. It boosts immunity and helps the body to fight off infections and viruses.
• Lower Blood Sugar Levels: Some evidence suggests that Echinacea angustifolia could help regulate blood sugar levels. In some studies, it was found to inhibit enzymes responsible for the digestion of carbohydrates, potentially reducing the quantity of sugar in the blood. As a result, it helps lower the risk of illnesses such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
• Reduce Feelings of Anxiety: Echinacea angustifolia contains alkamides, rosmarinic acid, and caffeic acid, all of which may reduce anxiety. One study suggests that supplementing with echinacea extract may lead to a notable decrease in anxiety.
• Anti-inflammatory Properties: Inflammation is a common response of the body to injury or Illness, and it can be reduced by administering Echinacea Angustifolia.
• Treat Skin Concerns: Echinacea angustifolia has skin benefits. According to lab results, products containing echinacea can help increase skin density and hydration, reduce the number of wrinkles, and heal mild to moderate acne. Besides, it has been shown to control eczema since it assists in the re-establishment of the skin barrier.

What Does Echinacea Angustifolia Treat?

Echinacea Angustifolia is known for its ability to strengthen the immune system and combat infections;

• Common Cold and Flu: Echinacea angustifolia is widely used to help shorten the duration and severity of cold and flu symptoms, such as sore throat, cough, and fever.
• Immune System Support: The product also claims to have a positive effect on the immune system, which enhances the body’s capacity to fight diseases and infections.
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): This herb appears to help cure UTIs by improving immunity and fighting inflammation.
• Vaginal Yeast Infections: Extract from Echinacea is usually taken concurrently with antifungal therapies to cure repeated cases of vaginal candidiasis.
• Skin Conditions: Its anti-inflammatory properties make it useful for treating rash, bites, and slow-healing wounds.
• Lymphatic Inflammation: Echinacea angustifolia is helpful in dealing with inflamed lymphatic tissues and general signs of weakness and fatigue.
• Respiratory Issues: It could help with sinusitis by decreasing inflammation of sinus passages, hay fever, and other respiratory diseases.
• Pain Relief: Studies have shown that it can alleviate pain of numerous kinds, including headaches and muscular pains.
• Digestive Disorders: The plant has been cited to play some role in the handling of problematic digestive systems, including vomiting and stomach burns.
• Cancer Support: There is a perception that it might be effective in the treatment of cancer, especially in ameliorating the side effects of cancer therapies.

Echinacea Angustifolia Homeopathic Uses

Echinacea angustifolia, commonly known as narrow-leaved echinacea, is widely utilized in homeopathy for its numerous health benefits. Here are some key uses:

• Immune Support: These days, it is used specifically to boost the immune system and enable the body to fight diseases such as colds, flu, and others.
• Blood-Related Disorders: This essential homeopathic medicine is useful in treating autoimmune system diseases and diseases such as sepsis.
• Skin Conditions: Echinacea angustifolia can treat sores, rashes, inflammation, diabetic skin ulcers, and insect bites.
• Digestive Issues: There will also be a reduction of gastrointestinal complaints, including diarrhea, nausea, and sour belching, and the problems are discussed in detail.
• Respiratory Ailments: The remedy is more helpful in treating respiratory infection symptoms, including throat aches and coughs.
• Pain Relief: It may be applied as an analgesic in the terminal stage of cancer and for the treatment of pain due to the action of snake venom.
• Lymphatic Inflammation: Echinacea angustifolia is used to decrease the swollen lymph node and the associated fatigue.
• Menstrual Disorders: They could help respond to abnormal discharge in females and any of the symptoms associated with it.
• Fever Management: The remedy can help reduce sweat related to infections such as malaria, among other diseases.
• Mental Health Support: Some signs that may be relieved by the medicine include the fact that it may help treat or prevent confusion and depression and also relieve dizziness.

Echinacea Angustifolia Dosage

The dosage of Echinacea angustifolia can vary based on the form of the supplement and the purpose for which it is being used. Here are some general guidelines:

• Liquid Extract: The typical dosage is 2.5 to 10 mL, and it is taken three times daily. For acute conditions, some may take up to 10 mL daily.
• Tincture: A common recommendation is 20 drops every 2 hours for the first 24 hours, then continue with 3 times daily.
• Capsules or Tablets: Dosages usually range from 300 to 500 mg, taken three times daily.
• Tea: To make echinacea tea, use about 1 gram of dried echinacea root or leaves in boiling water and consume as needed.
• Topical Application: Apply directly to affected areas as needed for skin irritations or wounds.

Echinacea Angustifolia Dosage For Adults

Adult doses of Echinacea are as follows: Echinacea angustifolia in a capsule form, 300 to 500 mg three times a day. For liquid extracts, the usual dosage is 2.5 – 10ml, three times a day. Some people may prefer 20 drops every two hours in the first 24 hours, then space the doses to three a day.

The recommended dose for capsules or tablets is 300 to 500 mg thrice daily. Anyone who decides to use echinacea tea should take about six to eight ounces four times daily during the early stages of the Illness but reduce it thereafter.

This version is also good for not more than 10 days of use in a row to visit a healthcare professional.

Echinacea Angustifolia Dosage For Children

The dosage of Echinacea Angustifolia for children generally varies based on age and health needs. For children aged 4 to 12 years, a common recommendation is to administer 3 to 5 tablets of Echinacea extract daily, which corresponds to a total of 1,200 to 2,000 mg per day.

This dosage can help support the immune system and may reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms. Alternatively, liquid extracts can be given at a dosage of 2.5 to 5 ml, taken three times a day.

It’s essential to use alcohol-free preparations for children and consult a pediatrician or healthcare provider before starting any echinacea treatment. Caregivers should also monitor for any potential side effects, such as allergic reactions or gastrointestinal discomfort, and adjust dosages accordingly.

Who Should Avoid Echinacea Angustifolia?

Echinacea angustifolia is commonly used to boost the immune system and reduce symptoms of the common cold. However, for its safe application, it is important to know who should avoid this herb and what its potential side effects are. Understanding these can help ensure safe use and prevent adverse reactions;

• Individuals with Autoimmune Disorders: People with conditions such as multiple sclerosis or lupus should avoid echinacea as it may stimulate the immune system and exacerbate symptoms
• Those on Immunosuppressive Drugs: Echinacea can cause a reduction in the effectiveness of medications used by transplant recipients and people with autoimmune disorders
• People with Allergies: Echinacea may be toxic to pets, and people with allergies to daisies, ragweed, mums, or marigolds should avoid it.
• Specific Medical Conditions: This herb should be avoided by persons with tuberculosis, leukemia, diabetes, connective tissue diseases, HIV/AIDS, and liver disorders.

Side Effects And Risks Of Using Echinacea Angustifolia

• Common Side Effects: Common symptoms of these side effects include stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting.
• Allergic Reactions: Few reports of severe consequences with Ziziphus exist, and reactions may manifest as rashes and anaphylactic reactions in persons sensitive to related plants.
• Numbness and Tingling: Some people may develop numbness or tingling of the lips and tongue and a foul taste in the mouth.

References

• https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-981/echinacea
• https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/echinacea
• https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/echinacea#bottom-line
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7344755/

FAQs