Echinacea purpurea: medicinal properties, instructions for use and features. Echinacea: medicinal properties and contraindications, use of Echinacea

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Dear readers, today we will talk to you about the beneficial and medicinal properties of echinacea, how to use it for our health. This flower is probably familiar to many. Unusually beautiful in appearance, its large bright inflorescences are a real decoration of the garden. Did you know that the plant, in addition to its decorative properties, has unique medicinal properties recognized by official medicine?

From Echinacea purpurea, the pharmacological industry of different countries produces drugs to strengthen the human immune system; a drug known to many called “Immunal” is made from this plant. In addition, the plant is valued for its anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, which allows the use of preparations based on it during the season of colds and flu outbreaks. Echinacea gives us hope to believe in miracles! Let's talk further in more detail about its beneficial and medicinal properties.

Echinacea purpurea herb. Compound. Useful and medicinal properties.

The main advantage of echinacea is, of course, that preparations based on it can affect the human immune system, strengthening the body's defenses. This is due to the plant containing a large number of various biologically active substances, such as trace elements, essential oils, polysaccharides, glucose, flavonoids, saponins, glycosides, tannins and much more.

Of the mineral substances contained in various parts of the plant, I would like to note potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, cobalt, nickel, silver and rarer ones such as selenium, zinc, molybdenum.

Inulin, a polysaccharide, was found in the plant, which not only strengthens the immune system, but also has intoxicating properties, regulates lipid metabolism, has a positive effect on the liver and skeletal system, and removes excess sugar from the body.

Echinacea preparations inhibit the growth and reproduction of pathogens such as E. coli, streptococcus and staphylococcus.

To summarize, we can say that Echinacea has the following properties:

• strengthening the immune system
• antiviral
• antifungal
• antimicrobial
• anti-inflammatory
• detoxifying

It is noteworthy that all parts of Echinacea are useful: flowers, leaves and the roots themselves.

Echinacea. Photo

This is what this flower looks like.

Uses of Echinacea

Echinacea preparations are prescribed:

• for colds
• for the flu
• for various infectious diseases
• to improve immunity
• in case of poisoning
• for diabetes
• for liver diseases
• for infectious diseases of the kidneys and bladder
• for inflammatory diseases of the stomach and intestines
• for radiation injuries
• for skin diseases
• after treatment with antibiotics
• for stomatitis
• for herpes
• to improve appetite
• for the treatment of joints

Echinacea for immunity

Please note that echinacea is an excellent IMMUNE MODULATOR! Not an immune stimulant, like, for example, lemongrass or ginseng. After all, they can only be used for a short time, as support for the body, to give it the opportunity to tone up.

With the help of immunomodulators, we give the body the opportunity to recover on its own, fight against viruses, bacteria, and inflammatory processes without drugs. The body then adjusts its own work. After all, our body has so many resources. The most important thing is to make these resources work!

And one more main property of echinacea is that it is a natural antiseptic. Therefore, it is very good to use it for influenza diseases, during periods of exacerbation of seasonal diseases. And even if you are already sick, at the very beginning of the illness, help your body - drink echinacea. The disease will pass much easier. Below you will read recipes on how to use echinacea for immunity and other recipes will be given.

Most often, echinacea tincture, which is sold in pharmacies, is used for treatment and prevention, but all parts of the plant have medicinal properties. They are widely used in folk medicine. As a rule, these are decoctions, infusions, alcohol tinctures, and we will now look at how you can prepare them at home and for what diseases they can be used.

Echinacea at home

If Echinacea purpurea grows in your area, then now is not too late to prepare your own medicine from it. You can use both fresh and dried parts of the plant for these purposes. Or you can buy everything at the pharmacy and use it for your health.

Echinacea decoction. Recipe

Traditionally, decoctions are prepared in a water bath, in which case they retain the greatest amount of beneficial substances. A decoction can be prepared from flowers, from leaves separately, or you can mix them.

Echinacea flower decoction It is prepared at the rate of one tablespoon of crushed raw materials per half liter of water. Keep it in a water bath for 20 minutes and take 1/4 cup shortly before meals in the morning and evening. This decoction strengthens the immune system, adds vitality and energy.

For decoction of echinacea leaves For two glasses of water, take two teaspoons of crushed leaves, keep in a water bath for 30 minutes, and after cooling, take one tablespoon before meals three times a day. A decoction of the leaves is taken for headaches and joint diseases; it relieves inflammation, reduces swelling, and removes excess fluid from the body.

Echinacea infusion. How to cook at home? Recipe

The easiest way to prepare an infusion is to pour a tablespoon of crushed raw materials into a glass of boiling water, leave for 30 minutes and take 1/3 cup before meals three times a day.

It is used to improve appetite, to relieve fatigue, as well as for diseases of the kidneys, liver and gastrointestinal tract. To prepare the infusion, both flowers and leaves of Echinacea purpurea are used, both fresh and dried.

Echinacea tincture

To strengthen the immune system and prevent viral diseases, prepare an echinacea tincture; it is prepared both from the roots of the plant and from the flowers and leaves. The pharmacological industry uses roots for tincture, and in folk medicine you can find recipes for preparing tinctures from flowers and leaves.

How to prepare echinacea tincture at home? Recipe

For 1/2 liter of vodka you will need either 50 grams of fresh crushed leaves mixed with flowers, or 25 grams of dried raw materials, or 100 grams of dry crushed roots. It is recommended to infuse the raw material in a dark place for two weeks, shaking occasionally. After straining, the tincture is traditionally prescribed 20 drops three times a day before meals for 10 to 12 days. Further use must be agreed with your doctor.

The tincture is taken for any infectious diseases to increase defenses and speedy recovery.

Treatment with Echinacea

Above, I described in detail how to prepare and take infusions, decoctions and tinctures of Echinacea, now I want to offer several useful recipes from the arsenal of traditional medicine.

Treatment with Echinacea of ​​the stomach, oral diseases, burns, bedsores

Pour 50 grams of dried and crushed echinacea roots into a glass of unrefined vegetable oil (the best option is olive oil), and leave to infuse for a month. Strain and take one spoon an hour to an hour and a half after meals, twice a day. The oil infusion is used for diseases of the oral cavity and pharynx, stomach, and externally to treat cervical erosion, burns, ulcers and bedsores.

Echination with honey for headaches, to improve memory, normalize sleep

Echinacea with honey improves memory, helps cope with insomnia, nervous excitability, and relieves headaches. To prepare the medicine, well-dried flowers, leaves and roots are ground into powder, three tablespoons of honey are added to a tablespoon of such powder, everything is mixed and left for 2 weeks, after which the medicine is ready for use. Half a teaspoon of the mixture with a cup of tea in the evening before bed is enough.

Echinacea for any inflammatory and infectious diseases, flu, colds, ARVI

Pour a tablespoon of crushed dried echinacea root into 1.5 cups of cold boiled water, heat in a water bath for 30 minutes, cool, strain and take one tablespoon three times a day before meals for the flu and any inflammatory and infectious diseases.

Echinacea tea. For colds and flu, it is useful to drink tea from all parts of echinacea. To prepare it, you need to take a teaspoon of the mixture, crushed into half a liter of boiling water, leave for 10 minutes and drink 1/2 cup warm. If there is no high temperature, you can add a spoonful of honey to this tea. To enhance the effect when brewing tea, you can add a handful of dried rose hips.

Here is a very interesting video about Echinacea treatment. It is told how best to brew it, whether echinacea can be consumed by children, pregnant women, and the elderly, and recipes are given.

Echinacea has been used as a medicine for quite a long time. This is a beautiful flower that is used to treat many diseases. Scientists began studying its beneficial properties centuries ago. Today there are a lot of preparations based on echinacea.

The upper part of the plant differs significantly in its chemical composition from the lower part. The roots contain a high concentration of volatile oils, and the lower part contains many polysaccharides, which are beneficial for the immune system. In addition, Echinacea contains many chemical compounds that are needed for immunity. They are represented by ascorbic acid, flavonoids, inulin and essential oils.

Medicinal properties

The plant has many healing properties. It contains a high content of mineral components and biologically active substances. The rhizome of the plant consists of essential oils and inulin, it also contains tannins and organic acids, resins, polysaccharides, and a high content of alkaloids and betaine. It must be said that betaine prevents the development of diseases of the heart muscle. Echinacea also contains phenolcarboxylic acid, which is responsible for protecting the body’s immune system and has a diuretic effect.

The main properties that the plant has are antiviral and antiseptic; it also prevents the proliferation of bacteria and viruses, and coccal infections. The plant is often used to combat fungal diseases; it accelerates the healing process of wounds, eczema and ulcers. It has anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic and antiallergic effects on the human body. Echinacea is used in the treatment and prevention of colds, copes with sore throat and flu, and treats the upper respiratory tract.

The antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic qualities of the plant reduce the level of toxins in the human body and stop the growth of metastases.

How is Echinacea used?

The plant is useful for many of its unique properties; they are used not only for complex treatment, but also for the prevention of various diseases. These are mainly respiratory diseases.

Important! Its use is allowed for children, as the plant does not cause allergic reactions. If the disease is at an early stage and you start taking echinacea, this will significantly shorten the duration of the disease, and the recovery process will only speed up.

For treatment with Echinacea to be beneficial, it is worth using an older plant for medicine. Not only flowers, but also leaves, roots and stems are used to make medicines.

Indications:

1. Medicines based on this herb are relevant for diabetes, colds and infectious diseases, respiratory diseases, diseases of the urinary system and women's diseases.
2. If you apply echinacea externally, you can get rid of skin diseases, insect bites, herpes, eczema, hives and many other ailments.
3. The plant and medicines based on it are good at eliminating the effects caused to the body by heavy metals and chemicals. It restores the body well after chemotherapy and antibiotics.
4. Echinacea is often used as a pain reliever. It helps with abdominal pain, eliminates pain in the intestines, relieves toothache and headache, treats sore throat, sore throat and tonsillitis. For all such cases, brew tea or use a paste of crushed herbs, applying it to the sore spot.
5. The plant is very effective for the gastrointestinal tract. When problems with stool occur, Echinacea is used as a laxative. To get the desired result, you should drink a cup of Echinacea tea. If you increase the dose and drink two or more cups in a row, this will lead to unpleasant sensations.
6. Scientists have found that this plant has excellent anti-inflammatory effects. It can relieve not only inflammation of the throat and stomach, but also relieve inflammation of the eyes. In order for Echinacea to have a positive effect on inflammatory processes, tea from the plant must be taken regularly.
7. In case of skin problems such as psoriasis, eczema, skin infection or if wounds take a long time to heal, the healing properties of echinacea will help.
8. The plant is also used during mental disorders, but only with a doctor’s prescription. Constant anxiety, nervous breakdowns, and depression are treated with echinacea in adults and children.
9. Psoriasis is treated with lotions made from a decoction of the plant, and it also relieves itching after an insect bite.
10. Helps normalize blood pressure.

The general condition of the body will become much better if you regularly take Echinacea.

To strengthen your immunity, medical experts advise taking a natural alcoholic infusion of Echinacea. To prevent respiratory diseases, it is best to take it in the autumn and spring. The alcohol tincture stops the proliferation of microorganisms and bacteria and increases the level of leukocytes in the body.

Children over two years of age can also be treated with this tincture. The drug contains only natural ingredients and, therefore, will not cause an allergic reaction. It is very rare that a rash or dizziness appears after taking this plant, but if this happens, you should immediately stop taking this drug.

Since the tincture is very popular among medical specialists, it has also found its use in therapy. It helps get rid of diseases of the urinary system, promotes rapid healing of wounds, restores skin well and cures skin diseases.

Taking alcoholic tincture of Echinacea
This tincture should be taken three times a day. It is important that it is taken 20 minutes before the start of a meal. Having started treatment with alcohol tincture, an adult should not consume more than forty drops per day. During treatment, the dose can be increased to sixty drops per day.

An alcohol-based tincture can be used externally, but this is not done in its pure form, but must be diluted in sodium chloride. For one hundred milliliters of sodium chloride, take forty drops of tincture. You can gargle with this solution, make compresses or lotions.

Echinacea based recipes

1. Treatment of depression and nervous disorders. When you need to put your nervous system in order, get rid of depression and restore strength, this tincture will help. For 10 gr. Echinacea root will need 100 ml. medical alcohol. If the root is not crushed, then it needs to be cut into small pieces and placed in a glass container, after which everything is filled with alcohol. Cover the container with a lid and place it in a dark place, but the room should be cool. The tincture should steep for 24 hours. The medication should be taken daily, twenty drops three times a day. You should take this remedy for no more than three weeks.
2. Treatment of headaches. For this product you need one hundred grams of echinacea and 300 g. flower honey. The plant is well crushed and combined with liquid honey. This mixture is taken during tea drinking three times a day. One teaspoon at a time will be enough. In addition to the headache going away, the nervous system will be restored. Plus, the product has a calming effect, normalizes blood pressure and promotes good sleep.
3. Echinacea for flu and colds. You will need 1 teaspoon of leaves and roots, 3 flowers of the plant, 200 ml of hot water. All components must be mixed in a deep container and filled with boiling water. The tea should be steeped for forty minutes. One glass is drunk three times a day, and if therapy is carried out to prevent respiratory diseases, then one glass of tea per day will be enough. Drink a warm drink 20 minutes before starting a meal. To take care of your health, you can drink this tea during the cold season and when you are most likely to catch a cold.
4. Gastritis or constipation. To prepare a remedy to combat gastritis or constipation, you need to take one liter of vodka and pour 100 grams of all parts of echinacea into it. Then close the container with a tight lid and place it in a dark place for 20 days. The contents of the container must be turned over and shaken every few days. The infusion is filtered and taken 30 drops. This is done 20 minutes before meals three times a day. The full course of treatment is two weeks. The mandatory break is three days. If necessary, the course can be repeated.

Echinacea decoction


You will need one teaspoon of plant leaves; you can take both dry and fresh leaves. And one glass of hot water. The leaves are poured with boiling water and placed in a water bath. This process should last half an hour. Then the broth is filtered and it is immediately ready for use. The course of treatment consists of ten days. Take 30 milliliters of decoction three times a day, 15 minutes before starting a meal. Usually there are several courses, there may be two or three, but there must be a week break between them. This decoction is drunk to improve vision, remove swelling, eliminate pain in the joints, cure stomach ulcers and simply lift your spirits.

Preparation of echinacea infusion
Take 1 tbsp. spoon of echinacea and pour 0.5 liters of boiling water. Choose a container with a tight lid, you can take a thermos. Leave the liquid sealed overnight. By morning the infusion will be ready. It needs to be strained through gauze and drunk 100 milliliters three times a day. It is advisable to do this thirty minutes before meals. The infusion is drunk for ten days. After completing the course, take a 5-day break and repeat the treatment again. If, after the course has been completed three times, a repetition is needed, then the break should be a month.

Echinacea infusion is often used to treat excess weight, the first signs of obesity, treat infertility, herpes, and strengthen the immune system. After regular use of the infusion, performance increases, memory and attention improve. This is an effective remedy for gynecological diseases.

Beneficial Echinacea Extract
Not many people know that such a drug is a powerful remedy that has a tonic effect, gives vigor, and helps improve performance. Due to adaptogenic properties, the body becomes more resistant to the effects of adverse external factors. Regular use of the product will relieve overstrain of the body and will have a preventive effect against colds. The drug can be taken by both adults and children. Adults can dilute the product in water, but for children it is better to use tea.

If the product is applied externally, it will speed up wound healing and can be used as a pain reliever.

Echinacea syrup
Echinacea is rich in beneficial properties, it helps strengthen the body's immunity, increases its resistance to the harmful effects of microorganisms. Medical experts recommend using syrup as soon as cancer diseases begin to appear. This remedy helps improve metabolism, and the functioning of the thyroid gland returns to normal after its use.

Important! If you use the herb independently, without the advice of a doctor, then you must strictly adhere to the dosage.

Echinacea tincture for children

A child's body is much weaker and more defenseless than an adult. To ensure that your child’s immune system is always normal and the baby gets sick as little as possible, you need to drink echinacea tincture. This will help avoid colds and possible inflammatory processes in the baby’s body. To prepare it, take a teaspoon of dry plant and 200 ml of boiled water. It is important that the water is at room temperature, do not use boiling water. The grass is poured with warm water and allowed to stand for an hour. The tea should be weak, much weaker than for an adult, which is good for a child.

Contraindications to the use of Echinacea and side effects

The plant has many positive qualities and properties, but, in addition, there are important contraindications to taking this plant.

1. If you are allergic to anything, you should consult your doctor before taking echinacea.
2. People who have autoimmune diseases should not take medications based on this plant.
3. Patients who have been diagnosed with connective tissue diseases should be careful when taking the medication.
4. If you have any chronic disease, you should also consult a medical specialist, and only then start taking Echinacea medications.
5. Taking the plant is prohibited for patients with atherosclerosis, tuberculosis, or if there are problems with leukemia.
6. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, it is better to stop taking echinacea.
7. Elderly people should also limit their intake of echinacea.
8. Children under two years of age should not be given any medications that contain this plant. If there is still a need to take it, then this should be done only after the minimum dosage and course duration have been prescribed by a medical specialist.

Note! Echinacea does not contain toxic substances, but if you take preparations from this herb at your own discretion, break the course of administration, change the dosage, this will lead to increased salivation, and this is already one of the signs of poisoning.

Almost every medicinal product that contains echinacea contains arabinogalactian. But this substance has many contraindications, and such drugs should absolutely not be taken by HIV-infected people or people with AIDS. Scientists have also proven that this component promotes the growth of malignant tumors.

If you take echinacea correctly, it only has a positive effect on the human body. You can only take it for two weeks in a row, then there must be a break.

In fact, there are many contraindications for taking echinacea, but in most cases, side effects occur due to an exaggerated dosage of the drug. To avoid undesirable consequences and to have a beneficial effect on the body, you must follow the duration of the course and the correct dosage.

Video: medicinal properties of echinacea

Echinacea is a perennial plant with many rhizomes, native to the eastern United States. Cultivated as an ornamental and medicinal plant, common in Russia, Europe, and the North Caucasus. There are several varieties of Echinacea (pale purple, narrow-leaved), but Echinacea purpurea is used for medicinal and preventive purposes.

Medicinal properties of Echinacea

The roots and rhizomes of the plant are saturated with essential and fatty oils, inulin, tannins, glucose, various resins, organic acids (including polyunsaturated fatty acids), polysaccharides, alkaloids, but the main thing they contain is a special substance - betaine, which prevents the development of such diseases, like heart attack and stroke.

The phenolcarboxylic acids contained in the plant stimulate the body's immune defense and have a diuretic effect.

Due to the diversity of the chemical composition, Echinacea exhibits antiviral and antiseptic properties, prevents the further growth and development of bacteria and viruses (influenza, stomatitis, etc.), and coccal infections. It is also effective against macrophages and neutrophils.

The plant is also distinguished by its high antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties, accelerates the healing of eczema, wounds and ulcers.

Echinacea, although to a lesser extent, exhibits antirheumatic and antiallergic effects. The plant and preparations made from it are of particular benefit in the treatment and prevention of colds, sore throats, flu and acute respiratory viral infections.

Echinacea is also known for its antioxidant and anticarcinogenic properties; it has the ability to reduce the level of toxins in the body, and often inhibit the development of metastases.

The unique properties of echinacea are used in the complex treatment and prevention of a wide variety of diseases, especially respiratory diseases, including in children, because it does not cause allergic reactions. Taking echinacea at the initial stages of the disease can significantly shorten the duration of the disease and speed up recovery.

To use echinacea for medicinal purposes, a plant that is at least two years old is suitable, and both flowers, leaves, roots and stems are used.

Internal use of the plant and preparations from it is especially important for colds, flu, ear infections, intestinal infections, diseases of the upper respiratory tract, diabetes, diseases of the bladder, liver, chronic inflammatory processes, and women's diseases.

But externally it has no less effect, relieving skin diseases and various problems (urticaria, herpes, eczema, abscesses, furunculosis, burns, insect bites, etc.).

Echinacea and preparations from it have shown good results on the body in eliminating the effects of heavy metals and chemicals (fungicides, pesticides, etc.), in the treatment of prostatitis, osteomyelitis and rheumatism, as a restorative agent after radiation and chemotherapy, and treatment with antibiotics.

Echinacea decoction lotions are used as a remedy against psoriasis, as well as to relieve itching and pain after insect bites. Echinacea decoction is also useful for stomach ulcers, normalizes blood pressure and improves the condition of the body as a whole.

Echinacea tincture (pharmaceutical) for immunity

Echinacea tincture with alcohol has a powerful immunostimulating effect on the human body, strengthening its protective properties. Its use will be especially relevant during the period of respiratory diseases as a powerful preventive measure.

Systematic intake of the tincture increases the level of leukocytes, “awakens” the phagocytic response, and inhibits the proliferation of harmful microbes.

Echinacea tincture is effectively used in the treatment of diseases of the genitourinary system, to accelerate the processes of wound healing and tissue restoration, as well as in the treatment of skin diseases.

Echinacea tincture can be given to children after two years of age to strengthen the immune system and treat colds. The use of echinacea tincture almost never causes allergic reactions or side effects, because the composition of the drug is absolutely natural. In rare cases, if rash or dizziness occurs, the drug should be stopped immediately.

How to take Echinacea alcohol tincture?

At the beginning of therapy, the daily dose of tincture for an adult should not be more than 40 drops; during further treatment, this amount can be increased to 60 drops per day. Children over 12 years old can be given alcohol tincture twice a day, 5-10 drops diluted in water (ratio 1:3).

Depending on the severity and characteristics of the course of the disease, the doctor prescribes the duration of taking the drug, which should not exceed eight weeks even if the drug is well tolerated.

For external use, the tincture should be diluted in sodium chloride (40 drops of tincture per 100 ml of sodium chloride). This solution is used as a rinse, compress or lotion.

Homemade echinacea tincture for depression

• Echinacea roots – 10 g.
• Medical alcohol - 100 ml.

The tincture is prepared from the roots of the plant and medical alcohol. It is necessary to grind 10 g of roots, place them in a glass container, fill them with alcohol, seal them with a lid and place them in a cool, dark place for a day. The finished tincture should be filtered through gauze and taken daily 20-30 drops before the main meal.

The drug should be taken three times a day. Duration is two to three weeks until a lasting therapeutic effect appears.

Echinacea for headaches

• Root, leaves, stems, flowers of Echinacea (mixture) – 100 g.
• Village honey in liquid form – 300 g.

Preparation and use.

To prepare the product you will need all parts of the plant. They need to be crushed, take 100 g and combine with liquid natural honey (300 g).

Take 1-2 teaspoons during tea drinking three times a day. In addition to getting rid of headaches, a remedy based on echinacea has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, calms it, normalizes blood pressure and improves sleep.

Echinacea tea for colds and flu

• Echinacea flowers – 3 pcs.
• Chopped echinacea root – 1 tsp.
• Echinacea leaves – 1 tsp.
• Cool boiling water – 1 cup.

Preparation and use.

This remedy copes well with colds and flu, and during the period of respiratory diseases it will be an excellent means of preventing them. You will need crushed echinacea root (1 tsp), the same number of plant leaves and three of its flowers.

Mix all this in a ceramic bowl, brew with a glass of boiling water and leave to infuse for forty minutes. During the treatment of diseases, you should drink a glass of tea three times a day, for preventive purposes - a glass a day, preferably before meals (twenty minutes).

Echinacea tincture for constipation or gastritis

• High-quality vodka – 1 l.
• All parts of echinacea in crushed form – 100 g.

Preparation and use.

Place the raw materials in a glass container, fill with vodka, seal and leave in a cool, dark place for twenty days. The contents of the container should be shaken once every two to three days.

After twenty days, filter the vodka tincture, take the finished product three times a day, thirty drops before meals, for a week and a half. Next, you should take a three-day break, carry out the treatment course again, take a three-day break again and repeat the treatment course.

This tincture is also effective in the treatment of peptic ulcers, diseases of the female genital area, kidneys or bladder, and vascular spasms.

Echinacea decoction

• Fresh (or dry) leaves of the plant, crushed - 1 tsp.
• Cool boiling water – 1 cup.

Preparation and use.

Brew the raw materials with boiling water and place in a water bath. After twenty minutes, remove the liquid from the bath and leave for half an hour, filter. Take 1/3 cup three times a day fifteen minutes before the main meal for ten days.

This is followed by a five-day break and another ten days of admission. This is one course. Two or three such courses should be taken after a 5-10 day break. A decoction of the plant helps improve vision, eliminates swelling, relieves joint pain, treats stomach ulcers, and improves mood.

Echinacea infusion

• Dry crushed plant parts – 1 tbsp. l.
• Cool boiling water – 0.5 l.

Preparation and use.

Pour boiling water over the raw materials (it’s better to do this in a thermos, but you can also use an enamel saucepan with a lid) and leave overnight. In the morning, filter the prepared infusion, take 100-150 ml three times a day, half an hour before the main meal.

You should take the drug for ten days, then take a five-day break and repeat the infusion two more times for 10 days with breaks of five days. This is 1 course. If necessary, the course of therapy can be repeated three times for ten days after a month's break.

The infusion is effective for obesity, the treatment of herpes, the treatment of infertility, for strengthening the immune system, increasing performance, improving memory and attention, as well as for gynecological disorders.

The drug is a powerful tonic, gives vigor, and improves performance. High adaptogenic properties increase the body's resistance to the adverse effects of external factors.

When taken systematically, the drug relieves stress and serves as an excellent prophylactic against acute respiratory infections. For internal use, the drug is recommended in the amount of 8 drops (for adults), diluted in a small amount of water.

For people suffering from chronic hypertension, Echinacea is contraindicated for use.

Echinacea syrup

This remedy based on medicinal echinacea strengthens the body's defenses, increasing resistance to the harmful effects of microorganisms. It is often recommended for use in cases of cancer. Plus, the product restores the functioning of the thyroid gland and normalizes metabolism.

Benefits of Echinacea for Skin

The smell of echinacea is similar to the smell of honey, and products based on it are incredibly beneficial for the skin. There are several branded skin products available in the market such as anti-aging serums, moisturizing lotions and skin toners that are enriched with quality echinacea extract.

1. Echinacea for acne and pimples

Acne and pimples are the most common skin problem, especially among teenagers and young adults. Acne creams containing organic echinacea extract simply magically help eliminate these unpleasant and sometimes painful rashes on the skin of the face.

They soothe the skin and eliminate swelling of the skin tissue. These products help fight acne caused by bacteria and make it possible to permanently clear your face of acne, pimples and pimples.

2. Echinacea reduces wrinkles

Night creams enriched with echinacea extract have an amazing effect on fine lines and deep wrinkles on the face, reducing them and smoothing the skin. Facial products with Echinacea also help reduce the risk of wrinkles by 55%.

Echinacea is rich in tannins, which act as an astringent and have a shrinking effect on skin cells. Echinacea helps rejuvenate your skin naturally - just use high-quality skin products with Echinacea.

3. Echinacea soothes inflamed skin

Perhaps your child fell off their bike and scraped their knees and elbows? Echinacea purpurea can disinfect wounds and inflammations on the skin. It has an analgesic effect on irritated and wounded skin.

If you have boils (you suffer from furunculosis), small wounds, rashes, burns or cuts, you can apply dried echinacea powder, tincture or cream to the affected areas. This will speed up the healing process and promote skin cell regeneration.

Echinacea is great for people suffering from psoriasis and eczema. When applied to affected areas of the skin, it helps reduce inflammation and redness of the skin, resulting in relief from discomfort.

To get the most out of Echinacea for your hair health, you can use shampoos and serums enriched with its extract.

4. Echinacea promotes hair growth

Echinacea helps control hair loss and promotes hair growth, making your hair thicker and stronger. This is due to the fact that echinacea, when applied to the scalp, increases blood microcirculation in the scalp and strengthens hair follicles.

5. Echinacea eliminates dandruff

Echinacea is known to be one of the best herbs for dandruff. Its antimicrobial properties can completely eliminate dandruff when used over a period of time.

Dandruff also causes an itchy scalp and causes tiny bumps to develop on the scalp due to scratching, further worsening the irritation. Using echinacea shampoo will not only provide relief from dandruff, but will also eliminate the nuisance as a result. People suffering from scalp psoriasis or seborrheic eczema may also benefit from using a shampoo containing echinacea extract.

6. Echinacea adds shine to hair

You can make your own hair mask by mixing aloe vera gel, echinacea tincture and some tea tree oil. Aloe vera and tea tree oil moisturize hair, while echinacea fights bacteria that can lead to dandruff and scalp infections.

This hair mask has a calming effect on the nervous system due to its scent. She takes excellent care of hair and gives it natural shine and strength.

Contraindications to the use of Echinacea

1. Children under two years of age.
2. Pregnancy and lactation period.
3. Patients with multiple sclerosis.
4. Acute sore throat.
5. Leukemia.
6. Tuberculosis.
7. Having allergies.

Regardless of contraindications, Echinacea should not be taken for more than a month.

Echinacea is a plant native to eastern North America. Today, Echinacea is also grown in Europe, Russia, Ukraine and other countries. Several types of echinacea are used to make medicines. Medicines are made from the leaves, flowers and roots of this plant. These drugs were very popular until the invention of antibiotics, after which these drugs were used to a small extent. However, due to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria, people increasingly prefer echinacea-based drugs, because some antibiotics simply no longer work. We will look at what echinacea is, the properties and contraindications of products based on it, as well as the use of echinacea in the treatment of diseases.

A total of nine species of this plant have been found in nature and each has its own differences that give it its charm. The most common flowers are Echinacea strange and Echinacea purpurea.

Echinacea is strange

This species has no cultivars as it is the only one of its kind and has yellow petals that rival the summer sun.

Echinacea purpurea

In this species, the buds in bloom reach a diameter of 12 cm. The core has a brown tint and bends strongly upward into a cone. In nature, it is often found in forests and fields, and can even grow on mountain slopes.

This is an undemanding flower that will appreciate minimal care and will delight others with its blooming. Purple echinacea has different varieties:

1. Echinacea varietiesCranberry Cupcake- This is one of the attractive varieties that has a core with double petals of bright pink color.
2. Variety The King – The name of the kings was not given to this variety in vain. It resembles a field chamomile with a tall stem, reaching two meters in height, with flowers of a reddish hue, the diameter of which sometimes reaches 15 cm.
3. Variety White Swan– the name of the variety can be translated “white swan” and it is given, as can be understood due to the white flowers similar to chamomile. The diameter of the opened buds reaches 14 cm.
4. Echinacea variety Indiaca – has a stem height of 75 cm, flowering begins in early summer and ends in September. The buds that open on this variety come in pink and orange shades.
5. Variety Magnus – has a stem 85 cm high, its flowering begins in mid-summer and continues until mid-October. The buds in bloom have a crimson hue to the flower with a brown center.
6. Echinacea variety Julia– a new hybrid belonging to the “Butterfly Kisses” series. This is a dwarf species, barely reaching 40 cm. It has bright orange flowers that begin to bloom in early summer and do not stop blooming throughout the season.

Echinacea - medicinal properties and contraindications

The medicinal properties of the flower, and therefore the chemical composition of echinacea, differ depending on the part used. The aerial part of the plant is rich in polysaccharides, while the roots contain more essential oil and flavonoids. Polysaccharides have immunomodulatory properties; they increase the production of interferons and promote the restoration of affected tissues. Interferons are a series of proteins that are secreted by body cells in response to viral invasion. Thus, Echinacea helps improve the body's immune defense.

This flower improves the formation of leukocytes - blood particles that are responsible for protecting the body and functioning of the immune system. It is the formation of leukocytes that makes it possible to classify Echinacea as a powerful immunostimulating drug. Echinacea helps improve the quality of white blood cells and increases their ability to absorb microbes. The Indians used the plant for almost all diseases: syphilis, cancer, bites of poisonous snakes and insects, smallpox, treatment of non-healing wounds.

Echinacea is valued as a source of a balanced complex of vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium, selenium, and silicon. Selenium is known as one of the most powerful antioxidants; it is included in all modern dietary supplements. Selenium is especially effective in combination with vitamins E and C. This composition prevents cancer and slows down aging. The mineral composition of the plant allows the flower to have a beneficial effect on hematopoietic processes; it also improves the condition of hair, nails, and takes care of teeth and bones.

Scientists are still conducting research on Echinacea and are discovering more and more beneficial properties. Currently, science is exploring the effect of the plant on the treatment of cancer, chronic fatigue syndrome, and arthritis. It has been proven that Echinacea has a beneficial effect on the patient’s condition with herpetic lesions, ulcers, and frequent colds. The plant stimulates the central nervous system, which improves the condition of depression, nervous exhaustion and fatigue.

Echinacea is considered a powerful antioxidant, it prevents aging and neutralizes free radicals. The rejuvenating effect of this plant is due to the fact that it cleanses the lymphatic and circulatory systems, which age faster than others. The plant has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin, eliminates age spots, and heals wounds. Echinacea has been proven to be beneficial for eczema. Purple flower effectively cleanses the blood and improves liver and kidney function.

Contraindications

Due to its high immunomodulatory ability, Echinacea preparations are prohibited:

• people suffering from any autoimmune diseases.
• They are also contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women.
• Echinacea is also prohibited for children under 6 years of age, and alcohol tincture should not be given to children under 12 years of age.
• Echinacea is not prescribed for high blood pressure; for insomnia, you need to carefully monitor the dosage.

An overdose is also dangerous, which can lead to nervous excitability, sleep disturbances, and hypertension, so treatment with Echinacea preparations should be a course course, the course should not exceed 10-14 days.

In any case, before using Echinacea tincture, you need to consult a doctor; the medicine affects the immune system, so it can be taken only as indicated. And again, I am always in favor of our wisdom: it is better to start treatment with small dosages, see how our body reacts, and not drink it in spoonfuls and large courses.

Echinacea for immunity

As a result of a number of studies, scientists were able to identify several groups of beneficial substances that have a positive effect on the immune system. Here are the main groups of substances contained in Echinacea:

• Polysaccharides. The aerial part of the plant is very rich in beneficial polysaccharides, which prevent pathogenic microorganisms from entering the body's cells. Moreover, the polysaccharides contained in Echinacea promote tissue regeneration.
• Inulin. Echinacea root contains a substance called inulin, which increases the activity of white blood cells. Thus, the cells of the immune system begin to cope with the infection more effectively, eliminating pathogenic bacteria.
• Echinosides are a group of substances contained both in the above-ground parts of the plant and in the rhizomes. It has been established that these substances have antibiotic properties - they destroy pathogenic bacteria. In addition, echinosides help remove free radicals from the body.
• Alkylamides are substances contained in the root part of the plant. Alkylamides have an anesthetic effect, so Echinacea decoction can also be used to relieve toothache.

In addition to the above substances, Echinacea is also rich in its mineral composition. In particular, it contains a lot of potassium, calcium, copper, sulfur, silver, manganese, zinc, selenium and cobalt. Many of these microelements are involved in maintaining the normal activity of immune cells.

Echinacea tincture - instructions for use

Alcohol tincture of Echinacea has a powerful effect on the human immune system. Regular use of this drug significantly increases the number of leukocytes, activates the phagocytic response, and can also inhibit the proliferation of pathogenic microbes. During the cold season, taking such a healing tincture will lengthen the periods between episodes of viral infections, since it activates protective immune mechanisms. In addition, the unique components that make up Echinacea will help get rid of inflammatory processes in the bladder, kidneys and ureter. It should also be noted that this wonderful tincture can be used to treat wounds for speedy healing, as well as various boils and skin inflammations. It not only increases the action of histogenic phagocytes, but also promotes tissue restoration.

To strengthen the children's body, modern pediatricians recommend giving children this tincture. It is an excellent anti-cold remedy of natural origin. Side effects with long-term use of Echinacea tincture are very rare. As a rule, these can be various allergic rashes and dizziness. In these cases, taking the tincture should be stopped immediately.

How to take Echinacea? Experts prescribe this remedy before meals (20–30 minutes) at least three times a day. Note that at the very beginning of treatment, the exact dose should not exceed 40 drops for an adult per day. In subsequent days, the maximum dosage is 60 drops. Children over 12 years old can take the tincture diluted with water in a ratio of 1:3, 5-10 drops 2 times a day.

The appropriate duration of treatment is determined by the doctor depending on the specific characteristics of the course of the disease and its severity. If well tolerated, the drug can be used in prescribed doses until a stable therapeutic effect is achieved. However, the maximum duration should not exceed 8 weeks. For external use, it is recommended to prepare a special solution. 40 drops of tincture should be diluted in 100 ml of sodium chloride. This remedy is indicated as compresses, lotions, abdominal tampons and rinses.

Echinacea for children: application

How to protect a child from infection, how to strengthen his already weakened immune system? This is the main question that worries modern parents. Most often, children are susceptible to colds. According to most therapists, Echinacea preparations can be prescribed even to children at an early age (from one year old). The best thing you can do for a child is to prepare teas based on this plant. You can buy ready-made mixtures, herbs, dried flowers, leaves or roots of Echinacea at the pharmacy and brew according to the instructions on the package. Just be sure to research their origins as well as their authenticity.

It is advisable to have a thermos for brewing. For one liter of water add 2 tbsp. l. dried herb. All this is aged for half an hour, and then consumed as regular tea. Not after meals, but in between meals. You can add a few drops of lemon juice and one or two teaspoons of natural honey to the tea. To feel the effect, when consumed, at least 1.5 hours must pass after a meal, or 1 hour before it. In this case, Echinacea for children will be a truly effective remedy.

The plant is produced in different forms, there are also special ones for children: in preparations, granules, dried form, tincture. But according to experts, children's preparations with Echinacea differ significantly from those medicinal products intended for adults. You should not offer your child alcohol tincture if you took it for your own needs. If an allergic reaction occurs, you should stop using Echinacea herb.

Echinacea tincture with alcohol is suitable only for older children (from 12 years old), and then in diluted form, in proportions of 1:3 (one part tincture and three parts water). Should be taken before meals, 3 times a day. The child can drink a few drops of diluted tincture at a time. To strengthen the body, it is enough to drink the tincture for 1-2 weeks. To help treat a specific disease - 3-8 weeks (as the doctor says!). Side effects are minimal - only an allergic reaction, and that’s rare! The main thing is to follow the dosage and not exceed the maximum course duration.

The use of echinacea in folk medicine

A recipe for colds, flu, purulent wounds, dermatitis, eczema, as well as for rehabilitation after surgery or taking antibiotics.

For all these diseases and problems, it is recommended to drink a decoction of Echinacea. Method of preparation: you need to take 3-4 freshly cut Echinacea flowers or 2 teaspoons of ground roots or leaves of the plant and pour 600 ml of boiling water, wait one hour and strain. The infusion is drunk 300 ml per day to strengthen the immune system and prevention, or 600 ml in three doses for treatment.

A recipe for echinacea tincture to support memory, relieve stress, treat stomach ulcers, kidney stones, vascular spasms, as well as to help with constipation and inflammation of the genitourinary system, prostate adenoma.

To prepare the tincture, take 200 grams of echinacea (flowers, stems, leaves, roots) and pour two liters of vodka - the proportion must be 1 to 10. Place vodka with echinacea in a cupboard for 20-30 days, shaking regularly. Then filter and take a teaspoon three times a day on an empty stomach for 12 days, then take a three-day time-out and repeat the course. If insomnia occurs, evening or even daytime use of the tincture should be removed.

Echinacea purpurea is a widespread medicinal plant, the preparations of which are used to increase. Products based on it are used to combat allergies, as well as viral and fungal infections.

Biological characteristics

Echinacea purpurea is a perennial plant native to the eastern part of the North American continent. It belongs to the Asteraceae (Asteraceae) family.

The height of the straight leafy and highly branched rough stems reaches 1 m. The bright pink or purple reed and tubular flowers of Echinacea are collected in large (up to 15 cm) inflorescence-baskets.

Flowering time in our country is from mid-summer to early autumn. Echinacea blooms for the first time in its second year.

This plant is cultivated as an ornamental and medicinal plant; it does not grow well in shaded areas and prefers well-drained, fertile soils, although it is quite drought tolerant. Echinacea tolerates low temperatures well, which determines its wide distribution area.

Rhizomes, as well as aerial parts - stems, leaves and flowers - are harvested as medicinal raw materials. It is recommended to dry in attics with good air circulation.

Active substances

A number of biologically active substances have been found in Echinacea purpurea, including organic acids with antifungal activity, polyenes, phytosterols, glycosides, resins, essential oils, tannins, saponins and alkaloids. Due to the high content of phenolic acids, the plant is a powerful natural antiseptic.

The grass contains a lot of bioflavonoids, polyamines, resins and polysaccharides. Rhizomes contain immune-stimulating phenolcarboxylic acids, glucose, inulin, and betaine, which can significantly reduce the risk of strokes and.

Both in the roots and in the above-ground parts of Echinacea purpurea, micro- and macroelements (iron, molybdenum, calcium, potassium, manganese, selenium, zinc, cobalt, beryllium and aluminum) are present in large quantities.

Beneficial properties of Echinacea purpurea

Preparations based on Echinacea purpurea are characterized by pronounced antiallergic, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. They are also used to fight fungal, bacterial and viral infections.

Echinacea accelerates tissue healing for ulcerative lesions and wounds. The plant is an effective remedy for skin diseases such as eczema.

Thanks to its ability to stimulate general immunity, it helps prevent or alleviate colds and acute respiratory viral infections.

The herb extract is a very effective adaptogenic agent.

Important:It has been established that Echinacea promotes the production in the body of a factor that prevents and slows down growth.

Indications

Preparations from various parts of the medicinal plant are indicated for the treatment and prevention of the following diseases:

• intestinal infections;
• (externally locally);
• long-term non-healing wounds;
• trophic ulcers;
• polyarthritis;
• liver pathologies;
• diseases of the urinary system (in particular –);
• heavy metal poisoning;
• neurological disorders;
• snake and insect bites (externally in the form of lotions).

Important:Echinacea decoctions have a restorative effect and normalize blood pressure.

Recipes for using Echinacea preparations for various diseases

Taking the tincture helps increase the number of leukocytes and prevents the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms. During seasonal colds, the drug activates the immune system. Alcohol tincture of Echinacea can also be used externally, topically for treating skin and wounds to reduce inflammation and accelerate tissue regeneration.

Note:for external use (lotions, compresses and rinses), it is advisable to prepare the drug at the rate of 40 drops of alcohol tincture (70% ethanol) per 100 ml of physiological solution.

Contraindications to the use of Echinacea preparations

Most people tolerate treatment with Echinacea purpurea preparations well. Allergic reactions are observed in patients extremely rarely.

Contraindications to the use of this plant are:

• individual hypersensitivity;
• multiple sclerosis;
• acute sore throat;
• increased nervous excitability;
• system red;
• rheumatoid arthritis;
• leukemia

Important:You should not take medications for more than a month in a row! Large doses can cause dyspeptic disorders and sleep disorders.

Echinacea during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Women carrying a baby, as well as nursing mothers, are advised to refrain from taking Echinacea. There is insufficient data on the safety of the plant, although it has been clearly established that it does not lead to fetal malformations. The issue of increasing the likelihood of spontaneous termination of pregnancy (miscarriage) remains controversial.

Some experts are of the opinion that Echinacea during pregnancy is a good alternative to antibiotics and synthetic immunomodulators. In some cases, the doctor may prescribe a herbal preparation for external use for purulent inflammation of the skin.

Pediatricians recommend giving children over 12 years of age a tincture previously diluted with water 1:3. A single dose for children and adolescents is 3-10 drops (depending on age), and the frequency of administration is 2 times a day. The tincture is an excellent way to strengthen a child’s immunity. It is better for children (over 2 years old) to take syrup or tablet forms.