How Does Echinacea Root Help Strengthen You when You're Sick?

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by: Darrell Miller
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Date: Tue, 18 Jan 2011 Time: 1:50 PM
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Echinacea has long been used by American Indians in treatment of cough and colds, and in recent years has been adopted by the larger populace in the same way. Of special note of late is its efficacy reported by advocates of eclectic medicine, and the scientific community has started looking into its medicinal potential as well. Preliminary results point to a variety of active ingredients that work hand in hand with the immune system in fighting off infections.

In addition to Echinacea purpurea, there are a number of species that we collectively refer to as Echinacea, and all of them belong to the daisy family. They closely resemble the archetypal daisy, and are cultivated in homes for their showy flower heads, which are purplish in color. The plant is also known as purple cornflower in the vernacular, referring to the purple florets that are arranged in a pronounced cone-like structure with the outer rays pointing down and the cone-shaped head at the center.

Historical Use

Among the Indians of the Great Plains of North America, the plant was called Elk root. The Indians, who believed all things possessed spirits, observed that elks knowingly consume the plant when wounded or feeling ill. The shamans of the tribes, being among the powerful men in Indian communities and also revered as medicine men, identified elk root as a painkiller for wounds and swelling and a potent remedy against cough, sore throats, and other symptoms caused by colds.

In the 19th century when the plant was introduced to Europe, purple cornflowers were extensively applied to punctures caused by animal bites and other skin lesions. It quickly rose to popularity as being a powerful analgesic owing largely to word of mouth in support of its touted effectiveness, giving rise to the present day belief that it wards off the common cold among other ailments. Today Echinacea is widely cultivated for its general medicinal properties as well as its ornamental flowers.

Mechanism of Action

The active constituents in Echinacea vary from one part to another, but the entire plant is utilized in producing extracts. While any part of the plant has been used as a remedy, most neutraceutical companies nowadays utilize the roots in large scale productions. Studies show that root extracts have an abundance of active ingredients and bring out more desirable effects in the human body. Due to a number of chemical compounds present in the plant, the scientific community remains inconclusive as to how Echinacea works.

However, a number of studies have pointed out some of its mechanisms in the human body. Phenol compounds identified in the plant are believed to stimulate the immune system in during times of distress, modulating its ability to fight off diseases. Echinacea has been noted to have an effect on a cellular process called phagocytosis. This allows the cells in our body to swallow pathogenic microorganisms and subsequently digest them, killing them in the process.

Echinacea in several variety is available in capsule, tablet, and liquid extract forms. Always choose name brands like Solaray to ensure quality and purity of the product you purchase for consumption.

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