Our own echinacea field in summer 2005

American Purple Coneflower        (Echinacea purpurea)   The herb originate from Northern America, and was traditionally  used by native Americans to treat cold and flue, infections, especially of the respiratory tract. It demonstrates very known immunostimulant activity which helps  body to overcome various infectious deseases. When applied topically Echinacea exhibits strong                  anti-inflammmatory effects: Echinacea extracts inhibit hyaluronidase, stimulate fibroblasts, inhibit the arachidonic cascade via inhibition of lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase, thereby stimulating wound healing. Topical application helps in treatment of inflammatory skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, acne, cervical dysplasia. Anti-cancerous effects:         E. purpurea extended mean survival times in advanced colorectal cancer patients (post chemo/surgery) and led to increased tumour stabilisation and even regression (Lersch, 1992).

• Dose:

  
  Oral:

  • Fluidextract: 0.5-1g dried equivalent, 3x/day.
    (1:1, 45% ethanol) Take with water (Bradley 1992).
  • Powdered: 1g 3x/day (Bradley 1992)
  • Expressed juice: 6-9 mL/day (Blumenthal et al. 1998).
  • Tincture: 0.4-1 g dried equivalent 3x/day
    (1:5, 50% ethanol by volume) (Bradley 1992).

  Topical:

  • 15% pressed juice used in a semisolid preparation (Blumenthal et al. 1998).

Risk information: Statement to the effect of:

Cautions/Warnings: Consult a doctor or pharmacist prior use if you have rheumatoid arthritis (Boon and Smith 1999) Consult a doctor

or pharmacist prior use if you have a progressive systemic disease, such as tuberculosis, leukosis, collagenosis, multiple sclerosis, AIDS,

HIV infection (Boon and Smith 1999). Consult a doctor or pharmacist prior use if you have auto-immune disorders (Boon and Smith 1999;

Blumenthal et al. 2000, Schulz 1998; Bisset and Wichtl 2001; DeSmet et al. 1993).Consult a doctor or pharmacist prior using if you are taking

immunosuppressants (Boon and Smith 1999).

Contraindications: Not known.

Do not use if you have an allergy to Asteraceae / Compositae (daisy) family (Brinker 2001).