Natural Health Products and Medication

Echinacea

Scientific name:  Echinacea
Synonyms:  none

Part(s) used

Whole plant, especially the root

Principal constituents

Echinacosides (except in Echinacea purpurea), alkylamides, flavonoids and minerals

Recognized therapeutic effects

In internal use:

• Used as support therapy for the treatment of colds, flu and infections of the upper respiratory tract

In external use:

• Echinacea purpurea only: used to promote healing of wounds and to relieve inflammation of the skin

Traditional use

• Treatment of colds, flu and infections
• Relief of sore throat due to colds

Contraindications

• Asthma or allergies to plants of the sunflower family (ragweed, chrysanthemum, etc). Symptoms of some other allergies may be exacerbated
• Prolonged use (over 8 weeks)
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Immune system dysfunction and autoimmune diseases (multiple sclerosis, collagenosis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.)
• Tuberculosis

Please note: The use of echinacea by people with HIV infection is still a subject of controversy

Drug interactions

• None documented

Please note: There are three species of echinacea used in natural products: Echinacea purpurea, for its aerial parts (flowers, leaves and stems) and Echinacea angustifolia and Echinacea pallid for their roots.

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