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20.04.2019

Echinacea – instructions for use and indications, beneficial properties, dosage and release form. Echinacea: use, medicinal properties and contraindications

Our immunity is subject to serious pressure every day. Ecology, food, sedentary image provide life serious blow on health. To strengthen and increase the body's resistance, you should use natural materials.

Effect of Echinacea on immune system the body is determined by its composition:

  • Vitamins, macro- and microelements.
  • Flavonoids.
  • Essential lipids.
  • Polysaccharides.
  • Caffeic acid and its derivatives.
  • Alkylamides.

The herb Echinacea has contraindications. To avoid its negative effects on the immune system and the body, you need to consult a therapist.

Beneficial features

The following components bring benefits:

  1. Iron. Important element For circulatory system person. Thanks to it, red cells increase in size, hemoglobin binds more actively, and oxygen saturation of the brain improves.
  2. Calcium. The beneficial properties of echinacea are increasing. This microelement strengthens bones and nourishes cartilage tissue.
  3. Silicon. Forms new cells in the body and actively affects their growth.
  4. Selenium improves protective properties body, which is very important during periods of infections when you have to fight viruses and bacteria.
  5. Inulin. Echinacea actively breaks down fats and removes harmful products metabolism from tissues, it has a positive effect on immunity and liver function.

In the instructions for use of Echinacea purpurea, its antiviral and antiseptic properties. The plant has an antibacterial effect and suppresses the development of coccal infections.

Another effect of the plant is its active suppression of inflammation, rheumatoid manifestations and allergic reactions.

Information: the roots of the plant are used to reduce pain from burns, stop prolonged bleeding, and heal wounds.

Echinacea tincture, along with expensive procedures, rejuvenates the body. The composition of the plant nourishes hair, skin and nails. The rejuvenating properties of echinacea are due to the removal of lymphatic system metabolic products.

The herb Echinacea purpurea helps men with prostatitis, inflammation of the reproductive and urinary systems, and neoplasms prostate gland, infections.

Echinacea purpurea tincture is used for malignant neoplasms reproductive and urinary systems. The carcinogenic effect of the drug is achieved by increasing the body's resistance, as well as quick disposal from harmful radicals.

Application for women

The plant will help heal:

  • Candidiasis.
  • Chlamydia.
  • Gonorrhea.
  • Syphilis.

A course of taking echinacea has a beneficial effect on the condition of women reproductive system- ovaries, uterus, as well as organs adjacent to them - kidneys and Bladder.

Application for children

Defensive forces child's body more often than adults are exposed negative impact environment. This happens due to the need to be in a large group of children.

It is better to stop taking Echinacea purpurea tablets. A tincture or decoction would be suitable for this use.

Methods of application

Recipes for children:

  1. Decoctions or tinctures are used in the form of drops to treat inflammation in the ears, gums and teeth. For insect bites, you can use cotton pads soaked in tincture. This method will reduce painful sensations, will reduce swelling.
  2. Inhalation with echinacea decoction will be useful for diseases respiratory tract– bronchitis, tracheitis, tonsillitis.
  3. Baths. To prepare it, the extract is diluted in 200 milliliters of water. At the end of the procedure, you should wipe the baby dry and dress in warm cotton clothes. It is advisable to put warm socks on your feet and then put your baby to bed. Course duration is 10–14 days.
  4. Aromatherapy. The dosage of echinacea is 3-5 drops of tincture or 1-2 drops of extract. This procedure is useful for the child, since it has a good effect on the body itself and disinfects the surrounding air, destroying pathogenic bacteria and viruses.

Contraindications and side effects

  • It is not recommended to use the product if you are prone to allergies.
  • For autoimmune diseases.
  • In case of problems connective tissue Echinacea should be used very carefully and if any side effects occur, discontinue use.
  • It should not be used during pregnancy and lactation due to negative influence per child.

How to take it correctly

The form of release of Echinacea is different, but alcohol tincture is most often used. Correct technique The drug involves dissolving 1 milliliter of medication in half a glass of water. This drug should be taken on an empty stomach, 30 minutes before meals, three times a day. It is not recommended to take the medicine for more than two weeks.

The decoction is used in the same way as the tincture, and compresses are used as a warming and immunostimulating agent for diseases of the bronchi and lungs. Compresses will help with various skin diseases.

Echinacea purpurea extract in capsules is most convenient - it does not need to be prepared or diluted, just drink the capsule with water. It should be taken in the same way as the tincture.

Cooking at home

Take 30 grams of herb and place it in a glass container, bottle or jar, the main condition is a tight lid. For this amount of raw materials you need 450 grams of vodka or diluted alcohol. After three weeks, during which you need to shake the container periodically, the tincture is ready for use.

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A perennial plant native to North America, it was used by the ancient Indians to treat wounds. There are several types of echinacea, but only the purple one (Echinacea purpurea) has medicinal properties. Now the plant is cultivated in Europe, Russia, and the North Caucasus.

What is Echinacea

This plant is distinguished by rough straight stems, basal leaves and large baskets that reach a diameter of 15 cm. Purple coneflower grows up to one meter in height, has a specific smell and purple-red color. It is often confused with rudbeckia, but these are two different herbs. Among medicinal plants, Echinacea purpurea takes a well-deserved place of honor, since it medicinal properties allow you to heal not from the consequences of diseases, but from the root causes.

Echinacea - composition

Medicinal plant rich in a variety of mineral and biologically active substances. Echinacea contains a lot of iron, selenium, potassium, calcium, silver, cobalt, manganese, magnesium, zinc and other components beneficial to the human body. Its rhizomes are saturated with fatty and essential oils, tannins, resins, organic acids, inulin, glucose, alkaloids, and polysaccharides.

The special value of echinacea is the presence of betaine, which prevents the development of stroke and heart attack. So rich medicinal composition provides an excellent opportunity for preparations with echinacea to participate in hematopoiesis, the formation of bone strength, nail plates, teeth. Apply medications based on Echinacea purpurea, follow the instructions (description) strictly so that there is no overdose.

Echinacea - benefits and harm

Various chemical composition plants exhibit antiseptic and antiviral properties. The benefits of echinacea are evident in the treatment of influenza and other viral infections, since phenol carboxylic acids have a stimulating effect on the immune system. Echinacea purpurea has anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties, accelerates the healing of wounds, eczema, and ulcers. The benefits and harms of echinacea are nearby, because the plant’s ability to simulate immunity sometimes turns against a person if he has autoimmune disease.

Echinacea - uses

Unique properties, which echinacea contains, are used not only for the prevention of various diseases, but also in complex treatment. The stems, roots, leaves, and flowers of a young plant less than two years old are suitable for medicinal purposes. Internal use Echinacea is relevant for ear infections, colds, diabetes mellitus, women's diseases, diseases of the liver, bladder. The plant attacks streptococcus, staphylococcus, and E. coli. Echinacea and external use gives excellent results. The medicinal plant relieves such skin problems, How:

  • insect bites;
  • burns;
  • furunculosis;
  • abscesses;
  • eczema;
  • hives.

Echinacea for immunity

An alcohol tincture containing Echinacea roots has a powerful immunostimulating effect on the human body. Its reception is especially relevant as prophylactic during acute respiratory diseases. Systematic use of echinacea tincture for immunity inhibits the proliferation of microbes, awakens the phagocytic response, and increases the level of leukocytes in the blood.

Echinacea infused with alcohol is also effectively used to treat skin diseases, genitourinary system, for tissue restoration and wound healing. You can buy the tincture at any pharmacy or make it yourself according to the recipe:

  • clean, wash and chop the dug up echinacea root;
  • pour 70 or 95% alcohol so that it completely covers the roots;
  • leave the mixture in a warm place for two weeks;
  • then squeeze, filter;
  • take tincture of echinacea root to increase immunity, 15-30 drops three times a day.

Echinacea for children

When a child’s immune resistance decreases, this is accompanied by prolonged and frequent colds. You can restore a weakened immune system with various drugs, created on the basis of an immunostimulating plant with medicinal properties. Now Echinacea for children from 2 years old is available in the form herbal infusions, tea, lollipops, chewable tablets, syrups. For babies up to one year old, take any medicinal herbs should always be agreed with the treating pediatrician.

Echinacea during pregnancy

During pregnancy, a woman's immunity is greatly reduced, but the use of various medications is extremely undesirable. On early stages During pregnancy, the baby's organs are formed, so you should not expose him to danger. The beneficial properties of echinacea make it necessary to take it in doses strictly prescribed by the doctor for pregnant women and mothers during lactation. A study was conducted that looked at positive influence herbs for the fetus and women's health. Echinacea during pregnancy helps to avoid sore throat, flu and other infectious diseases.

Echinacea for colds

During the cold season, people often become guests in the house. colds. Traditional medicine knows many recipes that will relieve fever and cough at home. A traditional option for getting rid of the symptoms of hypothermia is preparing a decoction of dried Echinacea herb. How to brew echinacea for a cold:

  1. Take 30 g of dried flowers of the plant. Place in a glass or ceramic container.
  2. Pour boiling water over the raw materials (2 cups). Boil over low heat for 10 minutes with the lid on.
  3. Let the broth brew in a thermos for 5 hours. Strain, take 125 ml of echinacea with jam or honey three times a day until complete recovery.

Echinacea for HIV

Some immunologists advise HIV-positive patients to use decoctions and infusions of Echinacea as an addition to the main treatment. It is a natural immunostimulant that protects tissue cells from pathogenic invasions. However, there is another group of specialists who believe that taking echinacea for HIV is unacceptable, since an increase in immune activity is accompanied by a depletion of healthy cells in the body. Before using any medicine that activates the immune system, you should consult your doctor.

Echinacea for oncology

Oncologists say that medicines, created on the basis of echinacea, are contraindicated if a person has advanced cancer. However, it is allowed to use the immunostimulating herb after radiation or chemotherapy. Echinacea in oncology can provoke the growth of unwanted cells, but after irradiation it will help normalize the blood count and quickly restore lost body functions.

Echinacea - side effects

Most people do not experience any side effects from taking medications that contain echinacea. However, there is a small percentage of patients who do not benefit greatly from the plant. Judging by their reviews, long-term use Echinacea causes stomach upset, nausea and dizziness. Some people experience allergies in the form of swelling and rashes. Other side effects of Echinacea, after which you should stop taking the medicine and consult a doctor:

  • increased body temperature;
  • difficulty swallowing or breathing;
  • decreased blood pressure;
  • rapid fatigue;
  • depression.

Echinacea - contraindications

The range of diseases for which the indication for use is perennial of the Aster family, incredibly large. However, useful echinacea - the medicinal properties of which are known both folk and traditional medicine, has its contraindications. Doctors do not recommend taking extracts, tinctures and decoctions with it for people suffering from insomnia, mental illness and increased excitability, since the plant affects nervous system person. Main contraindications to the use of Echinacea:

Russian name

Echinacea

The Latin name of the substance is Echinacea

Echinacea ( genus. Echinaceae)

Pharmacological group of the substance Echinacea

Nosological classification (ICD-10)

Characteristics of the substance Echinacea

Echinacea ( Echinacea Moench) is a perennial herbaceous plant from the Asteraceae (Asteraceae) family - Asteraceae (Compositae).

Echinacea purpurea ( Echinacea purpurea(L.) Moench.) and Echinacea pallidum ( Echinacea pallida Nutt.) — herbaceous plants 50-100 and 60-90 cm high, respectively. Echinacea angustifolia ( Echinacea angustifolia DC) has a lower stem, up to 60 cm high.

As medicinal raw materials The herb, rhizomes and roots of Echinacea are used in fresh or dried form.

Echinacea purpurea herb contains polysaccharides (heteroxylans, arabinoramnogalactans), essential oils (0.15-0.50%), flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic (chicoric, ferulic, coumaric, caffeic) acids, tannins, saponins, polyamines, echinacin (amide polyunsaturated acid), echinolone (unsaturated keto alcohol), echinacoside (glycoside containing caffeic acid and pyrocatechol), organic acids, resins, phytosterols; rhizomes and roots - inulin (up to 6%), glucose (7%), essential and fixed oils, phenolcarboxylic acids, betaine, resins. All parts of the plant contain enzymes, macro- (potassium, calcium) and microelements (selenium, cobalt, silver, molybdenum, zinc, manganese, etc.).

IN medical practice Tinctures, decoctions and extracts of Echinacea are used. On an industrial scale, mainly medicinal preparations are produced based on the juice or extract of the Echinacea purpurea herb.

Pharmacology

pharmachologic effect- anti-inflammatory, immunostimulating.

Promotes activation nonspecific factors body protection and cellular immunity, improves metabolic processes. Stimulates bone marrow hematopoiesis, increases the number of leukocytes and cells of the reticuloendothelial system of the spleen. Increases the phagocytic activity of macrophages and chemotaxis of granulocytes, promotes the release of cytokines, increases the production of interleukin-1 by macrophages, accelerates the transformation of B-lymphocytes into plasma cells, enhances antibody formation and T-helper activity.

Application of the substance Echinacea

Immunodeficiencies caused by acute infectious diseases (prevention and treatment): colds, flu, infectious and inflammatory diseases of the nasopharynx and oral cavity. Recurrent respiratory and urinary tract(consisting of complex therapy); as an auxiliary drug for long-term treatment antibiotics: chronic infectious and inflammatory diseases (polyarthritis, prostatitis, gynecological diseases).

Local treatment: long-term non-healing wounds.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity (including to plants of the Asteraceae family), progressive systemic and autoimmune diseases, incl. tuberculosis, leukemia, collagenosis, HIV infection or AIDS, multiple sclerosis

, widespread atherosclerosis.

Restrictions on use

Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Use with caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Side effects of Echinacea Allergic reactions (hyperemia, skin rash

, swelling of the face, shortness of breath, decreased blood pressure).

There may be a decrease in effectiveness with simultaneous use of Echinacea and immunosuppressive drugs. Clinically significant interactions have been observed with simultaneous use with cephalosporin derivatives (cefamandole, cefotetan, cefmenoxime, cefoperazone, moxalactam) and alcohol (even in small quantities). The patient's reaction was characterized by facial hyperemia, nausea, sweating, headache, and tachycardia. You should not take Echinacea within 3 days after completing the course of treatment with the above cephalosporin derivatives.

Overdose

Symptoms: nausea, vomiting, bowel dysfunction, insomnia, increased excitability.

Treatment: symptomatic.

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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. Extraordinarily beautiful appearance, its large bright inflorescences are a real decoration of the garden. Did you know that the plant, in addition to decorative properties has unique healing properties recognized by official medicine?

From Echinacea purpurea pharmaceutical industry different countries produces drugs to strengthen the human immune system; a drug known to many called “Immunal” is made precisely 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 content in the plant large quantity biologically different active substances, such as trace elements, essential oils, polysaccharides, glucose, flavonoids, saponins, glycosides, tannins and much more.

From minerals contained in various parts plants, 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, not only strengthening the immune system, but also having intoxicating properties, regulating lipid metabolism, which has a positive effect on the liver and skeletal system, removes excess sugar from the body.

Echinacea preparations inhibit growth and reproduction pathogens, such as 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
  • at different infectious diseases
  • to improve immunity
  • in case of poisoning
  • for diabetes
  • for liver diseases
  • for infectious diseases of the kidneys and bladder
  • at inflammatory diseases 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, 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 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 the greatest number useful 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, joint diseases, it relieves inflammation, reduces swelling, removes excess liquid 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. intestinal 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 raw materials in 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 a few healthy 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– olive oil), 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 chopped 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 not 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.

A beautiful purple flower native to North America is called Echinacea. Currently, the plant has gained great popularity on all continents of the world, including Russia. The presence of beneficial components of this plant is amazing. Thanks to the content of Echinacea essential oil, polysaccharides, organic acids, alkaloids, tannins, vitamins, microelements, macroelements, it can confidently be called unique, necessary to maintain the normal functioning of the human body.

However, despite everything positive traits American plant, there are serious contraindications for Echinacea. At independent use Anyone wishing to boost their immunity should strictly adhere to the required dosage. As a rule, medicines prepared from echinacea are not poisonous, but with a frivolous attitude, violation of the course of administration and dosage, a person’s salivation significantly increases, which is one of the signs of lung poisoning

Plants from the Asteraceae family, which includes Echinacea, quite often cause allergic reactions using. If you have an allergy, you should consult your doctor about the advisability of using plant-based medications.

Echinacea is contraindicated in patients with autoimmune diseases. Echinacea-based medications should be used with great caution by people who have serious problems associated with connective tissue disease. For severe chronic diseases the use of drugs that contain the echinacea plant requires mandatory consultation with a qualified medical specialist.

The use of the plant by patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis should be avoided. malignant disease hematopoiesis (leukemia), with diseases such as tuberculosis,.

Arabinogalactan is included in almost all medicines based on the Echinacea plant. This substance has serious contraindications for use by people with AIDS or carriers of HIV infection. Carrying out a series scientific research showed that this substance found in the plant helps accelerate development various types malignant tumors.

You should avoid medications containing echinacea for diseases such as rheumatism, polyarthritis nodosa, systemic scleroderma, lupus erythematosus.

The use of medicinal products containing Echinacea is limited by the strict limits of temporary effects on the human body. The drugs should be taken no longer than two weeks in a row.

There are also restrictions on the use of echinacea for people due to age. It is not recommended to give drugs in tablet form to children under 4 years of age, and children under one year of age should not be given drugs in any form. If there is a need for elderly people or children to take such a drug, then it is imperative to follow the minimum dosage and duration of the course prescribed by the medical specialist.

It is not advisable to use medicinal products containing Echinacea for women during pregnancy or breastfeeding newborn baby.

There are quite a lot of contraindications for the use of Echinacea, but in some cases the danger is not so much from Echinacea-based drugs, but side effects from excessive dosage. In addition, failure to adhere to the duration of the course of using Echinacea negatively affects health. The principle of prudence will save you from undesirable consequences. Take care of yourself!



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