Echinacea: the use of a unique plant in medicine. Echinacea: medicinal uses. How to make alcohol tincture

Echinacea purpurea is a tall plant with large, attractive flowers that is very popular among summer residents. Echinacea not only decorates flower beds, but also has beneficial medicinal properties.

Description and chemical composition of Echinacea purpurea

Echinacea contains many nutrients, beneficial for the human body. All parts of the plant are rich in microelements - magnesium, manganese, calcium, silicon, selenium, iron, vitamins A, C and E. Echinacea contains antioxidants - echinocin and echinolone, organic acids, tannins, polysaccharides, resins, essential oil.

Inulin, glucose, betaine, and phenolcarboxylic acids were found in the roots. All these unique substances included in this wonderful plant increase immunity and defenses of the body, improve blood composition, cleanse the human circulatory and lymphatic systems, strengthen bones, promote fast healing wounds and tissue restoration after operations.

Medicinal properties and uses of Echinacea

Echinacea purpurea is one of the most popular medicinal plants all over the world. Many people believe that echinacea is superior to ginseng in its healing properties and can heal many various diseases.

Echinacea has antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral properties and is used for the treatment of inflammatory and infectious diseases - sore throat, tonsillitis, influenza, typhoid fever, diphtheria, cerebral meningitis, peptic ulcer.

Echinacea preparations can accelerate the healing process of purulent wounds, burns, eczema, skin rashes, take off painful sensations, protect the body from viruses, fungi and bacteria, reduce warts on the body, prevent reproduction coli, coccal infections, herpes virus.

Echinacea purpurea is used for cancer, as the substances it contains alleviate the condition after a course of chemotherapy and contribute to faster rehabilitation and recovery of the body.

Infusions and decoctions from this plant have therapeutic effect for hepatitis, cystitis, nephritis, used for the treatment of gynecological inflammatory processes, diseases of the male genital area - for prostatitis and adenoma.

In pharmacology, Echinacea is used to make medications, tablets, ointments, tinctures, extracts, herbal teas, biologically active additives.

Contraindications for use

This one has wonderful plant Just like any medicine, there are contraindications that must be taken into account so as not to harm your health.

Recommended doses should be taken; higher doses may have negative impact on nervous system, cause insomnia, increased excitability, nausea and vomiting. It is not recommended to take Echinacea preparations for more than two weeks.

Echinacea preparations improve immunity, but it should be remembered that an overdose of the drug leads to the opposite effect, to a decrease in immunity, so you need to take only the recommended dose.

• tuberculosis
• leukemia
• multiple sclerosis
• HIV infection, AIDS
• rheumatoid arthritis
• scleroderma
• lupus erythematosus
• diabetes

Pregnant and breastfeeding women are contraindicated to use echinacea for treatment.

Attention! Young men should not take echinacea tincture to strengthen the immune system, as the alcohol tincture affects sperm motility, which leads to difficulty in fertilization.

Traditional methods of treatment with Echinacea

Decoctions, infusions and tea from Echinacea improve appetite, elevate mood, normalize blood pressure, improve vision, cleanse the body of toxins and waste, slow down the aging process, restore strength after physical activity, after operations.

Teas, infusions and decoctions are drunk for swelling and insomnia, for inflammatory processes And chronic fatigue, for colds and flu, for skin diseases– eczema, boils, abscesses.

Water decoctions are used to treat stomach ulcers, headaches and joint pain.

Fresh echinacea juice can lighten freckles and dark spots, handle small wounds and cuts, lubricate purulent pimples on the face. Fresh leaf juice relieves itching and swelling from bee, wasp, and mosquito bites.

This article contains simple folk recipes that will help improve health, relieve pain, and improve well-being.

Echinacea leaf decoction

Pour one tablespoon of dry or fresh crushed leaves with a glass of boiling water and boil for 10 minutes in a water bath, leave, strain. Take 100 ml three times a day before meals.

Pour a tablespoon of dry raw material into half a liter of boiling water into a thermos. Leave overnight, drink 100-150 ml three times a day half an hour before meals. The course of treatment is 10 days, a five-day break and repeat the course again, then you still need a five-day break and again drink echinacea infusion for 10 days. This infusion cures stomach diseases, relieves joint pain and swelling, reduces appetite, cravings for sweets and alcohol.

Infusion for the treatment of colds and flu

To prepare the infusion, you need to grind the dry root and dry leaves to a powder. Take one teaspoon of roots and one teaspoon of leaves and three dried flowers, pour two glasses of boiling water. Leave for forty minutes. Strain and drink for prevention colds one glass of infusion per day, and for treatment three times a day, a glass - morning, afternoon and evening.

Echinacea flower tea

Three fresh flower or 2 teaspoons of dried flowers, pour 0.5 ml of boiling water. Infuse, strain and drink a glass three times a day during a cold.

Alcohol tincture recipe

Pour 50 grams of dry herbs and flowers or 200 grams of fresh flowers into one liter of vodka. Leave for 20 days in a dark place, shaking the container periodically. Strain and take the tincture three times a day, 20-30 drops, half an hour before meals. Drink the tincture for 10 days, take a three-day break, drink again for 10 days and again take a three-day break, and again treat for 10 days.

This beautiful flower easy to care for and can grow in the garden. Its miraculously strong properties occupy a place of honor in medicine; the plant has established itself as an excellent remedy for cleansing the lymphatic system, liver and kidneys. In common parlance it is called the “blood purifier.”

There are more than 300 medicines containing rudbeckia. It is widely used in cosmetology and cooking. Absolutely all parts of the flower are used in folk medicine and bring great benefit body. Echinacea is a real protector and guardian of our health.

The flowers make tasty and aromatic teas. The drink is prepared very simply: a few flowers are poured with boiling water, the decoction is infused and consumed with honey or sugar. The piquant, tart, slightly bitter taste of tea perfectly invigorates and relieves fatigue after a hard day. The plant contains many valuable substances that promote the production of protective antibodies to harmful microorganisms and leukocytes.

It has been proven more than once that antioxidant effect Echinacea provides. Its beneficial properties help fight infectious and bacterial diseases. The herb not only eases the course of colds, eliminates symptoms, but also significantly shortens the duration of the disease and prevents complications. It helps maintain youthful skin and prevents early aging.

Scientists have discovered that masks and lotions from this plant maintain skin elasticity, prevent the penetration of pathogenic bacteria, and get rid of acne and pigmentation. Inflammatory phenomena and acne will be cured by the same echinacea. Medicinal properties comparable to medicinal substance penicillin. rich in alkylamides, which have a mild anesthetic effect.

The natural medicine helps strengthen the immune system due to the content of a number of useful components. It contains tannins, polysaccharides, essential oils, organic and phenolic acids. The most important thing is that the grass contains a lot of polyenes - substances that kill mold and mildew.

But not only echinacea has an immunomodulatory effect. Its beneficial properties are much more diverse. The herb has a diuretic, antiviral, antibacterial, antiallergenic and antimicrobial effect. This fact has been confirmed by science and numerous medical research. That is why the plant is widely used in folk and traditional pharmaceuticals.

Even small children from the age of 3 can be given preparations that include echinacea. Beneficial properties appear during inflammatory processes, diabetes mellitus, bladder diseases and blood poisoning. Herbal ointments, creams and lotions are used for psoriasis, burns, eczema, herpes, and mosquito bites. In the fight against osteomyelitis, polyarthritis, prostatitis, women's diseases and diseases respiratory system The following helps in application:

• If there are wounds, burns, herpes and other skin diseases, do healing tincture from 600 ml of vodka and 150 grams of raw roots. The mixture is infused for 30 days. You can prepare a paste from echinacea leaves and apply it as compresses to the affected areas.
• Oil will help with sore throat, bronchitis, tracheitis, burns and cervical erosion: you will need 500 grams of fresh crushed roots and 2.5 liters vegetable oil. The components are combined and infused for 30 days. After the expiration date, the oil is filtered and consumed orally, 10 grams 3 times a day. The oil can be rubbed into the skin for inflammation.
• Healing lotion for skin against inflammatory phenomena: mix 25 grams of chamomile, string and echinacea. Pour alcohol over the grass and leave to infuse for 2 weeks. Wipe the affected skin with the prepared lotion, then rinse with soapy water.

Before treatment, be sure to visit a doctor, since the medicinal plant has contraindications: pregnancy, multiple sclerosis, leukemia, allergies, mental instability, tuberculosis.

Purple Echinacea, medicinal properties and the contraindications of which we will consider in detail in this article on the site “”, is considered one of the most useful plants, both in folk and official medicine. It is thanks to the beneficial qualities of echinacea that effective preventive and medicinal products against many ailments appeared in their recipes.

Echinacea is a unique plant! It can not only decorate your country cottage area or a front garden with bright colors and an indescribable aroma, but also to help the body repel the attacks of diseases and viruses that strive to do this during periods of cold and dampness.

Echinocea is a member of the Asteraceae family and is a fairly common tall (stem length reaches one and a half meters) perennial with a developed root system and thin cuttings.

Single inflorescences of this medicinal flower are capable of reaching fifteen centimeters in diameter and have a rich palette of colors (from dark red to purple).

Chemical composition of the plant

Latest laboratory research in Canada showed that Echinacea contains elements from seven different biologically active groups:

the plant also contains:

• iron – 45 mg;
• chlorine – 74 mg;
• magnesium – 119 mg;
• aluminum 127 mg;
• potassium – 315 mg;
• calcium – 778 mg;
• vitamin C – 232 mg;
• provitamin A – 85.6 mg.

In small doses, Echinacea also contains:

• vanadium;
• beryllium;
• barium;
• zinc;
• nickel;
• cobalt;
• silver;
• selenium;
• molybdenum.

And in order to supplement this list in the winter and stay healthy and energetic, do not forget to combine the use of echinacea with other useful gifts from the garden, for example, healthy!

Medicinal properties of purple echinacea

Range of use of drugs based on purple echinacea, the medicinal properties and contraindications of which we will consider below, are quite wide:

In addition, today there are techniques specifically developed for the prevention and treatment of oncological tumors using preparations made from medicinal echinacea. Also, similar medications are used successfully to relieve nervous stress, as well as physical stress. By drinking Echinacea tea, you can quickly normalize your sleep, forgetting about insomnia and anxious thoughts. And similar decoctions and infusions are recommended for schoolchildren and people who engage in mental work, because their use contributes to more effective memorization and perception of information, as well as increased concentration.

At the same time, extracts from echinacea have an invigorating and tonic effect, having a slight anesthetic effect and reducing the photosensitivity of human skin to solar ultraviolet rays. In addition to all of the above, preparations and folk remedies from Echinacea have radioprotective, anti-inflammatory and antiallergic effects. Another medicinal plant with benefits and contraindications can be found in the article about!

Europeans became familiar with echinacea back in the 17th century. Thanks to beautiful flowers it became a decoration of parks and gardens. After some time, Echinacea was recognized as a medicinal plant. However, the medicinal properties and contraindications of echinacea were known long before this. Shamans of North America were among the first to use this plant to treat burns, pain of different origins, colds, bites of the most poisonous snakes.

As the composition and properties of Echinacea were studied, pharmacists in many countries created drugs that increasingly contained this flower. Each study has only confirmed that Echinacea is an excellent antiviral and antibacterial agent. It also perfectly stimulates the human immune system.

Echinacea description, photo

Echinacea purpurea - perennial from the aster family, with large flowers - purple baskets. It has a special aroma and taste. It is unpretentious in care, can reach 1.5 m in height. It has a rough, branched stem and the same rough, pointed leaves. The root system consists of branched short roots. Echinacea begins flowering at the age of two years. Flowers appear in the second half of June, the plant fades after 2.5 months.

Initially, Echinacea grew in the arid regions of North America, mainly in the eastern part. Despite the diversity known species Echinacea (white, angustifolia, bloody, feigning, Tennessee), in pharmacology and as a folk remedy Purple echinacea is used.

Important! All parts of Echinacea are medicinal: stems, leaves, flowers and roots.

Chemical composition

The medicinal properties of Echinacea purpurea, valuable for the human body, are explained by the unique combination of many components. The main components of the plant:

• flavonoids;
• polysaccharides;
• amino acids;
• antioxidants;
• essential oils.

Echinacea contains vitamins A, C, E, lipids, phenols, tannins. Microelements include: iron, chlorine, aluminum, potassium, calcium, magnesium. In small quantities chemical composition plants supplement: selenium, cobalt, zinc, manganese, molybdenum.

Such a rich composition determines beneficial effect echinacea on hematopoietic processes, to combat cancer cells, as well as anti-allergenic and anti-inflammatory properties. Due to the high content of polysaccharides, Echinacea actively stimulates the production of interferon, thereby increasing the human body's defenses.

Useful and healing properties

Echinacea purpurea is a powerful immunomodulator. Unlike ginseng, which “shake up” the immune system, echinacea helps it start working on its own. In this regard, it is recommended as prophylactic from flu and colds.
Under the influence of preparations based on echinacea, the bloodstream is cleansed, lymphatic system, viruses and bacteria die. In addition, free radicals are removed, as a result, cell aging slows down and the body as a whole is rejuvenated.

Important! To treat skin diseases and stop bleeding, the roots of the herb are used.

The following are the most significant medicinal properties of Echinacea purpurea:

1. Strengthens the immune system.
2. Relieves inflammation.
3. Destroys viruses, fungi, bacteria.
4. Cleanses the body.
5. Prevents the growth and reproduction of tumor cells.

Echinacea uses

Echinacea purpurea is prescribed in medicine for the treatment of many diseases. The list of diseases that can be treated with echinacea is quite extensive. The most common indications for use:

• colds (including acute respiratory infections, flu);
• pathologies of the respiratory system;
• infectious lesions genitourinary organs;
• inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract;
• skin diseases of various origins (psoriasis, dermatitis, purulent wounds, furunculosis).

Echinacea preparations are used for depressive states, insomnia, nervous fatigue. They increase concentration and improve memory.

Important! The plant is not addictive. There are no side effects observed during treatment.

For medical purposes, Echinacea is used in such forms as:

1. Tincture. It treats allergies, gastritis, pancreatitis, diseases of the reproductive and urinary system, intestinal dysfunction, purulent skin diseases. For inflammation respiratory tract The tincture is rubbed into the skin of the back. At initial symptoms For colds, it is added to the water when taking a bath.
2. Tea. Its main purpose is the prevention of acute respiratory viral infections and influenza. To avoid getting sick during a flu epidemic, it is recommended to brew the flowers of the plant or its roots, and drink this tea from 1 to 3 glasses a day. You can also drink tea to improve metabolism and rejuvenate the body.
3. Decoction. Copes well with headaches, relieves excess liquid, thereby eliminating swelling, normalizing arterial pressure. Echinacea decoction prevents vision deterioration and improves appetite. They are used to treat skin rashes, burns, and insect bites.
4. Lotions, baths, compresses. As an external remedy it is prescribed for the treatment of eczema and carbuncles. Compresses are applied to inflamed areas skin with hidradenitis. Pain from bruises and wounds can be relieved with echinacea lotions.
5. Infusion. Normalizes blood composition. Strengthens the defense system, relieves stress, and has an invigorating property. Externally used to treat burns and to resolve scars.
6. Extract. Perfectly suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Regular use Echinacea extract will help avoid colds and reduce nervous tension. As an external remedy it is used to treat bruises and wounds.
7. Another way to use echinacea is as syrup. Its action helps to increase the body's resistance to pathological microorganisms. Often syrup is prescribed for initial stages malignant neoplasms.

Important! P When taking echinacea internally, the prescribed dosage should be strictly followed.

The use of echinacea in medical nutrition

Echinacea can be used not only in dosage forms. Healing properties do not lose their value when the plant is used for food. Essential oils, resins, and fiber contained in all parts of echinacea improve metabolic processes. Entering the body with food, active ingredients herbs have a beneficial local effect on the mucous membranes of the digestive tract, increase the level of hemoglobin in the blood, and replenish vitamin deficiency.

Fresh echinacea leaves are added to salads and soups in the summer. In other seasons, it is recommended to use dried leaves, stems and flowers.

The healing properties of echinacea for men

Echinacea's ability to positively influence genital area used in the treatment of some male diseases. Under the influence herbal ingredients behind a short time inflammation goes away, viruses die, fungi stop multiplying.

Important! Men under 50 years of age who want to have children should not use echinacea preparations or reduce the dosage, since the drugs inhibit sperm motility during treatment.

Echinacea purpurea is effective in complex therapy for problems such as: prostatitis, adenoma prostate gland, genitourinary infections, inflammation urinary organs, infertility. Due to their immunomodulating properties, plant raw materials are successfully used for malignant tumors male genitourinary system. The body is freed from pathogenic substances and begins to fight foreign cells more effectively.

Medicinal echinacea for women

Medicines containing Echinacea are widely used to eliminate women’s health problems of different ages. Preparations with Echinacea are effective in treating:

• inflammation of the ovaries and cervix;
• cystitis;
• pyelonephritis.

Positive dynamics are also observed after a course of treatment for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and candidiasis. Microelements included in the plant normalize female hormonal background through a beneficial effect on thyroid gland and adrenal glands. healthy hormonal system- the key to excellent general well-being women.

Beneficial properties of Echinacea for children

Frail children's immunity is not able to fully fight infections and viruses on its own. The herb Echinacea can help him with this. Famous for their positive properties, medicines with echinacea have become one of the most used in the fight against childhood colds, acute respiratory infections, acute respiratory viral infections, and bronchitis.

Important! Echinacea is contraindicated in children under 3 years of age due to an unstable nervous system.

Echinacea is prescribed to children to prevent influenza, frequent illnesses upper respiratory tract, urinary canals, as well as at the first manifestations of ARVI. Stomatitis and otitis media are also treated with Echinacea.

For convenient use, various children's forms of drugs are available (tincture, tablets, lollipops, dry leaves and flowers for brewing). Echinacea tincture contains alcohol, so it is recommended to take it in small doses only for children over 12 years old. A child over 5 years old can be given tablets, and younger children can use tea from dried leaves plants. For children, both younger and older, you can use baths with the addition of plant extract and aromatherapy.

Regular intake of echinacea by a child will help not only speed up the healing process, prevent complications of diseases, but also avoid them altogether.

Echinacea for the treatment of skin diseases

Unique healing, antifungal, as well as antiseptic properties Echinacea helps heal purulent lesions skin, make it possible to quickly relieve inflammation and pain from skin damage. Experts prescribe echinacea for skin diseases such as:

• furunculosis;
• herpes, papillomas;
• eczema;
• burns of varying degrees;
• ulcerative lesion.

Lotions and compresses with echinacea relieve psoriasis - eliminate peeling and itching. For those who suffer from cracked heels, it is recommended to lubricate the cracks with herbal oil at night, after steaming your feet with hot water.

In cosmetology, the plant is used to eliminate acne on the face. They are wiped with herbal lotion. After this procedure, small cracks heal and redness disappears. People with problem skin face fits well Fresh Juice leaves of the plant, which should be used to wipe the skin. This method also allows you to smooth out wrinkles. When caring for the skin of the whole body, baths with echinacea at a comfortable temperature will be effective.

Important! Preparations based on echinacea can lighten the skin of the face. This property is used to get rid of age spots.

Vitamins, antioxidants and microelements of echinacea are included in shampoos, conditioners, and hair masks. Such products stop hair loss, give it a healthy appearance, and eliminate seborrhea by normalizing the condition of the scalp.

Echinacea tincture - benefits and harms

The most commonly used alcohol tincture of Echinacea. She gives positive results in the treatment of a number of the most famous pathologies. Benefits of the tincture:

1. Stabilizes work thyroid gland without affecting the general hormonal state.
2. In the form of baths, compresses, lotions, it eliminates skin problems. Widely used by dermatologists and cosmetologists.
3. Copes well with stomatitis, sore throat, gingivitis.
4. Relieves infections of the genitourinary organs. Eliminates inflammatory processes of the digestive system.
5. Promotes speedy recovery the body after chemotherapy, long-term viral diseases.

Important! Echinacea tincture is not prescribed to pregnant women, nursing mothers and children under 12 years of age. Infusions and decoctions are suitable for this category of patients.

Herbal tincture is indispensable for oral lesions of various etiologies: periodontal disease, glossitis, tonsillitis. The effect of the tincture can be observed if you rub it into sore joints every evening. This remedy is useful to use if the patient has myositis or radiculitis.

Because of alcohol base the tincture is contraindicated in patients with a history of allergies to the drug, autoimmune diseases, cancer circulatory system. People whose occupation involves driving a car should not drink the tincture.
Do not get carried away with taking tinctures. Exceeding the dose or timing of administration can lead to unpleasant consequences.

Signs of overdose:

• skin itching;
• hives;
• decreased blood pressure;
• nausea.

There is an opinion that echinacea tincture is absolutely harmless. People drink it whenever they see fit, in unlimited quantities. This is wrong and unsafe. The required result will be achieved only if the optimal dose (3 - 6 ml per day) is strictly observed and the recommended dosage regimen is followed (3 times a day for 10 days).

Tincture to boost immunity

Thanks to its rich, harmonious composition, echinacea tincture increases the body's resistance to the action of pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and attacks by harmful microorganisms. It helps people avoid contracting diseases of various origins, especially during the off-season, when the immune system is most weakened. It has been proven that patients who take the tincture during illness recover faster.

In order to maintain immune system at the proper level, you need to start taking the tincture according to the following scheme:

1. First day. Drink 40 drops at once, eat after half an hour. After 2 hours, also half an hour before meals, take the next 20 drops.
2. Second and subsequent days. Drink the tincture three times a day, 20 drops before meals.
3. The duration of the course is 14 days. The next course can be repeated no earlier than after 6 months.

How to make a healing tincture of echinacea at home

Echinacea tincture is sold in pharmacies. But you can prepare it at home yourself. To be sure of the quality of the raw materials, it is better to buy them all in the same pharmacies. Leaves, roots and flowers are suitable for tincture. When collecting plants yourself, you should take into account the fact that greatest benefit will come from leaves collected in the summer, and from stems and roots in the fall.

Well-dried, crushed parts of echinacea are placed in a container, then filled with either alcohol or vodka. For 50 grams of raw materials you will need ¼ liter of alcohol or 500 ml of vodka.

Echinacea tablets, ampoules price

Many pharmaceutical companies produce Echinacea in tablets. The popularity of this form of release is that tablet drugs are convenient to carry with you and you do not need additional funds to take them. Echinacea tablets contain plant extract or juice.

Indications and contraindications for tablets are the same as for other forms of Echinacea-based preparations. Tablets are taken for a week, up to 4 tablets per day.

Echinacea is available in ampoules of 2 ml for intramuscular, intravenous, subcutaneous administration. In this form, the plant is used as an anti-inflammatory and immunostimulating agent. The drug has mild sedative, analgesic and hemostatic properties. Parenteral administration of echinacea is prescribed for myositis, radiculitis, arthritis, sepsis, and sexually transmitted infections.

Important! If it is impossible to administer the medication parenterally, you can let the patient drink the contents of the ampoule without diluting it. The dose depends on the age of the patient. Adults are prescribed the drug 1 ampoule every 2 to 3 days.

Traditional medicine recipes

Echinacea is used not only in traditional medicine as pharmacological drugs. You can prepare products with it yourself, using: fresh plant, and dried. Folk recipes no less effective.

Echinacea in the treatment of burns, stomach diseases

Grind 50 grams of dry grass roots, place in a glass container, pour 200 grams olive oil, leave for 30 days, then strain. Drink 1 tbsp twice a day. spoon after eating. Burns are treated with oil infusion topically.

Echinacea for fatigue

• peel and chop the fresh root;
• fill completely with alcohol;
• put the container in a dark, cool place for 14 days;
• After the time has passed, strain and squeeze.

Drink the alcoholic extract 1 tsp. 3 times with water, followed by a meal after 30 minutes.

Treating cuts with Echinacea

A tablespoon of root is poured into 150–200 ml of boiling water. Then put it on for 30 minutes water bath, cool. Apply a napkin soaked in the broth to the damaged area of ​​skin every 3 to 4 hours.

Echinacea for flu and colds

Fresh flowers in the amount of 3 pieces, or 10 grams of roots or leaves are poured into 1.5 liters of boiling water. Cover tightly and leave for half an hour. Take the strained infusion 200 ml per day to prevent influenza, in the initial stages - 3 glasses per day.

Brew 1 spoon of a mixture of all parts of echinacea with 500 ml of boiling water, leave for 10 - 15 minutes. Take half a glass with honey.

Anti-acne lotion

Combine 30 grams of a mixture of leaves and roots of the plant with 20 grams of string and 20 grams of chamomile. Pour ½ liter of vodka over the herbs. After 14 days, you can wipe your face with lotion.

Before self-cooking Infusions, decoctions, teas with Echinacea, you need to know when and how you can use products with Echinacea.

When not to use Echinacea

Despite the fact that echinacea is practically harmless remedy and helps in the case of numerous pathologies, before starting treatment you should definitely consult a doctor for advice and prescription correct dose. Like many medications, Echinacea products have their limitations. Conditions in which taking Echinacea is contraindicated:

• mental disorders;
• malignant blood lesion;
• tuberculosis in any form;
• AIDS, HIV;
• multiple sclerosis;
• period of pregnancy, lactation.

Patients with diabetes should take echinacea with caution, since the plant is capable of producing insulin.

Even if a person does not have any of the diseases listed above, individual hypersensitivity to the components of the echinacea plant may occur. Symptoms of intolerance are: skin rash, severe itching, hypotension, swelling of the face, limbs, heavy breathing.

Important! It is not recommended to start a course of treatment with Echinacea in hot weather. You should not take echinacea-based medications for more than 2 to 3 weeks.

Echinacea, a medicinal perennial of North American origin, was brought to the European continent in the 17th century. Healing properties the plants were known to the Indians. They prepared decoctions from the grass to fight fever, wounds, and burns. Official medicine studied in detail the medicinal properties and contraindications of echinacea. The flower extract is used in pharmacological immunostimulant preparations.

Echinacea purpurea belongs to the Asteraceae family; in early classification, the plant was classified as a member of the genus Rudbeckia. The buds, leaves and roots contain biologically active components and provide a complex effect on the immune system:

• mucous and tannins;
• flavonoid compounds, phytosterols;
• enzymes, hydroxycinnamic acids;
• 0.1–0.5% essential oils with non-cyclic sesquiterpenes;
• polysaccharides, resins, saponins, echinolone;
• echinacoside, echinacin, polyamines;
• minerals (molybdenum, zinc, silver, manganese, calcium, potassium);
• vitamins of groups A, C, E.

The rhizomes contain the plant polysaccharide inulin, a probiotic that stimulates the gastrointestinal tract and removes harmful substances. Betaine has a positive effect on metabolism, neutralizes toxins, and stimulates the absorption of micro- and macroelements.

Planting, harvesting and storage

Echinacea herb does not require complicated care, has a pleasant aroma, and is used in landscape design due to its decorative properties. It is grown in garden plots. Reproduction occurs vegetatively and by seeds. After dividing the bush, the young shoot is planted in spring or autumn. The flower is frost-resistant, but in harsh winters it is covered with a layer of peat and spruce branches. Fertile soil with drainage is suitable for growing Echinacea; the grass does not take root well in sandy soils. To plant it, choose a sunny area - the flower is light-loving and dark place dies.

Purple and narrow-leaved varieties have medicinal properties. To collect raw materials, the plant is taken from the second year of the growing season. During flowering in July–August, cut off the leaves and buds that have not yet opened. Spread the grass evenly on the paper in a well-ventilated place, out of direct sunlight. Collect roots in late autumn, when the above-ground part of the plant dries out. After washing thoroughly, cut into pieces and place in the dryer or oven. Keep the temperature below +50°C to prevent evaporation essential oil. After drying, transfer the raw materials into tightly closed glass containers. Grass preserves useful qualities 6 months, roots – 2-3 years.

Echinacea for men

Due to anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, plant-based preparations are used in the treatment of diseases genitourinary area. The components included suppress the growth of pathogenic microflora, accelerate the elimination of harmful substances, and activate the process of regeneration of affected tissues. When the prostate gland is inflamed, the herb fights infection, increases the body's natural defenses, and relieves pain.

The healing plant helps support weakened immunity and prevent complications. Echinacea is prescribed for malignant neoplasms V genitourinary system as an aid.

Taking infusions increases male potency, however, the biologically active components contained in the herb impair sperm motility. When planning to conceive, it is preferable to replace echinacea similar drugs with another active substance or reduce the dosage.

Healing plant for women's health

The herb is used in gynecology and endocrinology as additional remedy. Under the influence of drugs with flower extract, the functioning of the adrenal glands and thyroid gland improves, and hormonal levels are normalized. Echinacea is used for inflammatory processes in the cervix and ovaries, cystitis, candidiasis, chlamydia. Acting as an immunomodulator, the herb increases resistance to infections and stops the proliferation of fungi and bacteria.

Medicinal plant copes with suppression HPV viruses and herpes. Echinacea is also useful in the treatment of STDs. The herb improves skin condition, eliminates acne, reduces itching allergic rashes. Taking decoctions and infusions reduces appetite, improves intestinal functioning, speeds up metabolism, removes excess fluid and toxins, which helps with weight loss.

The value of a medicinal plant for children

Frequent illnesses weaken the immunity of children and schoolchildren; against the background of untreated ARVI, complications develop with new contact with viruses. Regular use of preparations with plant extract is an effective prevention of infection during the epidemic season and a way to catch colds less often. A decoction taken at the first signs of flu will speed up recovery and ease the course of the disease.

For tonsillitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, gargling with herbal infusion will reduce inflammation and stop the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. The drug "Immunal", which includes echinacea, is used from one year, other tablets are recommended from 4, tincture - from 12. Be sure to coordinate the treatment regimen with your pediatrician. If your baby is allergic, start taking it with a small dosage and carefully monitor the body’s reaction.

Recipes

The pharmacy sells a number of drugs with medicinal herb extract in various forms: “Immunorm”, “Estifan”, “Doctor Theiss” in tablets and drops, “Echinacea Compositum” in ampoules for intramuscular injections. For children there are lollipops, lozenges, and syrups. In homeopathy, Echinacea Premium capsules are used as a source of hydroxycinnamic acids. And they also sell ready-made alcohol tincture or medicinal collection with grass. Easy to do healing agents and at home. ethnoscience uses echinacea for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases.

To grow raw materials yourself, plant flowers in areas away from industrial enterprises and highways. Collect leaves and buds from healthy, pest- and fungus-free plants.

Colds, runny nose, flu, ARVI

Take a teaspoon of finely chopped roots and leaves, 3-4 dried inflorescences, brew 500 ml of boiling water. Leave to infuse for 40 minutes. Strain, at the first symptoms of malaise, drink a glass medicinal tea 3 times a day.

For hypothermia, take 30 g of petals and leaves, 500 ml hot water, boil for 15 minutes, pour into a thermos. After 4-5 hours, strain, take 125 ml with honey or raspberry jam three times a day.

Prevention, boosting immunity

Pour 200 ml of boiling water over a teaspoon of crushed raw materials, place the container in a water bath for 10–15 minutes, and filter after cooling. Take 100 ml three times before meals. The decoction has a strengthening effect and stimulates the body's immune defense. The course of admission is 14-21 days. An infusion of 2 tablespoons of dried herb and 250 ml is useful cold water. Leave for 9–10 hours, strain, drink 150 ml 2 times a day for two weeks.

Cystitis and urethritis

Echinacea relieves inflammation, activates natural immunity. To prepare a flower decoction, pour a handful of dried buds into a thermos and steam with a liter of boiling water. Let it brew, take 50-100 ml 3-5 times a day.

A combined collection also helps. Mix equal parts of yarrow, bearberry, and echinacea flowers. Pour 10 g of herbs into 300 ml of hot water, heat over low heat for 15 minutes. Cover the container with a blanket or rug and leave for an hour. Filter, bring the volume to the original volume, drink 80 ml before meals.

Bladder and kidney diseases

Pour 20 g of herb into 200 ml of vodka or diluted alcohol, close the container, and place in a dark place for 14–21 days. Shake the solution regularly. Filter, consume 20 drops before meals for 10 days. Take a break for 72 hours and repeat the course of treatment.

Gastrointestinal diseases

Steam a tablespoon of crushed raw materials with 450 ml of boiling water and cook for 20–25 minutes. Cool, filter. Take 100-150 ml warm three times a day to normalize the functioning of the digestive system.

Pour 50 ml of 70% alcohol into 50 g of dried leaves and buds. Place in a cool, dark place and shake the container daily. After 2-3 weeks, strain the solution. Take 20 drops before meals 3 times a day. After 10 days, take a break of the same duration. Indications for use of the tincture: gastritis, chronic constipation, ulcerative lesions stomach and duodenum.

Headaches, joint pains

Brew a teaspoon of leaves with 200 ml of boiling water, place in a water bath for 10 minutes. Leave covered for 1 hour. Filter, drink 100 ml before meals. A mixture of powdered roots, flowers, leaves and honey in a ratio of 1 to 3 improves the condition of migraines and insomnia. Use with tea 3 times a day.

BPH

For benign prostatic hyperplasia, an infusion of medicinal herbs is useful. Take fresh or dried leaves, place them on the bottom of a glass container, add vodka in a ratio of 1 to 10. Place in a cool, dark place for 2 weeks. Filter, drink 20–25 drops three times a day before meals.

Lymphadenitis

With the development of a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection, pathogenic microflora spreads throughout the body. Penetrating into the regional lymph nodes in the groin area and neck, it causes inflammation. This is manifested by swelling and soreness of the skin around the affected area.

Bioactive substances in echinacea help restore the protective functions of the immune system, reduce pain, and stop the proliferation of microbes. Therapy is combined with antibiotics and antiviral drugs. When intramammary nodes are enlarged, women undergo an ultrasound to rule out complications.

For adults, an alcohol tincture is suitable: dissolve 10 drops in water and take 4 times a day. For a child, syrup will be a safe substitute. To prepare, pour 4 tbsp. l. chopped roots 350 ml boiling water, cook for 20 minutes. Add 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves. Let cool, filter, add 4-5 tbsp. l. honey For children from 3 to 10 years old, give 5 ml of syrup three times a day. Resorption of enlarged lymph nodes will speed up the use of compresses. Soak a gauze pad diluted in a ratio of 1 to 2 with the tincture, cover with a layer of cotton wool and fix it on the affected area.

Inflammations of the mouth and throat

Grind tbsp. l. raw materials, brew a glass of boiling water, let it brew for 1 hour. Filter, use for rinsing 3-4 times a day. It is acceptable to use alcohol tincture (two teaspoons per 250 ml of water). The procedures relieve pain and inflammation, destroy pathogenic microflora, stimulate the restoration of damaged mucous membranes.

Nervous disorders, stress, chronic fatigue

Pour 30 g of buds into 0.5 liters of boiling water and keep on moderate heat for 10–15 minutes. Cover the container and leave for 3 hours. Filter, drink 100 ml three times a day before meals. To prepare the tincture, take 100 ml of alcohol per 10 g of finely chopped roots. After 24 hours, strain, take 20-30 drops 3 times a day.

Open wounds, boils, ulcers, burns

The juice of the plant has an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, regenerating effect. Use it for rinsing and lotions. Substances in the herb increase blood clotting and speed up healing. The juice will also help with insect bites, eczema, and psoriasis. When using an alcohol tincture, add 40–60 drops to 100 ml of saline solution, soak gauze in the liquid, apply to the affected area and secure with a bandage. Change the compress twice a day.

Conjunctivitis

For a glass of water, take tbsp. l. dry roots and simmer the solution for 30 minutes. Cool, filter. Use for oral administration (2 tablespoons 4 times a day), eye rinses and compresses.

HPV virus

After removing papillomas, tincture medicinal herb will help boost immunity and prevent relapse of the disease. Fill the plant material with 70 percent alcohol in a ratio of 1 to 10, leave for 2 weeks. After filtration, take the solution 15–20 drops three times a day for 30–45 days.

Use for skin and hair

In cosmetology, the flower is used to combat acne, inflammation, and redness. Creams and tonics with extract medicinal plant smooth out fine wrinkles, refresh the face, improve skin color. Echinacea juice with distilled water in a ratio of 1 to 2 is useful for washing in the morning and evening to get rid of acne, speed up healing, and normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands.

To make your curls look shiny and healthy, without splitting or falling out, apply to the roots. cosmetic masks With healing herb. 3 tablespoons burdock oil mix with 15 ml of echinacea infusion, apply to hair, rinse after 1 hour. It is useful to use a decoction for rinsing. To prepare, pour a liter of boiling water over a cup. l. leaves and petals, leave on low heat for 15 minutes. Filter and use the solution after washing your hair.

Side effects

Long-term use of the drug causes a malfunction of the immune system, increasing the body's susceptibility to harmful bacteria and viruses. Pressure surges, sleep disturbances, and increased heart rate are noted. An overdose provokes the development of diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and sometimes body temperature rises.

To avoid unwanted side effects, don't accept medicine for a long time without a break. The acceptable course of treatment is 6–8 weeks. When consumed pharmaceutical drugs follow the recommendations specified in the instructions.

Grass is a possible allergen, so be careful when hypersensitivity to plants of the Asteraceae family. Manifestations of individual intolerance to echinacea include redness on the skin, swelling, hives, itching, breathing problems, and chest tightness. If allergic reactions develop, take antihistamine tablet and seek medical attention.

Contraindications

Echinacea is a natural immunostimulating agent that helps cope with a number of diseases. However, doctors impose a ban on the use herbal preparation in the following cases:

• period of pregnancy and lactation;
• HIV infection, AIDS;
• diagnosed autoimmune disorders. In these pathologies, the functioning of the body’s defense system, which perceives own cells like aliens, and reception medicinal herb will worsen the condition;
• all forms of tuberculosis;
• oncology of the hematopoietic system;
• children under 3 years of age;
• allergy to substances contained in echinacea.

At chronic diseases liver, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, traumatic brain injury, decision on the admissibility of admission herbal infusions or tablets are taken by the attending physician. When used correctly and carefully, Echinacea is safe and beneficial to a weakened body.