Medical herbs for colds: apply echinacea correctly
Medical herbs for colds: apply echinacea correctly
When the cold season is approaching, many of us already have the first signs of a cold in the neck. The good news? Echinacea, also known as a sun hat, could be just the right herb to get our immune system up to trot. But how exactly does this remedy work for colds? In this article we take a close look at Echinacea - from the detailed mode of action to the various forms of application to current scientific studies. Is Echinacea really the miracle cure we are looking for, or is it just another hype? Let us find out together how you can use Echinacea effectively to strengthen your immune system and maybe even be one step ahead of the next cold. Stay tuned - it could change your health!
The mode of action of Echinacea for colds in detail
Echinacea, a plant from the family of the Korbblütler, is often used to support the immune system, especially when it comes to colds. The most common species used to make Echinacea preparations are Echinacea Purpurea, Echinacea Angustifolia and Echinacea Pallida. The active ingredients of the plant, which are responsible for their immune-modulating properties, include polysaccharides, alkamine and fatty acids as well as fleeting oils.
One of the main effects of Echinacea lies in the stimulation of immune cells. These plant extracts promote the activity of macrophages, natural killer cells and T-lymphocytes. These cells are crucial for the defense against viruses and bacteria. There is indications that Echinacea increases the production of interferons and cytokines that are important for the immune response.
A comprehensive effect is also evident in reducing the inflammatory reactions. Studies suggest that Echinacea can lower the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, which indicates that it could reduce the risk of developing respiratory diseases. An investigation shows that taking Echinacea can reduce the duration and severity of cold complaints.
The chemical components of Echinacea also contribute to the effect. Isolation experiments have found that specific polyphenols and alkamids in Echinacea have an antiviral effect. These substances can inhibit the propagation of cold viruses and thus the likelihood of developing, lowering, lowering a cold.
key points for the mode of action of Echinacea:
- stimulation of immune cells: Activation of macrophages and T lymphocytes
- Increase in anti -inflammatory cytokines: Reduction of inflammatory reactions
- inhibition of virus increase: antiviral properties through polyphenols
Current research shows that the physiological reaction to Echinacea components is influenced by various factors, including the specific type of plant, the preparation method and the dosage. Due to this variability, the results can vary, which underlines the challenges of making reliable general statements about the effectiveness of Echinacea.
application forms and dosage of Echinacea to support the immune system
echinacea can be used to strengthen the immune system in various forms. The most common forms of application are:
- tea
- drop (liquid extracts)
- capsules or tablets
- ointments and creams (for local applications)
Each of these forms has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of effectiveness and dosage. For example, tea offers a gentle way to consume the plant, while concentrates may provide a higher dose of the active ingredients. The choice of the form of application often depends on personal preferences and the type of complaints.
The recommended dosage of Echinacea varies depending on the product and shape, but there are general guidelines. With liquid extracts, a dose of 20-40 drops is often given 2-3 times a day. For capsules between 300-500 mg, to take two to three times a day. When using tea, 1-2 grams of dried echinacea roots or leaves per cup of water are a common recommendation.
The duration of the application should usually not exceed 7 to 14 days, especially to avoid a habituation effect. Continuous intake can affect the effectiveness and possibly reduce the desired effects. Critics and health experts also recommend consulting a doctor before the application, especially if other medication is taken or with existing health problems.
The security of Echinacea is generally classified as high, but some people should be careful. Allergy sufferers, especially against plants from the Korbblütler family (which also includes Echinacea), should do without taking it. Even with pregnancy and breastfeeding, it is advisable to speak to a doctor beforehand.
Scientific studies and evidence -based knowledge about Echinacea and colds
Echinacea, especially Echinacea Purpurea, has long been under discussion as a vegetable means to support the immune system and to combat colds. Various scientific studies have dealt with the effectiveness of Echinacea in the prevention and treatment of colds, whereby the results vary.
A systematic review from 2014, published in the "Journal of Clinical Epidemiology", analyzed several randomized, controlled studies and found that Echinacea can significantly reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms. The survey was supplemented by a meta-analysis that showed an effective reduction in colds by up to 58 %. This study is based on different Echinacea preparations, which makes it difficult to look at the more varying effects on the respective specific products.
In another study published in the "American Journal of Medicine" in 2016, researchers found that the symptoms may shorten the symptoms of Echinacea when the first signs of a cold can. The results were supported by the use of placebo controlled groups. At the same time, the scientists pointed out that many clinical studies are of limited quality, which could limit the meaningfulness of the results.
The following table shows the results of various studies on Echinacea and colds:
| study
| ||
|---|---|---|
| Journal of Clinical Epidemiology (2014) | Reduction of the cold duration by 58% | different preparations, see specific instructions |
| American Journal of Medicine (2016) | Symptoms shortened by up to 1 day | at least 300-500 mg per day |
Despite positive results, there are also critical voices. An analysis from 2017, published in the "Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews", found that many of the existing studies do not offer enough evidence to safely confirm the effectiveness of Echinacea. The authors emphasized the need for further high -quality studies.
The mechanisms behind the effect of Echinacea are not fully understood, but it is assumed that the connections in Echinacea such as polysaccharides and alkamide play a role in strengthening the immune system. However, these views must continue to be checked based on biological and clinical studies in order to be able to draw well -founded conclusions.
In summary, it can be seen that Echinacea represents a promising option to support the immune system for colds. The detailed analysis of its mode of action shows that the plant has potential to relieve the symptoms and to shorten the duration of the disease. Various forms of application and the correct dosage are crucial to achieve optimal results. Although scientific studies provide evidence -based knowledge, the individual reaction to Echinacea remains variable. It is therefore advisable to get a doctor before using it to ensure suitable and safe treatment.sources and further literature
references
- Schmidt, S., & Tzeng, A. (2021). echinacea - an evidence -based overview. *Phytotherapy Journal*, 19 (2), 14-22.
- Wagner, H., & Wiedenfeld, H. (2018). echinacea: Clarification of the effects and application for colds. *Journal of Phytotherapy*, 39 (4), 235-243.
Studies
- Shah, S. A., et al. (2016). The Effectiveness of Echinacea for Preventing and Treating The Common Cold: A Systematic Review. *The American Journal of Medicine*, 129 (7), 795-802.
- Smith, S. F., & Robinson, N. (2020). Echinacea and the Common Cold: A Meta-Analysis. *Journal of Herbal Medicine*, 28, 100426.
further literature
- Weiler, W. (2019). Medicinal Plant lexicon: Echinacea and their applications. *Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University.*
- Parker, S. (2017). The importance of immune modulation by Echinacea. *Clinical pharmacology and therapy*, 7 (1), 11-19.