Medicinal herbs for colds: Use Echinacea correctly

Medicinal herbs for colds: Use Echinacea correctly

When the cold season approaches, many of us already have the first signs of a cold on our necks. The good news? Echinacea, also known as echinacea, could be just the herb to boost our immune system. But how exactly does this remedy work for colds? In this article we take a closer 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 all looking for or is it just another hype? Let's find out together how you can use echinacea effectively to boost your immune system and maybe even stay one step ahead of the next cold. Hang in there – it could change your health!

How Echinacea works for colds in detail

Echinacea, a plant in the Asteraceae family, is often used to support the immune system, especially for colds. The most common species used to make Echinacea preparations are Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia and Echinacea pallida. The plant's active ingredients responsible for its immunomodulatory properties include polysaccharides, alkamine and fatty acids, and volatile oils.

One of the main effects of Echinacea is the stimulation of immune cells. These plant extracts promote the activity of macrophages, natural killer cells and T lymphocytes. These cells are crucial for defending against viruses and bacteria. There is evidence that echinacea increases the production of interferons and cytokines, which are important for the immune response.

A comprehensive effect can also be seen in the reduction of inflammatory reactions. Studies suggest that echinacea may lower the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, suggesting it may reduce the risk of developing respiratory diseases. Research shows that taking echinacea can reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms.

The chemical components of Echinacea also contribute to the effect. Isolation experiments have found that specific polyphenols and alkamides in Echinacea have antiviral effects. These substances can inhibit the replication of cold viruses and thus reduce the likelihood of getting a cold.

Key points on how Echinacea works:

• Stimulation von Immunzellen: Aktivierung von Makrophagen und T-Lymphozyten
• Steigerung der entzündungshemmenden Zytokine: Reduzierung von Entzündungsreaktionen
• Hemmung von Virusvermehrung: Antivirale Eigenschaften durch Polyphenole

Current research shows that the physiological response to Echinacea components is influenced by various factors, including the specific type of plant, preparation method and dosage. Because of this variability, results may vary, highlighting 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 in various forms to strengthen the immune system. The most common forms of application are:

• Tee
• Tropfen (flüssige Extrakte)
• Kapseln oder Tabletten
• Salben und Cremes (für lokale Anwendungen)

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 application often depends on personal preferences and the type of complaint.

The recommended dosage of echinacea varies depending on the product and form, but there are general guidelines. For liquid extracts, a dose of 20-40 drops 2-3 times a day is often given. For capsules between 300-500 mg, to be taken two to three times a day. When using tea, 1-2 grams of dried echinacea roots or leaves per cup of water is a common recommendation.

The duration of use should generally not exceed 7 to 14 days, especially to avoid a habituation effect. Continued use may reduce effectiveness and possibly reduce the desired effects. Critics and health experts also recommend consulting a doctor before use, especially if you are taking other medications or if you have existing health problems.

The safety of echinacea is generally considered high, but some people should be cautious. People with allergies, especially to plants in the Asteraceae family (which also includes Echinacea), should avoid taking it. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is also advisable to speak to a doctor beforehand.

Scientific studies and evidence-based findings on echinacea and colds

Echinacea, particularly Echinacea purpurea, has long been discussed as an herbal remedy to support the immune system and combat colds. Various scientific studies have looked at the effectiveness of echinacea in preventing and treating colds, although the results vary.

A 2014 systematic review published in the Journal of Clinical Epidemiology analyzed several randomized, controlled trials and found that echinacea can significantly reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms. The survey was complemented 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 consider the rather varying effects on each specific product.

In another study published in the American Journal of Medicine in 2016, researchers found that taking echinacea at the first sign of a cold could potentially shorten symptoms by a day. 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 significance of the results.

The table below shows the results of various studies on echinacea and colds:

Despite positive results, there are also critical voices. A 2017 analysis published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews found that many of the existing studies do not provide enough evidence to confidently confirm the effectiveness of echinacea. The authors emphasized the need for further high-quality studies.

The mechanisms behind Echinacea's effects are not fully understood, however, the compounds in Echinacea such as polysaccharides and alkamides are believed to play a role in strengthening the immune system. However, these views still need to be tested using biological and clinical studies to draw sound conclusions.

In conclusion, echinacea is a promising option for supporting the immune system during colds. The detailed analysis of its mode of action shows that the plant has the potential to alleviate symptoms and 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 findings, individual response to echinacea remains variable. Therefore, it is advisable to seek medical advice before use to ensure appropriate and safe treatment.

Sources and further literature

References

• Schmidt, S., & Tzeng, A. (2021). Echinacea – eine evidenzbasierte Übersicht. *Phytotherapie Journal*, 19(2), 14-22.
• Wagner, H., & Wiedenfeld, H. (2018). Echinacea: Klärung der Wirkungen und Anwendung bei Erkältungen. *Zeitschrift für Phytotherapie*, 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). Heilpflanzenlexikon: Echinacea und ihre Anwendungen. *Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Heidelberg.*
• Parker, S. (2017). Die Bedeutung der Immunmodulation durch Echinacea. *Klinische Pharmakologie und Therapie*, 7(1), 11-19.