Echinacea purpurea - medicinal properties and contraindications

Most of us know Echinacea from the pharmacy under the Latin name Echinacea. This plant, which Indians fell in love with hundreds of years ago, has enormous healing powers. Medicine admires Echinacea to this day. But it’s worth planting these flowers in your garden for aesthetic reasons - dozens of colorful varieties will cheer up any gardener, decorating the landscape! In this article we will tell you how to propagate and grow the Echinacea purpurea flower - planting and care in open ground, and present photos of the varieties.

What is Echinacea purpurea

Echinacea purpurea is a medicinal plant. The flowers and roots of the perennial are used for colds, sore throat, cystitis, ARVI and other inflammatory and infectious diseases. Its most valuable quality is its ability to stimulate the immune system.

At the pharmacy, Echinacea purpurea is offered in sachet form. You can make an infusion, tea, or decoction from it yourself. This is an excellent remedy for laryngitis, sore throat, bronchitis, cough of any origin. To activate the immune system, it is better to drink tablets, syrup, drops. When treating skin diseases, oil based on Echinacea purpurea is recommended.

Purple coneflower, also known as prairie flower, purple cone, is a perennial of the Asteraceae family. Translated from Greek, echinacea means prickly. The plant received this name for its needle-like bracts and hard, rough stem.

Echinacea grows in the dry steppes of North America. In Russia, it is grown in the Caucasus and southern regions as an ornamental and medicinal plant.

Echinacea purpurea prefers fertile soils, loves light very much, and does not tolerate severe frost. Under favorable conditions, it grows up to 110–150 cm in height. The structure is typical for Asteraceae: a straight hard stem, an alternate arrangement of oblong leaves, an inflorescence in the form of single baskets with a diameter of up to 15 cm. The petals are bright and beautiful - pointed to the tips, purple-pink or light-colored. violet hue. The central part is formed by small buds, between which are placed spiny bracts.

Echinacea preparations

Medicines based on Echinacea are widely used in medicine. The plant is often included in dietary supplements. Products containing the purple cone are sold in pharmacies in various forms - capsules, alcohol tincture, dried flowers, drops, teas, tablets, lozenges, powders. The most popular medications with Echinacea are:

• Immunal . Herbal product. The medicine is prescribed to prevent colds, strengthen the immune system and as an adjunct to long-term use of antibiotics. Children (from 12 years old) and adults can take Immunal 2.5 ml of solution or 1 tablet 3 times a day. When using the medicine, adverse reactions may occur: skin rash, shortness of breath, itching.
• Estifan . The medicine has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. The drug is prescribed as an adjunct to long-term antibiotic therapy. The dose and duration of use should be determined by a specialist. Rarely, when taking Estifan, the following may occur: vomiting, nausea, insomnia.

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Compound

In folk medicine, rhizomes and flower baskets of Echinacea are used. The first ones are collected in late autumn, when the plant loses its leaves, the second ones - during flowering. These parts of echinacea contain many active biological compounds useful for humans:

• polysaccharides - arabinoramnogalactans and heteroxylans, biological enzymes, flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic acids;
• echinocin and echonolone are active antioxidants;
• essential oil – up to 0.5% in flowers, and up to 0.23% in roots;
• tannins;
• macro- and microelements – calcium, cobalt, molybdenum, zinc, selenium.

The roots of the plant contain more glycosides, resins, and phytosterols. The share of inulin, a natural prebiotic, reaches 6%, glucose – 7%. A remarkable fact: betaine is isolated from the rhizome - up to 0.1%. This substance prevents strokes and heart attacks.

Echinacea: plant care in the garden

Echinacea is a moisture-loving plant,

which should be provided with regular and abundant hydration. It is better to carry out the procedure in the evening. Regular loosening of the soil will allow for preventive measures against the growth of weeds.

Photo of echinacea in the garden

Advice!

In the second year of growth, this plant can be fed with compost and wood ash. These measures will allow the echinacea to bloom more abundantly, and its petals will acquire a rich shade.

The plant is fertilized twice during the season.

The first time this is done in the spring, and the second time immediately after the buds wither.

BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS!
Juvenile or stone rose Flower Colchicum Chionodoxa

Medicinal properties

The Indians of North America used herbal tinctures and teas to treat a variety of illnesses, from colds to poisonous insect bites. But the main advantage of plant preparations is the ability to stimulate the immune system. Arabinoramnogalactans and selenium increase the activity of macrophages, thereby improving the body's protective functions. Of all the varieties of Echinacea, purple is considered the best natural immunomodulator.

The perennial has other beneficial properties:

• The anti-inflammatory effect of Echinacea purpurea is due to alklamides. Plant preparations are prescribed for sore throats, colds, cystitis, pharyngitis;
• the ability to improve the functioning of the immune system provides antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Thus, echinacea is effective in the treatment of candidiasis, and this fungus develops against the background of decreased immunity;
• The wound healing properties of Echinacea are also known. Tannins, polysaccharides, essential oils accelerate the healing of even purulent wounds, eczema, rashes, and insect bites. Lotions and oils containing plant extract are prescribed for scar resorption;
• tincture of the plant is included in the course of therapy in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Inulin from the root of the herb slows down the absorption of glucose in the intestine, thereby preventing the occurrence of hyperglycemia;
• The antioxidant properties of echinacea, coupled with the ability to restore skin, nails and hair, have earned the flower the fame of a rejuvenating agent. Its extracts are included in many cosmetic products.

Echinacea: expert opinions

Echinacea purpurea is essentially a plant that protects the healthy functioning of the immune system by acting as a shield. This herb awakens the dormant immune system to prevent infection from starting and can also work on a deeper level. The immune system is not just the normal functioning of white blood cells in the blood, but should be considered as a whole, including a system of healthy, detoxified organs (liver, spleen, lungs, intestines...), as well as good blood circulation. Given its effectiveness and to enhance its protective effect, Echinacea can be combined with spices, mushrooms and other plants.

Indications for use

Preparations with Echinacea are used as part of a therapeutic course to treat many diseases:

• infusion, tea, herbal decoction are prescribed for colds, diseases of the ENT organs, especially in children, pneumonia, bronchitis;
• Echinacea purpurea extract is effective in the treatment of cystitis, other inflammatory diseases of the bladder, as well as the liver and kidneys. The medicine has some positive effects on anemia: Echinacea contains a lot of iron in digestible form;
• compresses and lotions are prescribed for the treatment of skin diseases, urticaria, herpes, and for the healing of wounds and bites;
• Echinacea inhibits the proliferation of certain bacteria - streptococci, E. coli, and influenza viruses. The drugs are used in complex treatment together with antibiotics;
• Echinacea tincture is prescribed to increase immunity after illnesses and in anticipation of seasonal exacerbations.

“Prairie flower” is used for poisoning with heavy metals and fungicides. The effectiveness of drugs for removing metals has not been proven, but the perennial has a beneficial effect. This is due to stimulation of the immune system.

Echinacea: fake

The study found that of 11 brands of echinacea purchased for testing, only 4 contained what was stated on the label. About 10% had no echinacea at all; half of them do not indicate what types of echinacea are in the product; and more than half of the standard products did not contain the labeled amount of active ingredients.

Buy products manufactured by reputable, trustworthy companies that distribute their products through trusted institutions. Whenever possible, choose products that are guaranteed to be effective or contain standardized extracts.

Benefits and harms

The rich composition of Echinacea purpurea determines its beneficial properties. The plant is “able” to cope with a wide variety of inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract, skin diseases, metabolic diseases such as diabetes and hepatitis. “Natural antibiotic” even fights infections and viruses.

The ability to stimulate the immune system is the main benefit of Echinacea purpurea. The drug is taken both for preventive purposes and for recovery from illness or poisoning.

It has been experimentally established that echinacea infusion, tea, and oil are non-toxic. Even in large doses they do not cause any additional effects other than increased salivation.

Important! Even though the plant is safe, you should not take medications for more than 2 weeks in a row. Active substances tend to accumulate in body tissues.

Echinacea is a source of micro- and macroelements

Echinacea is truly a unique gift of nature, since not only the flowers, but also the leaves, stems, and roots have the healing properties of this plant. However, in pharmacology, rhizomes and flowers of the plant are used, since they contain the highest content of useful bioelements necessary for the normal functioning of the human body.

• Iodine regulates the functioning of the thyroid gland, normalizes the functioning of the central nervous system, regulates the amount of cholesterol, and prevents heart disease.
• Iron improves the condition of the blood and thyroid gland.
• Potassium normalizes heart function and has a positive effect on the functioning of the intestines and urinary system.
• Calcium strengthens the skeletal system.
• Silicon accelerates the growth of new tissues.
• Cobalt improves the functioning of the adrenal glands and pancreas, reduces irritability, and regulates the functioning of the nervous system.
• Magnesium strengthens the skeletal system, prevents the development of osteoporosis, normalizes blood pressure, relieves insomnia and depression.
• Manganese has a positive effect on the growth of the skeletal system.
• Selenium has antibacterial, antiviral, anti-infective effects.
• Silver kills viruses and has a disinfecting effect.
• Zinc breaks down proteins, fats and carbohydrates, has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the liver, has a positive effect on the functioning of the nervous system and brain, and regulates the acid-base balance.

But we should remember that everything is good in moderation. Like any medicinal herb, Echinacea should not be taken thoughtlessly and used everywhere. Although the most important thing is that echinacea improves immunity, it can also have harmful effects and, like any other herbal remedy, has some contraindications.

Use in folk medicine

In traditional medicine, Echinacea is called a remedy for 100 diseases. The use of decoctions and tinctures is allowed in the treatment of both adults and children. The recipes are very easy to make. They use both pharmaceutical preparations and the actual collected and dried flowers and leaves.

Stimulating the immune system

To improve immunity, take a decoction or infusion of Echinacea purpurea.

The decoction is prepared as follows: a teaspoon of raw material is poured with 200 ml of boiling water in a porcelain or enamel bowl. Leave for 30–40 minutes, tightly covering with a lid. Echinacea decoction is divided into 3 parts and drunk a day. You can add honey to your drink.

For an alcohol infusion, 25 g of dry color is poured with 250 ml of alcohol and infused in a dark place for 12–14 days. The bottle of infusion must be shaken periodically. The finished medicine is filtered and drunk 30 drops before meals.

Cystitis

Echinacea purpurea has a complex effect: it suppresses the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria, relieves inflammation of the bladder and urethra, and stimulates general immunity. Cystitis is treated with a decoction: a teaspoon of the dry mixture is poured with a glass of boiling water and placed in a water bath for 20 minutes. The cooled drink is filtered and drunk 60–70 ml three times a day. Course – 10 days.

Prostatitis

To cure prostatitis, use the roots of the plant. The rhizome is cut into small pieces, placed in a glass container and poured with alcohol so that the liquid covers the roots. Infuse the medicine in a place away from the sun for 2 weeks. The finished tincture is filtered and taken 20–30 drops before meals.

For a cold

Echinacea has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, therefore it is indicated in the treatment of both colds and infectious diseases of the upper respiratory tract.

First of all, tea is prepared for colds. A teaspoon of raw material is poured into ½ liter of boiling water and left for 40–50 minutes. Drink a glass of tea at least 3 times a day. Sweeten the drink with honey.

For severe coughs, an alcohol tincture of Echinacea is more effective: 35–50 drops are taken three times a day until complete recovery.

Inflamed tonsils are lubricated with Echinacea oil. The drug relieves swelling, reduces irritation and sore throat, and most importantly, suppresses the proliferation of bacteria directly at the site of inflammation.

For children

Children are prescribed decoctions of water and tea. Alcohol tinctures are prohibited. It is better to offer syrup to a child under 12 years of age. The dose depends on the patient's age:

• from 2 to 3 years old, children are given 1 teaspoon per glass of water 2 times a day;
• up to 5 years – 2 teaspoons;
• up to 12 – a tablespoon twice a day.
• Important! Giving syrup or tea with Echinacea purpurea is allowed only after consulting a doctor.

For face

The regenerating properties of the plant have made echinacea a popular ingredient in face creams and lotions. They are used for severely chapped skin after sunburn.

Therapeutic cosmetic options are prescribed for warts, eczema, psoriasis, acne and boils. Echinacea is effective for burns as it stimulates skin renewal. Home remedies are also effective - compresses and lotions made from tincture. The latter are prepared as follows: a teaspoon of salt and 60 drops of alcohol tincture are dissolved in 100 ml of water. Soak gauze or a cotton swab in the liquid and place it on the affected area.

The composition without salt is prescribed for eczema and urticaria. A piece of gauze is soaked in liquid and wiped over the skin on the face, neck, and hands. The same remedy is used for insect bites.

Echinacea and blood pressure

The plant has a stimulating effect and is effective for hypotension. To increase blood pressure, a composition is prepared with honey. Echinacea flowers, stems, and roots are ground in a blender and mixed with honey in a 3:1 ratio. Take 1 teaspoon with tea three times a day.

You can make tea from this mixture. To do this, place 3 teaspoons of the composition in a thermos, pour 500 ml of boiling water and leave for 5–7 hours. Drink 100 ml of the drink 3 times a day. The course lasts 2 weeks.

What are the benefits of Echinacea?

Prairie flower or Echinacea purpurea is considered one of the popular medicinal plants in the world. Many healers are confident that its medicinal properties are superior to ginseng and can cure many diseases. The main advantage of echinacea is that preparations based on it have a beneficial effect on the immune system, strengthening the body's defenses . This is due to the fact that the herb contains a huge amount of active substances, trace elements, and essential oils. In addition, Echinacea contains polysaccharides, tannins, glucose and much more.

For a cold

A natural antibiotic and antiseptic, the herb Echinacea is often used during periods of exacerbation of seasonal diseases. Even if a person is already sick, you can drink a herbal tincture at the very beginning of the development of the disease to make the disease go away easier. Purple echinacea has an antimicrobial effect for colds, reduces fever, and prevents viruses from multiplying. To make the symptoms of the disease go away faster, you should make tea: 1 tsp. dry crushed herb must be poured into 0.5 liters of boiling water and left for about 40 minutes. You need to take the infusion with echinacea 3 times a day, 250 ml.

For children

Doctors often advise parents to try purple echinacea to reduce the duration, severity and frequency of flu, colds, otitis media, and runny nose. Only a pediatrician can determine the dosage; you should not self-medicate. The medicine, even in a harmless form (tea or decoction), can harm the baby, so you should not give it without consulting a specialist. Generally, Echinacea syrup is the best choice for children. Take this remedy according to the following scheme:

• children 2 years old 1 tsp. 250 ml of water twice a day;
• children from 3 to 5 years old - 2 teaspoons of echinacea per glass, also 2 times a day;
• from 5 to 12 years – a tablespoon 2 times a day (does not need to be diluted with water).

For face

Echinacea extract slows down the aging process, promotes tissue restoration, and protects against dehydration and flaking. The plant is often used in cosmetology. It effectively protects the skin from pathogenic microbes. In addition, products made from the plant are hypoallergenic. Tincture of purple echinacea in the form of compresses and lotions is used for eczema, psoriasis, boils, pimples, ulcers, abscesses, burns, warts. To remove freckles, age spots, and insect bites, decoctions from the plant are used .

Echinacea and blood pressure

The natural medicinal plant Echinacea is known for its ability to increase blood pressure (BP) in hypotensive patients. It is not advisable for hypertensive patients to take a product containing the plant, because in this case it will raise blood pressure even more. With low blood pressure, purple echinacea increases vitality, and with high blood pressure, taking the medicine will only aggravate the condition and increase the pressure to critical levels.

What does Echinacea treat?

Immunostimulating agent - tincture of Echinacea purpurea has a positive effect on the mental state and nervous system of a person. The medicine effectively fights mental illness, depression, and fatigue. Echinacea is often used in the treatment of colds, liver diseases and the following diseases:

• diabetes;
• flu;
• prostatitis;
• urological ailments in men (vesiculitis, prostate adenoma);
• angina;
• bladder infections;
• hematological diseases;
• poisoning of varying severity;
• hepatitis;
• infectious diseases of the respiratory tract;
• intestinal upset, stomach inflammation;
• arthrosis, arthritis;
• infectious and inflammatory kidney diseases;
• stomatitis;
• inflammation of the appendages, ovaries;
• diphtheria, coccal infection;
• herpes;
• oncological diseases;
• eczema, psoriasis.

Contraindications

Echinacea purpurea contains active substances, and they can cause an allergic reaction. High sensitivity to any component is a general contraindication for all herbal remedies. It can only be installed experimentally. Therefore, before use, a skin test is performed, and the first dose of the medicine orally is reduced by half and the reaction is monitored.

There are other contraindications:

• all HIV infections - the stimulant of the immune system in this case will cause harm;
• autoimmune diseases, such as lupus erythematosus, scleroderma - the drug is prohibited for the same reason;
• multiple sclerosis, atherosclerosis;
• tuberculosis - the flowers and roots of the plant contain arabinogalactan. This substance strengthens not only human immunity, but also mycobacteria;
• during pregnancy and breastfeeding, preparations based on echinacea are prohibited - most active substances penetrate the placental barrier;
• Echinacea teas and decoctions are not prescribed to children under 2 years of age due to the risk of an allergic reaction. Alcohol tinctures under 12 years of age are prohibited.

Echinacea: contraindications

Since echinacea has immunomodulatory effects on the human body, before using it you should consult with an immunologist. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take this herb without consulting an appropriate doctor.

If you have serious chronic diseases, you should take Echinacea only in consultation with your doctor and strictly in a certain dosage, depending on the desired result. Let's give one example - since echinacea has an immunostimulating effect, it should absolutely not be taken together with immunosuppressants. Therefore, the need and quantity of this herb should be determined by the treating specialist. Contraindications are:

• liver diseases;
• hepatitis;
• diabetes;
• leukemia;
• some types of cancer;
• multiple sclerosis;
• stomach upset;
• rheumatoid arthritis;
• reduces the production of the male hormone testosterone, reduces mobility; sperm;
• tuberculosis.

Instructions for use of Echinacea purpurea

Preparations based on Echinacea purpurea are available in the form of tablets, solutions, tinctures, ampoules, lozenges, and oils.
Any option acts as a medicine, but under different circumstances it is more convenient to use either in liquid or solid form. The dosage and regimen of taking echinacea depends not so much on the type of drug, but on the concentration of active substances, the age of the patient and the nature of the disease.

Pills

On the basis of the plant, immunomodulators are produced in the form of tablets: Immunal, Estifan. This form is prescribed to adults and children over 12 years of age. The usual dose is 1 tablet 3-4 times a day. In practice, the dosage is calculated individually.

Echinacea-Ratiopharm – absorbable tablets. They are taken for sore throats, colds, and sore throats. The medicine acts on the source of inflammation. Take up to 4 pieces per day.

Echinacea P is a dietary supplement, not a medicinal drug. The instructions for it do not include descriptions of contraindications, which can be dangerous.

Tincture

A more popular form of the drug, as it is easier to dose. The tincture is made from the roots of the plant; it contains alcohol, so it is not used in the treatment of children. Instructions for use are as follows:

• in the first 3 days of illness, drink 30 drops once a day, half an hour before meals;
• then the dose is increased to 60 drops. The drug is taken in 3 doses;
• for children over 12, the tincture is diluted in a ratio of 1:2 and given 10 drops 3 times a day;
• for rubbing, 15 ml of medication is diluted with 100 ml of water or saline solution.

Echinacea tincture may contain other ingredients. The basis of Echinacea-Vilar is the juice of the perennial.

Combination drugs

Multi-component medicines containing, in addition to echinacea, other ingredients. The most famous include the Saan-Sol Echinacea and Baby-Prop multivitamin complexes for children. Also, to stimulate the immune system, it is recommended to use dietary supplements based on extracts and extracts from the plant.

Syrup

The basic component is the juice of the plant. The syrup is enriched with vitamins B and C. It is prescribed for colds and throat diseases. This form is preferable to offer to children. Adults drink 2-3 teaspoons three times a day. Children - 1 teaspoon in the morning. The course lasts 10 days.

Homeopathic remedies

Prairie flower extract for severe diseases such as abscesses, furunculosis, toxic syndromes is prescribed as an intramuscular injection. The injection solution acts faster because it enters directly into the blood, bypassing the stage of digestion and absorption through the mucous membranes. The Echinacea preparation activates both general and local immunity, since it acts on the source of inflammation. The standard dose is 1 ampoule per day. The duration of the course is determined by the doctor.

Important! Injections are prescribed to adults and young patients.

Herbal collection

The herb is offered in the pharmacy in the form of sachets - in bulk or in the form of filter bags. The sachet may contain only echinacea or a combination of several medicinal herbs. This form is very convenient for brewing tea or cold infusions of Echinacea purpurea at home. Adults brew 1 sachet per glass, children are given 50 ml of this decoction once a day.

Oil

Echinacea oil is used for both internal and external use. It is used to treat burns, wounds, including purulent ones, bite marks, and trophic ulcers. The composition is excellent for bedsores.

Oil is used to lubricate inflamed tonsils for sore throats and colds. The procedure is also performed for laryngitis and damage to the vocal cords. After lubrication, part of the substance flows down the throat and forms a protective softening film.

Echinacea oil is taken internally, 5 ml twice a day. The course lasts 10–14 days, after which they take a break for 2 weeks and repeat if necessary.

Echinacea - Native American antibiotic

N. Ruchkina “Chemistry and Life” No. 3, 2020

Echinacea is a North American plant, so the inhabitants of the Old World became acquainted with it quite late. The Englishman John Clayton (1686–1773) can be considered the first describer of Echinacea. In his youth, he went to North America, which was then a British colony, and devoted a significant part of his life to the study of Virginia plants. Clayton corresponded with many famous botanists and sent a description of his collection to one of them, the Dutchman Jan Frederick Gronovius (1686–1762). Gronovius, being an ardent follower of Carl Linnaeus, revised the resulting catalog in accordance with the Linnaean classification and in 1739 published it without the consent of Clayton under the title “Flora of Virginia.” In 1762, the second edition of “Flora” was published (it was published by Laurence Theodor Gronovius, son of Jan Frederick), which for the first time talked about the medical, or more precisely, veterinary, use of echinacea. It was used to treat horse backs knocked down by a saddle. In 1787, this message was duplicated by the German naturalist Johann Schöpf (1752–1800) in the book Materia Medica Americana

, and from then on Echinacea began its path to glory.

Echinacea is a genus of plants in the Asteraceae family, also known as Asteraceae. There are nine known species of Echinacea, all very beautiful, similar to large daisies with pink, yellow or white basket-shaped inflorescences. The central part of the inflorescences is like a dome, and after flowering it becomes almost spherical, and even covered with long bristles. Hence the generic name, derived from the Greek word ekhinos

- 'resembling a hedgehog'.

Three species are used for medicinal purposes: Echinacea purpurea

, pale
E. pallida
and narrow-leaved
E. angustifolia
. Fresh and dried rhizomes, roots and aerial parts of plants are used as medicinal raw materials. Nowadays they are used to make tinctures, extracts, tablets and capsules. White settlers learned to treat themselves with echinacea from the Indians. The Cheyenne, Choctaw, Dakota, Delaware, Kiowa, Omaha, Pawnee, Ponca, Winnebago used it as an anesthetic, to treat poorly healing superficial wounds, boils and abscesses, mild forms of sepsis, as an antidote to snake bites, for sore throat, cough and other symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections, with syphilis.

When Echinacea began to be grown in the Old World, it was noticed by the ancient medical schools of Asia. Echinacea angustifolia fits into the Ayurvedic system as an immunomodulator in the treatment of respiratory diseases, and Chinese doctors called Echinacea purpurea “Song Guo Ju” and is used for the prevention and treatment of respiratory infections.

European doctors really paid attention to echinacea only at the end of the 19th century. They began to actively research it and conducted many in vitro

and on animals.
It turned out that alcoholic and fermented extracts of Echinacea inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, acne pathogens, respiratory and skin infections, and even some viruses that cause respiratory diseases. Unfortunately, not all effects discovered in vitro
are confirmed in the clinic.

But there are few clinical trials conducted according to all the rules. In some of them, Echinacea has shown itself to be a good preventive and medicinal product. Subjects are less likely to suffer from upper respiratory tract infections, recover faster, and the risk of complications is reduced by approximately half. However, there were studies in which volunteers who took echinacea for two weeks and then allowed themselves to be infected with rhinovirus (the causative agent of ARVI) were no more resistant to it than participants in the control group. Unfortunately, interpreting these results is difficult because different researchers use different methods, protocols, and categories of subjects. Clinical trials have also not yet confirmed the wound-healing properties of Echinacea. So research continues.

Meanwhile, official medicine has recognized echinacea as an effective means of preventing and combating upper respiratory tract infections, including viral ones (influenza, ARVI), and pharmacists place preparations containing echinacea in the section of general tonics, adaptogens and immunomodulators. Echinacea acts directly against viruses and bacteria, and also “sets” the immune system on them. It is the ability of echinacea to boost the immune system that interests doctors most of all.

Echinacea preparations, in pure form or in combination with other agents, stimulate the phagocytic activity of macrophages, regulate the synthesis of certain cytokines and enhance the immune response. Thanks to these properties, Echinacea, according to experts, can really resist bacterial infections, that is, partly replace antibiotics. Even homeopathic doses of echinacea have an effect on the immune system. And don't think that this is a placebo effect. Homeopathic preparations of echinacea heal cows from mastitis three times faster than antibiotics, and cows cannot have any self-hypnosis. However, the effect of echinacea depends on what drugs it is combined with.

Echinacea contains many biologically active substances: organic acids, vitamins, essential oils, saponins, terpenes, phenolic compounds and alkaloids. Pharmacologists pay special attention to four classes of substances: caffeic acid derivatives, including the glycosides echinacoside, berbascoside and cafeoyl echinacoside, polysaccharides (methylglucuronoarabinoxylan and rhamnoarabinoglucan), glycoproteins and alkamides. Alcohol extracts contain only caffeic acid derivatives and alkamides.

Alkamides are isobutyl amides of unsaturated fatty acids that differ in carbon chain length (11–16 carbons), degree of saturation, and position of saturated carbon bonds. They have anesthetic, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, insecticidal and fungicidal properties. It is because of alkamides that Echinacea preparations have a burning aftertaste. Echinacea contains more than 20 alkamides, mainly in the roots.

Echinacea's ability to heal wounds is associated with polysaccharides. Polysaccharides form complexes with hyaluronic acid, and these complexes stimulate fibroblast growth and collagen synthesis. Polysaccharides are sometimes credited with immunostimulating effects, but they are usually broken down in the digestive tract and should not be active if simply ingested.

So far, scientists have not been able to identify the main active ingredients of echinacea. They seem to be working together.

Among the undoubted advantages of echinacea is safety. Indeed, generally healthy people who treat respiratory infections with echinacea tolerate the drug well. However, clinicians do not yet have data on those taking echinacea for more than 8–12 weeks, as trials do not last longer, so overuse should be avoided. You should also consider the interaction of echinacea with other drugs. For example, it retains caffeine in the body, prolonging its effect. Naturally, Echinacea should not be taken simultaneously with immunosuppressants.

Plants of the Asteraceae family cause allergic reactions, mainly skin reactions. There are reports that a person who took echinacea for the first time triggered an asthma attack. Naturally, echinacea is contraindicated for people who suffer from hypersensitivity to plants. Because it affects the activity of the immune system, it is not recommended for people with systemic progressive diseases such as leukemia, tuberculosis, collagen breakdown, multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases. This ban is based on theoretical reasoning, so it has opponents who are convinced that echinacea is not dangerous for autoimmune diseases.

Over the decades, a long list of adverse reactions caused by Echinacea preparations has accumulated. There is a sore throat, high blood pressure, blurred vision, and panic attacks. But these are all isolated cases. Most often, patients complained of headaches (six cases over 40 years) and seizures (five cases).

In general, Echinacea is safe enough to use to protect yourself from infection when everyone around you is sneezing and coughing, or to treat yourself if you do catch a cold.

Artist P. Perevezentsev

Let's start planting seedlings

Echinacea purpurea is grown in the southern and middle regions of Russia. The plant is unpretentious, but very light-loving. For planting, choose hills with fertile, slightly alkaline soil, well-lit. In lowlands, in damp areas, the flower will not grow.

Important! Acidic soil is alkalized by adding lime.

The plant is propagated by dividing the bush or by seeds. The latter method is used to propagate only species specimens, so this method is unpopular.

Dividing the bush can only be done if the plant is already 4 years old. The rhizome is divided into several parts so that each includes 3–4 renewal buds. It is better to carry out the procedure right before landing. You can use ready-made echinacea seedlings from the nursery.

In the selected area, dig holes up to 5–8 cm deep at a distance of 30 cm. Compost is placed at the bottom of the hole and sprinkled with a thin layer of soil.

If the seedling is from a container, it is placed in a hole with its own lump of earth. If they plant after dividing the root, make the hole more spacious and make sure that the root is placed freely in the hole.

The hole is covered with soil and watered abundantly.

Echinacea purpurea is planted in April before sap flow or in October after the leaves have fallen from the trees. Overwintered flowers will appear in the spring.

Growing and care

Echinacea purpurea is a flower that is not only captivating in its charm, but is also so easy to grow that it won't cause any problems even for novice gardeners.

Watering

Mature Echinacea plants are considered drought-resistant, do not require watering, and even with complete ignorance of floriculture on our part, they will continue to bloom annually.

However, young plants should be watered regularly in the first year after planting to ensure the root system develops well. This is especially important in cases of periodic drought and hot weather. In subsequent years, the perennial's resistance to water shortages is much higher.

Stagnant water must be avoided!

During periods of severe drought, like almost any garden flower, it will appreciate periodic watering. Echinacea planted in pots where the soil tends to dry out more quickly should be watered regularly.

Fertilizer

Do not fertilize newly planted plants. It is better to wait until next season to apply fertilizer. Usually it is enough to feed the plants once a year - in early spring. The use of organic fertilizers (compost) is quite sufficient. If you don't have a composter, you can scatter granular manure around the perennial plant (one handful per bush).

If there are no organic fertilizers or the soil is poor, experts recommend feeding adult Echinacea on a fairly intensive 2-week schedule. This practice produces larger, longer-lasting flowers and can have many benefits for the appearance of flower beds. For fertilizing, standard multicomponent fertilizers for flowering plants are used.

Trimming

Like other perennials that are not evergreens, coneflowers need spring pruning because they produce new leaves every year. By clearing bushes of old leaves and flowers, we take care of their appearance and reduce the likelihood of disease. Dried old shoots may contain pathogens. Autumn pruning is not recommended due to the fact that shoots and leaves are the natural protection of perennials in winter.

To maintain the health of the plant and extend the flowering period, it is worth immediately cutting off the faded inflorescences from the stem.

Plants can remain in the same position for many years - there is no need to replant them at all.

Reproduction

The collection of echinacea in the garden can be easily increased by propagating the plants yourself in several ways:

• dividing the root ball dug out in the spring;
• sowing seeds collected in the fall.

If the second method is chosen, do not cut the flowers after they bloom, let them dry and produce seeds - one inflorescence can produce hundreds of seeds! When planting Echinacea seeds, sow them in the spring as indicated above, but only 20-30% of them will actually sprout.

If you collect echinacea seeds yourself, the new plants are unlikely to replicate the characteristics of the mother plant.

Propagation of Echinacea by division is a more reliable method, but it can only be done with plants older than 3 years and no more often than every 3-4 years. Young plants cannot be divided, this will significantly weaken them and they will not grow. In autumn or early spring, large, well-developed bushes can be divided. First you need to dig up the plant, divide it into several parts and plant it. You need to make sure that each part has a fragment of the root system.

Care in autumn, wintering

Echinacea is completely frost-resistant and does not require any protection, although many gardeners cover young annual flowers with coniferous tree branches just in case. In early spring, cut off all dead shoots and leaves as close to the ground as possible and allow the plant to grow back from the root. In mild winters, the plant can remain green and bloom for a long time.

Plants grown in containers and pots must be protected before winter:

1. place a frost-resistant pot on polystyrene foam and wrap it in a layer of insulation;
2. cover the ground around the plant with a layer of mulch.

Photo. After the plants have flowered, dried, pointed, prickly baskets of flowers can serve as a decorative function in the garden.

Diseases and pests

Echinacea is not particularly sensitive to diseases and pests, although there are situations when the bushes become covered with beetles or aphids, which can be treated with classic insecticides. Sometimes fungus appears on the leaves, which is best avoided by not watering the stems and leaves, ensuring the plants have enough space around them and good ventilation.

No flowering

Sometimes gardeners wonder why Echinacea doesn't bloom? The cause is errors in care:

1. Too shaded place - the plant needs a sunny position for abundant flowering.
2. Unsuitable soil - dry, sandy with an inappropriate level of acidity. Echinacea loves neutral or slightly alkaline soils. In too acidic soil, as well as in very alkaline soil, it may not bloom or disappear.
3. Perhaps the plant was transplanted, this negatively affects the root system, the flower may temporarily not bloom or may not take root at all.

How to arrange care

No matter how unpretentious a decorative flower may be, it should be looked after, if only in order to maintain the attractive appearance of the flower bed. Recommendations for growing Echinacea purpurea are very simple.

1. The plant is watered moderately but often. You need to make sure that the soil is not too wet.
2. The perennial needs feeding. In spring and summer, after the flower has completely faded, a mixture of ash and rotted compost is introduced into the ground. The first feeding of Echinacea is done at the 2nd year of life.
3. The flowerbed needs to be weeded. Remove faded flowers and stems down to the green leaves. Then the plant blooms more luxuriantly.
4. For winter, the above-ground part of Echinacea is cut to the ground. The root zone is covered with dry leaves to protect it from frost.

Important! Nitrogenous fertilizers are introduced into the soil very carefully. They are needed only in spring and only on poor soil.

Description of the plant

Thus, Echinacea is a herbaceous perennial.

The plant is tall, as it can reach a height of 150 cm. The leaf blades are not the same everywhere. At the base of the root, large oval-shaped foliage is located on petioles. The foliage along the stem is sessile and lanceolate in shape.

Photo of echinacea

The inflorescences are large baskets, the central part of which consists of numerous tubular flowers and edging petals of red, pink, white, and brown colors. After withering, an achene with four sides is formed in place of the flower.

Collection and storage

For medicinal purposes, flowers are collected only in the second year of life. The buds are collected from the moment they bloom, that is, in July-August. The picked flowers are placed in a thin layer on paper and air dried in the attic or under a canopy. The leaves are collected in the fall, as at this time more bioactive substances accumulate here.

The Echinacea rhizome is dug up after the stem dies. Wash, cut into small pieces and spread on paper in a thin layer. It is allowed to dry the roots in the oven at a temperature no higher than +40–50 C to prevent the evaporation of the essential oil. Store in hermetically sealed glass containers.

The shelf life of the herb is 6 months, the root is 3 months.

Echinacea purpurea is grown in gardens as a medicine and for garden decoration. The plant is called a natural antibiotic, because it has such pronounced medicinal properties. At the same time, Echinacea is very beautiful and blooms luxuriantly.

Interesting varieties

There are many varieties of Echinacea, and new ones are created every year. All varieties can also be divided into 2 types:

1. with double flowers, where the center of the basket slowly fades as the flower develops;
2. with single flowers with a clearly defined center.

Double coneflowers are more stunning; the single-petalled varieties are much more attractive to pollinating insects. At the height of summer they almost get stuck in them.

We present the most interesting varieties:

1. Echinacea "Magnus" Magnus - known for its large pink flowers with a prominent large brown-copper "eye". A tall variety, can reach 100 cm. Despite its relatively large size, it retains the compact vertical shape of the bush and does not fall under the weight of flowers.

2. "Butterfly Kisses" Butterfly Kisses - has well-branched, compact bushes, small in size (height 50 cm), which makes it an excellent plant for planting in containers. The flowering is very abundant, lush pale pink flowers evenly cover the bush.

3. “Green Jewel” Green Jewel - the variety is known for its unusual color; the flower petals and flowers are green throughout the growing season. This is one of the most unique varieties. Flowers exude fragrance! It will look good in small gardens, as the bush grows up to 60 cm in height and 40 cm in diameter.

4. "Delicious Candy" Deliocious Candy - incredible pink color, blooms very profusely, the inflorescences remain fresh for a long time, which makes them a decoration of the garden until autumn! It will beautifully enliven any garden; thanks to its compact size, this variety of echinacea is perfect for growing in the country house, balcony, or terrace.

5. "Shayan Spirit" Cheyenne Spirit - multi-colored flowers on one bush! Looking at this variety, it is difficult to believe such a mixture. Flowers - cream, yellow, red and pink! An excellent solution for gardeners who have little space in the garden or on the terrace and who want to enjoy flowers of different colors.

6. “White Double Delight” White Double Delight – high grade (height 70-80 cm). Produces numerous cream flowers. It grows very quickly, forming a compact, neat bush.

Photo gallery - other attractive varieties

Who should not take it

Despite its great benefits, Echinacea has contraindications.

Preparations from this plant should not be used if:

• HIV;
• autoimmune diseases;
• leukemia;
• tuberculosis;
• children under twelve years of age;
• elderly people;
• personal intolerance;
• pregnancy and lactation;
• multiple sclerosis.

Sometimes during treatment, unpleasant effects in the form of allergies may appear. In case of an overdose, nausea, chills, vomiting, dizziness, and diarrhea occur. In such cases, you should seek medical help as soon as possible.

Pests and diseases

This plant is immune to a large number of diseases. But due to errors in caring for Echinacea, the plant may be exposed to some diseases.

For example, echinacea can suffer from powdery mildew. This disease progresses when there is an excess of nitrogen in the soil. With this disease, a white coating forms on the shoots. To prevent powdery mildew in Echinacea, the plant is treated with colloidal sulfur or Bordeaux mixture.

BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS!
Kiss of the sun - Echinacea Grace "Grace" Sunny rudbeckia
In addition to this disease, Echinacea can be threatened by septoria. A fungicidal solution and removal of damaged leaves and shoots will save you from this fungal disease.

For viral diseases that affect peduncles and leaf blades, use a solution of potassium permanganate and physically remove all diseased bushes.

Among the pests that can cause damage to Echinacea are bedbugs and slugs. Drugs like Actellik will help get rid of harmful creatures.