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Echinacea is probably the best known of the herbs known as immunostimulants. Popular among Native Americans, echinacea was introduced into American medicine in the late 19th century, becoming the most prescribed herb by the early 20th century. In 1910, echinacea was targeted by the AMA as being worthless, and by 1930 use of echinacea was virtually gone from American medicine. Luckily, German scientists requested echinacea seeds and started their own scientific inquiry. By the 1980's, echinacea had found its way back into health foods stores, and today the herb is becoming accepted even in medical communities.
Echinacea is best known for its ability to protect against colds and flu. Echinacea has been shown to stimulate phagocytosis, or the consumption of invading organisms by white blood cells and lymphocytes. In addition, it increases the activity of other immune system cells so they can more quickly eliminate invading organisms and foreign particles.
Echinacea also inhibits an enzyme (hyaluronidase) that is secreted by bacteria to help them infect healthy cells. Echinacea can be used in a poultice to prevent wound infection or as a treatment for skin diseases. It has also been found to fight candida, the yeast most commonly found in vaginal infections.
Echinacea does not act directly upon viruses or bacteria, rather it helps the body use its own resources to combat illness. It is tonic, or balancing in nature. For example, it stimulates white blood cell activity; however, if white blood cell counts are too high, it will help reduce the levels to normal.
People with autoimmune disorders should not use echinacea because they have a sensitivity to immunostimulant activity. Echinacea's use with AIDS is controversial (see link). Persons with allergies to ragweed or members of the sunflower family should exercise caution when trying echinacea. Naturally, if you have any doubts about its use, contact your physician.
Copyright 2001 by Chip Engelmann
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