Echinacea

The image above is from my class lesson.

I got the rest of the site fixed.  I just need to work on the herbariums now.  The kids have been all over the place today. I have lost track of how many times they have been spanked for not listening today.  Is it nap time yet?  My son is now able to get on the counter without climbing the stove so now it's a bigger fight.  They both want to sit on the counter and get into everything.  Yeah, I need more storage room behind those safety locks.   What's worse is when they both want to sit on the same counter and they start fighting over it.  I'm terrified they will push each other off.  I swear they think they are cats where they need to be at the highest point in the house!

I still have not resumed work on my book.  I have not had time between working on the site, the house and chasing children that think they know better than me.  If this is any indication, the teenage years are going to be fun... 

On the flip side, if you want some really uplifting music, check out the link below.  She has such an amazing voice!  Love and Light!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kw0fHOxYIRE&t=1743s

On to echinacea!

Constituents: Caffeic acid (echinacoside in angustifolia, cichoric acid in purpurea), alkylamides (unsaturated isobutyl amides including dodeca-2,4,8,10-tetraenic acid) polysaccharides (echinacin B), polyacetylenes, essential oil (Hoffman, 2003, 544) Chevallier (2016) stated alkylamides (mostly isobutylamides), caffeic acid esters (mainly echinacoside and cynarin), and polysaccharides but this is specific to Echinacea purpurpea (p. 92). Mills and Bone (2010) caffeic acid derivatives/esters (not in E. purpurea; cichoric acid only in E. purpurea; cynarin only in E. augustlfolia; esters very present in the flower of E. purpurea, less in the other 2), polysaccharides and the lipophilic components(alkylamides (cause the tingling in the mouth – this includes isobutylamides; highest quantity of alkylamides in E. augustfolia, least in E. palida; A LOT less present in the leaves) and polyacetylenes), (p. 369). Gladstar (2012) calls out E. augusfolia and E. purpurea and says polysaccharides, caffeic acid, echinacoside, sesquiterpenes, tannins, linoleic acid, beta-carotene, and vitamin C (p. 130).

Therapeutic Actions: Antimicrobial, immunomodulator, anti-inflammatory, anticatarrhal, vulnerary, alterative (Hoffman, 2003, 544). Chevallier (2016) says immune modulator, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, wound healing and stimulates saliva (sialagogue) (p. 92). Mills and Bone (2010) say immune modulating, immune enhancing, depurative, anti-inflammatory, vulnerary, lymphatic and sialagogue (p. 369). Gladstar (2012) says it stimulates the immune function to resist infection, antiviral, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial (p. 130). Kennedy (2007) says anti-bacterial, antifungal and anti-viral (p. 194). Weiss and Fintelmann (2000) say anti-infective, antiphlogistic, immunogenic, and immune enhancing (p. 216).

Indications: Primary remedy for microbial infections. A known antiviral/anti-bacterial, it can be effective against septicemia, boils and other infections. Combine with others for infections anywhere (example is combine with yarrow for cystitis). By itself, it’s great for respiratory tract infections such as laryngitis, cold, etc.  Externally, it can be used on sores and cuts. (Hoffman, 2003, 544).  Hoffman has a page and a half dedicated to the topic of indications to include studies. Mills and Bone (2010) say, and they break these out by species, E. augustfolia and E. pallida are for septicaemia, upper respiratory catarrh, tonsillitis, boils and abcesses. E. purpurea is for cough, syphilis (E. augustfolia on this as well). (p. 369). Gladstar (2012) says it works against bronchitis, respiratory infections, sore throats, and oral infections (p. 130). Heinerman (1997) says immune boosting (p. 212). Weiss and Fintelmann (2000) say colds, immunostimulation, viral infections, chronic suppuration, chronic respiratory issues, chronic urinary tract infections, and externally for inflamed and purulent injuries, abscesses, furuncles, superficial wounds, reduces susceptibility to infections in wounds, and leg ulceration (p. 216-7, 413).

Safety: The Asteraceae family may have allergic reactions though rare for this plant, in the form of contact dermatitis (Hoffman, 2003, 544).  Mills and Bone (2010) say it’s safe during pregnancy and lactation but use caution if taking immunosuppressant drugs and there is a possibility of allergic reaction (p. 369). Kennedy (2007) says not to take it if there is an immune illness present due to potential interactions with prescription medications.  Three ispotential for allergic reactions (p. 194).

Have a Great Day!