Echinacea
Echinacea purpurea
紫锥菊
Pinyin: Zǐ Zhuī Jú
Plant Family
Asteraceae
Part Used
Root, aerial parts
Origin
North America
Safety Level
Safe
Overview
Echinacea is a group of flowering plants in the daisy family native to North America. It is one of the most popular herbal supplements for immune support, used by Native Americans for centuries before being adopted by modern herbalism.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Properties
Nature (四气)
cool
Flavors (五味)
bitter, acrid / pungent
Meridians (归经)
lung, skin
Health Benefits
Traditional Uses
- Colds and upper respiratory infections
- Wound healing and infections
- Snake bites and venomous stings
- Toothaches and sore throats
- Blood purifier
Active Constituents
The key compounds responsible for this herb's therapeutic effects:
Usage & Dosage
How to Use
Tea, tincture, capsules, extract, topical cream. Best taken at first sign of cold symptoms.
Suggested Dosage
Tincture: 2-5ml every 2-4 hours at onset. Capsules: 300-500mg 3-4 times daily. Tea: 1-2g steeped 10-15 min.
Quality & Storage
Harvest Season
Autumn (root), summer (aerial parts)
Quality Indicators
Dark brown root with strong odor. Standardized extracts should contain alkamides and polysaccharides.
Storage
Airtight container, cool dark place, 2 years
Safety Information
Contraindications
Autoimmune diseases (lupus, MS, rheumatoid arthritis)Organ transplant recipientsAllergy to ragweed/AsteraceaeTuberculosisChildren under 1Pregnancy (controversial)
Possible Side Effects
- Generally well-tolerated short-term
- Nausea and gastrointestinal upset
- Allergic reaction (especially in ragweed-sensitive people)
- Rash
- Dizziness
- Headache
Drug Interactions
- Immunosuppressants (cyclosporine, etc.)
- Caffeine (may enhance stimulant effect)
- Echinacea may affect CYP450 enzymes - moderate interaction potential
Note: Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before starting any herbal supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have medical conditions, or take medications.
References & Research
Information on this page is based on traditional herbal knowledge and modern scientific research. For a comprehensive list of references, please refer to our full citations page.
ℹ️ Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The FDA has not evaluated these statements. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal supplements.
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