Echinacea Explained: How This Ancient Herb Supports Your Immune System
Echinacea flowers (large pink petals surrounding a bulbous brown inner) atop long, green stems, growing in the wild.
This Saturday 15th November is #EchinaceaDay ! We’re celebrating this fantastic flower and all it can do for us. Come in to see our full product range, while stocks last!
Where is echinacea from?
Echinacea Purpurea originates from Central and Northern America. It was used by Native Americans as a natural remedy for many ailments, including snake bites, dizziness and even infections. As modern medicine was developing, echinacea began to fall out of fashion.
Alfred Vogel, famous Swiss herbalist and founder of A. Vogel, visited various indigenous communities around the globe to learn more about their use of natural medicines. When he visited Native Americans, he returned home with seeds to grow, cultivate and propagate echinacea purpurea, with the aim of making tinctures.
“Nature provides everything we need to protect and maintain our health.”
Today, echinacea is recognisable in a range of products across settings from herbalists to supermarket products, and everything in between.
How does it work?
One study found that echinacea stimulates tumour necrosis factor (TNF), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, which is a type of signalling protein made by your immune system. It helps regulate inflammation and coordinate your body’s response to infection or injury.
This implies echinacea may help to strengthen your immune system!
When should you take echinacea?
You should take echinacea when you have the first symptoms of a cold or flu, and you can take it daily! While evidence is limited that it can limit the lifespan of a cold, it’s worth noting that many people claim through anecdotal evidence that it does.
Who can take echinacea?
Most people! As long as you don’t have an allergy to any of the ingredients or excipients and meet the age requirements (see individual products for details) and you’re not allergic to echinacea or any other members of the daisy family (Asteraceae or Compositae).
A man holds his hand out as he tries to stifle a cough into his other hand.
Is echinacea enough to stop a cold?
Maybe, but since it’s not guaranteed we also recommend the following:
Catch it, bin it, kill it! Sneeze or cough into tissues, bin them, and wash your hands (often)!
Take vitamin C supplements (ideally with zinc, as this can improve their ability to work)
Use first defence sprays when you feel a cold coming on, or have been exposed to one.
Get enough rest. If you’re running on empty, your immune system will not be up to scratch.
Eat well - plenty of protein and veg!
Stay hydrated
Echinacea Day is this Saturday: 15th November.
Why not join us, explore our product range
and get personalised recommendations
on Winter wellness?
What else can I do to stay well this Winter?
Book your Winter vaccines, mask up if you have a virus like COVID, cold or flu, practice healthy living and get outside as much as you can!
