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Echinacea
Echinacea, known in German as Sonnenhut, is a genus of plants native to North America in the daisy family. Preparations mainly use the species Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia and Echinacea pallida.
Echinacea is one of the classics of the herbal home medicine cabinet, especially in the cold, wet season. Traditionally, Sonnenhut is used to support the immune system.
Steckbrief
- Botanical name
- Echinacea purpurea, E. angustifolia, E. pallida
- German name
- Sonnenhut
- Plant family
- Daisy family (Asteraceae)
- Parts used
- Herb, root
- Origin
- North America
- Traditional reference
- Immune system, cold season
Wirkung und Studienlage
Echinacea is traditionally used to support the body’s natural defences during the cold season. The plant has been well studied scientifically, but the study results are inconsistent. Some studies suggest that Echinacea preparations could help shorten or alleviate cold symptoms, while other studies found no clear effect.
This inconsistent situation is explained in part by the wide variety of preparations: Different species, plant parts and manufacturing processes lead to products with different active ingredient profiles, which makes it difficult to compare studies. No reliable, generally valid efficacy claim can be derived from this. In the sense of European health-claims rules, Echinacea does not have any authorised efficacy claims.
Anwendung und Dosierung
Echinacea is available in many forms, such as pressed juice, drops, tablets or tea. Traditionally, it is used as a course at the first signs of a cold or during the cold season, usually for a limited period of a few weeks and not continuously.
As preparations vary widely, the consumption recommendation for the respective product is decisive. Pay attention to information on the species used and the plant part.
Sicherheit und Wechselwirkungen
Echinacea is considered to be generally well tolerated when used for a short time. Occasionally, gastrointestinal complaints or allergic reactions are reported.
Because it belongs to the daisy family, people with an allergy to this plant family (e.g. mugwort, chamomile, ragweed) should avoid Echinacea. In the case of autoimmune diseases or under immunosuppressive therapy, use without medical advice is not recommended, as Echinacea is thought to influence the immune system. Depending on the preparation, restrictions also apply to young children; the manufacturer’s information should be observed.
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Häufige Fragen
Echinacea is traditionally used to support the immune system during the cold season. The evidence is inconsistent: Some studies suggest a benefit, others do not. No reliable efficacy claim can be derived from this.
Echinacea is traditionally used as a course for a few weeks, not continuously. Follow the consumption recommendation for the respective preparation.
People with a daisy-family allergy, as well as people with autoimmune diseases or under immunosuppressive therapy, should only use Echinacea after consulting a doctor.
Fachliche Prüfung
Prof. Dr. med. Dr. phil. Martin Hörning
Arzt, Professor i.R. und Mitbegründer von sanitas
Seit 40 Jahren beschäftigt er sich intensiv mit den Themen Prävention, Gesundheitsförderung, Achtsamkeit, Longevity und Naturheilverfahren. In Herstelle führt er eine kleine Privatpraxis.