CategoriesPlants and Active Ingredients Guide

Echinacea: benefits, origin and use as a dietary supplement

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Échinacée : bienfaits, origine et utilisation en complément alimentaire

🌿 Introduction to Echinacea

L'echinacea is a medicinal plant renowned for its properties immunostimulants and anti-inflammatories. Mainly used for preventing and treating winter infectionsIt is also appreciated in phytotherapy for its benefits for the skin and its antioxidant effect.

🌍 Origin and habitat

Echinacea belongs to the Asteraceae and is originally fromNorth AmericaIt was traditionally used by Amerindians to treat infections and accelerate wound healing. Today, it is cultivated in many parts of the world, notably in Europe and in Asiafor use in food supplements and cosmetics.

🏺 Composition and active ingredients

Echinacea is rich in bioactive compounds which give it its medicinal properties:

✔ Alcamides Stimulate the immune system and have an anti-inflammatory effect.
✔ Polysaccharides These boost natural defences and encourage a better immune response.
✔ Flavonoids powerful antioxidants that protect cells from oxidative stress.
✔ Chicoric acid Stimulates white blood cell activity and helps fight infection.

💊 Benefits and properties

🔹 Boosting the immune system

✔ Help for prevent winter infections such as colds and flu.
✔ Stimulates the production of white blood cellsthe body's defence cells.

🔹 Anti-inflammatory and healing effect

✔ Reduces theinflammation and accelerates the healing of wounds and skin infections.
✔ Can be used to relieve skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis.

🔹 Antioxidant and antiviral action

✔ Protects cells against free radicals responsible for ageing.
✔ Inhibits the proliferation of certain virus and pathogenic bacteria.

🏺 Use and shapes available

Echinacea is available in several forms adapted to different needs:

✔ Infusion / Herbal tea Ideal for preventing winter infections.
✔ Capsules and tablets For an easy, effective cure.
✔ Liquid extract Concentrated active ingredients for enhanced action.
✔ Cream or essential oil used for heal the skin and reduce inflammation.

⏳ Recommended dosage :

  • Prevention 300 to 600 mg per day over a course of 4 to 6 weeks.
  • Treatment of infection up to 1200 mg per day over a short period.
    ⚠ Do not use continuously for more than 8 weeks to avoid weakening the immune system.

⚠ Precautions and contraindications

✔ Not recommended for allergy sufferers plants from the Asteraceae family (daisies, dandelions...).
✔ To be avoided in the case of autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis or the lupus.
✔ Contraindicated pregnant and breast-feeding women without medical advice.
✔ May interact with drugs immunosuppressants.