ECHINACEA ROOT DECOCTION
The medicinal use of echinacea came to us from North American natives, who used this beautiful plant for respiratory infection, toothache, sore throats and even snakebites. Both the root and the aerial parts {leaf, stem, flower} are used medicinally. Unfortunately, this is one species that has experienced many problems with commercial adulteration; similar species without medicinal benefit are sometimes found in so-called ‘echinacea’ preparations. {This has also caused great confusion in research studies, where it was later discovered that the herb was the wrong one, or had been adulterated by other species.} When purchasing echinacea for home medicine-making, it is important to purchase from a reputable source.
{MEDICINAL PROFILE}
To demonstrate a decoction, I am going to use the root of echinacea; the herb (aerial parts) also have medicinal benefit. The root is a more concentrated source of echinacea’s medicinal constituents, and therefore is more potent; but either echinacea root or herb are effective choices for warding off infectious disease {especially the common cold and flu}, and for decreasing the intensity and duration of symptoms.
{Echinacea has some topical uses, for the healing of wounds and sores, but we will be discussing benefits of oral intake.}
In the treatment of childhood diseases and common infections echinacea is a first line of defense. Echinacea prevents infection, lessens the intensity of symptoms and speeds recovery—by several days, according to clinical studies. Take echinacea after exposure to infectious disease, or at the changing of the seasons.
Echinacea is an immunostimulant, mainly acting on non-specific immunity {increases phagocytosis, activity of the white blood cells to engulf bacteria and cell debris}; so it is beneficial for the prevention and treatment of a wide range of infections. Clinical trials support its use at high doses to treat infections—specifically of the upper respiratory tract {including sinusitis, pharyngitis, rhinitis}, especially in patients with weakened immunity, including those undergoing chemotherapy. It is a respiratory anti-inflammatory.
Echinacea has been traditionally used to strengthen a weak, suppressed or imbalanced immunity, including allergies and autoimmunity.
{Some modern herbal writers have warned against long-term use of echinacea, saying it can overstimulate and deplete the immune system. According to Simon Mills and Kerry Bone, this is due to a misunderstanding of study results which actually show that there is a residual stimulating effect 2 days after echinacea treatment is stopped. For chronic conditions, lower doses are used than the shorter term higher—up to five times higher—doses used for acute conditions.}
Echinacea is sometimes considered antibacterial and antiviral, but this effect probably follows indirectly, from immune system enhancement. Nevertheless, studies have demonstrated marked effects of echinacea on viruses such as herpes simplex virus, which most commonly gives us cold sores, and the influenza virus.
Because it improves lymphatic function, echinacea can be used lymphatic congestion, enlarged lymph nodes. Echinacea also works well for cystitis {inflammation of the bladder}, combined with urinary antiseptics like yarrow and uva ursi. Combined with garlic, it is effective treatment for yeast infections.
{DECOCTIONS}
Decoctions are another remedy that is simple to prepare. The herbs are soaked in cold water before being heated to steady simmer. This process is ideal for extracting the water-soluble constituents from hard-woody herb parts. The soaking and gradual heating extract the albumin {a protein, the same in egg white} before it coagulates {cooks and set} and prevents the release of {binds up} the beneficial constituents.
Because of the soaking and simmering, decoctions do require more forethought and supervision than an infusion. Nevertheless, the are an easy, inexpensive way to effectively use herbs in your own home.
{ECHINACEA DECOCTION}
In a covered, stainless steel pot, soak half an ounce of finely chopped echinacea root in 250 mL cold water for two hours. Then bring the mixture to a boil, lower the heat and keep at a simmer for ten minutes.
Strain and press the marc, and add enough water to the decoction to return the volume to 250 mL.
The result is a thick ‘tea’ that will cause the tongue to tingle, due to the alkamides in the echinacea. {This tingling is a sign of the echinacea;s medicinal potency. Tingling and a metallic taste indicate the the immune system tissue in the tongue has been stimulated.}
{DISCLAIMER}
The author is not a medical doctor, nor is she a licensed medical professional. Any recommendations are to educate for consumer health awareness and should not be considered diagnosis or prescribed treatment for any medical condition. If you are experiencing symptoms that concern you, please consult your healthcare provider.
• dried echinacea root •
September 30, 2014