Echinacea pallida, the pale purple coneflower, is a species of herbaceous perennial plant in the family Asteraceae. It is sometimes grown in gardens and used for medicinal purposes. Its native range is the central region of the United States.

Echinacea pallida is similar to E. angustifolia, but plants often grow taller, ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 ft (45 to 75 cm) tall, with some growing 3 ft (90 cm) or more tall. Plants normally grow with one unbranched stem in the wild, but often produce multi-stemmed ...

echinacea pallida

What-is-echinacea?

What is echinacea? 

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The echinacea plant, also known as American echinacea or purple echinacea, is a wild flowering herb known for its medicinal properties based on its traditional use. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/echinacea" target="_blank" data-ref="Echinacea" rel="noopener">[ref. 1]</a>&nbsp; Echinacea originated in North America and is recognizable by daisy-like flowers, usually purple, around a spiny, cone-like center. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.karger.com/Article/FullText/71678" target="_blank" data-ref="" rel="noopener">[ref. 2]</a>&nbsp; The term 'echinacea' actually refers to genera of plants and several species of this family, including purpurea and angustifolia, which are distinguished by their content of alkylamides (considered as active ingredients).

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Originally used by native Indians, echinacea has been used as a traditional herbal remedy since the 18th century for a number of conditions, such as coughs and colds, snakebites, burns, anthrax infections, and minor wounds. It has also been reported that echinacea root can be chewed to relieve toothache pain and throat infections.

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The three types of echinacea used in herbal remedies and dietary supplements are: &nbsp;<a href="https://academic.oup.com/jpp/article/57/8/929/6147494" target="_blank" data-ref="Echinacea species (Echinacea angustifolia (DC.) Hell., Echinacea pallida (Nutt.) Nutt., Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench): a review of their chemistry, pharmacology and clinical properties&dagger;" rel="noopener">[ref. 3]</a>&nbsp;

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Echinacea purpurea (Echinacea purple) - the most widely used and popular type of echinacea;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Echinacea pallida (Echinacea palida);</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Echinacea angustifolia (Echinacea angustifolia).</li></ul>

What-are-the-benefits-of-echinacea?

What are the benefits of echinacea?

High-in-antioxidants

High in antioxidants 

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Echinacea plants are loaded with plant compounds that act as antioxidants. Antioxidants are molecules that help protect your cells against oxidative stress. Severe oxidative stress has been linked to the development of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease and many others.

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Some of these antioxidants are flavonoids, chicory acid and rosmarinic acid. &nbsp;<a href="http://www.phcogrev.com/article/2015/9/17/1041030973-7847156353" target="_blank" data-ref="Echinacea purpurea: Pharmacology, Phytochemistry and Analysis Methods | Pharmacognosy Reviews" rel="noopener">[ref. 4]</a>&nbsp;These antioxidants are usually in higher amounts in extracts of the fruits and flowers of plants, compared to other parts, such as the leaves and root.

Echinacea-for-frequent-colds-and-flu-like-diseases

Echinacea for frequent colds and flu-like diseases 

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Echinacea is best known for its purported ability to relieve colds and flu-like infections and for helping shorten the duration of such ailments.

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A 2011 review of available studies, published in the medical journal Pharmaceuticals, found that Echinacea purpurea possesses numerous beneficial effects in the treatment of viral respiratory infections, including: &nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/4/7/1019" target="_blank" data-ref="Echinacea&mdash;A Source of Potent Antivirals for Respiratory Virus Infections" rel="noopener">[ref. 5]</a>&nbsp;

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Direct virucidal activity against several respiratory viruses;&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Reversal of the proinflammatory response of epithelial cells and tissues to various viruses;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Reducing excessive secretion of mucin from cells and tissues of the respiratory tract;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Absence of cytotoxic effects or impairment of the integrity of Echinacea tissues in cell cultures or airway tissues, at practical antiviral concentrations;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Additional potentially positive effects on cellular gene expression.&nbsp;</li></ul>

Anti-inflammatory-action-of-echinacea

Anti-inflammatory action of echinacea  

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It has also been shown that echinacea has an anti-inflammatory effect inside the body. &nbsp;<a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.2714" target="_blank" data-ref="Just a moment..." rel="noopener">[Ref. 6]</a>&nbsp; Inflammation is your body's natural way of promoting healing and protecting itself as needed. Sometimes it can get out of control and last longer than necessary and expected. This can increase the risk of chronic diseases and other health problems.

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Several studies have shown that echinacea can help reduce excess inflammation. For example, in a study in mice, echinacea compounds helped reduce important inflammatory markers and memory loss caused by inflammation. &nbsp;<a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1096/fj.201601071R" target="_blank" data-ref="Just a moment..." rel="noopener">[ref. 7]</a>&nbsp;

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In another 30-day study in adults with osteoarthritis, taking a supplement containing echinacea extract was found to significantly reduce inflammation, chronic pain, and swelling. Interestingly, these adults did not respond well to conventional nonsteroidal inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), but found that the supplement containing echinacea extract worked well for them.&nbsp;

Anticancer-properties-of-echinacea

Anticancer properties of echinacea 

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In vitro studies have shown that echinacea extracts can inhibit the growth of cancer cells and even cause cancer cell death.

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In one in vitro study, echinacea purpurea extract and cicoric acid (naturally found in echinacea plants) were shown to induce cancer cell death. <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0378874112005570" target="_blank" data-ref="Redirecting" rel="noopener">[ref.</a>&nbsp;8]&nbsp;

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In another in vitro study, extracts from echinacea plants (Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia, and Echinacea pallida) killed human pancreatic and colon cancer cells by stimulating a process called apoptosis, or controlled cell death. &nbsp;<a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0378874106004624" target="_blank" data-ref="Redirecting" rel="noopener">[ref. 9]</a>&nbsp; This effect is believed to be due to the immunostimulating properties of echinacea and its active ingredients.&nbsp;

Echinacea-May-Help-Treat-Skin-Problems

Echinacea May Help Treat Skin Problems 

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Research shows that echinacea plants can help treat common skin problems.

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In an in vitro study, scientists found that the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of echinacea inhibited the growth of Propionibacterium, a common cause of acne.&nbsp;

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In another study in 10 healthy people aged 25-40, skin care products containing echinacea extract were found to improve skin hydration and reduce wrinkles. Similarly, a cream containing echinacea purpurea extract has been shown to improve eczema symptoms and help restore the thin protective outer layer of the skin. &nbsp;<a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0923181116310258" target="_blank" data-ref="Redirecting" rel="noopener">[ref. 10]</a>&nbsp;

Potential-Side-Effects-of-Echinacea-Use

Potential Side Effects of Echinacea Use 

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Echinacea products look safe and are well tolerated for short-term use. As with any other natural remedy, there are cases of side effects that occur rarely. They can be:

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Rashes</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Itchy skin</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Hives</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Swelling</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Stomach pain</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Nausea</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Shortness of breath</li></ul>However, these side effects are more common in people with allergies to other flowers, such as daisies (Leucanthemum vulgare), chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum), calendula (Calendula), ragweed&nbsp; (Ambrosia) and others.

Echinacea-dosage-information

Echinacea dosage information 

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For dehydrated powders (including encapsulated echinacea), Echinacea purpuera is usually used and oral doses above 300 mg are taken. three times a day (900 mg daily) and 500 mg. three times a day (1500 mg daily).

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Tinctures of ethanol extract from aboveground parts (leaves and stems) are used in a concentration of 2.5 ml. three times a day or up to 10 ml. Daily.

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There is not much evidence as to whether these are the optimal doses and studies are so far mixed in terms of quantities due to lack of standardization.

One of the many beneficial natural remedies, echinacea improves immunity, blood sugar, anxiety, counteracts inflammation and promotes skin health. There is evidence that echinacea can act as anti-cancer agent. Human-based research is still too limited, and it is necessary to investigate more thoroughly what are the exact effective doses for various health conditions.&nbsp;

Echinacea: Health Benefits, Medicinal Properties and Side Effects 

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Бетина Цветкова

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Author: Rositsa Tashkova, Master of Molecular Biology and Microbiology

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"Beauty from the inside is evident from the outside" - how true this statement is when it comes to the skin.

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Our lifestyle, habits, the food we eat have a direct impact on our skin.

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In the article "<a href="/p/13_nachina_da_priedotvratitie_sstariavanieto_na_kozhata_f73bcd9c_5647_4b13_8a51_0b90f2ef84e2" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">13 ways to prevent aging skin</a>" we gave you practical advice on maintaining&nbsp;the youth of the skin, which are completely achievable. At the end of the article, we also examined the natural remedies and herbs-helpers in the fight against aging of the skin: honey, turmeric, ginseng, aloe vera, licorice, amla, Indian nard (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nardostachys_jatamansi" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nardostachys jatamansi</a>), and arjuna.

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But aging is not the only misfortune that can befall our skin.

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Act against acne;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Help heal wounds and burns;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">They have a calming and anti-inflammatory effect.</li>
</ul>

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The plants we will talk about are easily accessible and familiar, which will allow readers to prepare&nbsp;creams, balms, and other homemade ointments from them. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Botanicals_in_dermatology_an_evidence_based_review_20509719" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.1</a>]

Herbs-against-acne

Herbs against acne

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Calendula, Common comfrey, echinacea, and aloe vera are among the medicinal plants that can help us cope with acne and skin imperfections.

Thyme-(Thymus-vulgaris)

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

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There is evidence that thyme essential oil can destroy the bacterium responsible for the appearance of acne - Propionibacterium acnes, faster than the substance used as an active ingredient of acne cosmetics&nbsp;- benzoyl peroxide. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Activities_of_ten_essential_oils_towards_Propionibacterium_acnes_and_PC_3_A_549_and_MCF_7_cancer_cells_20657472" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.3</a>, <a href="https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120327215951.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.4</a>]

Green-tea-(Camelliasinensis)

Green tea (Camelliasinensis)

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Green tea has an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect, and its application as a tonic can soothe acne skin. In addition to suppressing the viability of P. acnes, the active substance in green teaepigalomatechin-3 galate (EGCG) causes apoptosis (programmed cell death) in the cells that produce sebum. This means that the substance practically suppresses the two main factors for the appearance of acne - sebum and bacterium. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Epigallocatechin_3_gallate_improves_acne_in_humans_by_modulating_intracellular_molecular_targets_and_inhibiting_P_acnes_23096708" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.6</a>]

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Lavender-(Lavandula-angustifolia)

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

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A tonic of lavender colors can be prepared - fresh or dried. It helps heal wounds, has an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Activities_of_ten_essential_oils_towards_Propionibacterium_acnes_and_PC_3_A_549_and_MCF_7_cancer_cells_20657472" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.3</a>]

Tea-tree-(Melaleuca-alternifolia)

Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)

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Tea tree essential oil is applied topically to each bud. It has a strong antibacterial effect comparable to that of benzoyl peroxide, but with fewer or no side effects. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/A_comparative_study_of_tea_tree_oil_versus_benzoylperoxide_in_the_treatment_of_acne_2145499" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.5</a>]

Herbs-for-wound-healing-and-burns

Herbs for wound healing and burns

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Some medicinal plants have the property to accelerate the recovery and healing of skin injuries.

Pot-marigold-(Calendula-officinalis)

Pot marigold (Calendula officinalis)

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The calendula definitely deserves the first place here. Aqueous or oil&nbsp;extract from its orange petals is an effective means of rapid wound healing [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Determination_of_the_wound_healing_effect_of_Calendula_extracts_using_the_scratch_assay_with_3T3_fibroblasts_19781615" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.9</a>], for sun and thermal burns, acne, irritated skin, eczema.

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Tincture (spirit extract) of neven can be used to suppress individual pimples in acne, but not to smear the entire skin, since alcohol will dry it.

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Common-comfrey-(Symphytum-officinale)

Common comfrey (Symphytum officinale)

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Aqueous extract (infusion) <a href="/p/psoriazis_i_psoriatichien_artrit_sshchnost_prichini_i_liechieniie_646d5c4e_2d56_4246_894b_bd4b98ec5d3c" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer"></a>from common comfrey blossoms&nbsp;and leaves can be applied externally to eczema, acne, psoriasis, in the form of a tonic or&nbsp;lotion. [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/In_vivo_wound_healing_effects_of_Symphytum_officinale_L_leaves_extract_in_different_topical_formulations_22570943" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.8</a>]

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Attention, attention! The plant is poisonous and should not be swallowed!

St.-John's-wort-(Hypericum-perforatum)

St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum)

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St. John's wort significantly accelerates the wound healing process. This effect can be strengthened by its combination with propolis. [<a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00238-019-01538-6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.2</a>]

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Extract of cut blossoms, stems, and leaves of St. John's wort in olive oil helps with thermal and sunburns of the skin.

Echinacea-(Echinacea-purpurea,-Echinacea-pallida)

Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea pallida)

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Well known for its immunostimulating properties, echinacea is also used for skin problems - for faster wound healing, acne, and anti-inflammatory agent.

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But Echinacea pallida root extract has been found to have a significantly stronger healing effect [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Anti_inflammatory_and_cicatrizing_activity_of_Echinacea_pallida_Nutt_root_extract_11801391" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.7</a>].

Herbs-and-medicinal-plants-that-have-a-soothing-and-anti-inflammatory-effect

Herbs and medicinal plants that have a soothing and anti-inflammatory effect

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The skin may turn out to be inflamed, reddened, or puffy for a number of reasons, including due to an allergic reaction (in this case, we need to remove the allergen as quickly as possible and seek medical attention if necessary). To soothe the skin, we can use any of the following herbs.

Chamomile-(Matricaria-recutita)

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)

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Aqueous or oily chamomile extract soothes irritated or dry skin. From these extracts can be made cream, balm, or tonic.

Chickweed-(Stellaria-media)

Chickweed (Stellaria media)

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This inconspicuous plant is ubiquitous, its stems become entangled and form a carpet, the colors are quite tiny, white, asterisks-like.

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The plant has an anti-inflammatory effect and aqueous or oil extract of it can be applied externally to soothe itching and irritated skin. [<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844020309944" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.10</a>]

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Germander-speedwell-(Veronica-chamaedrys)

Germander speedwell (Veronica chamaedrys)

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In Europe, the germander speedwell, bird's-eye speedwell, or cat's eyes&nbsp;is found all over the country in forests, shrubs, and meadows. It is a herbaceous plant with gentle blue flowers.

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Tea from leaves and blossoms is used externally to soothe redness and itching, in eczema.

Cucumber-(Cucumis-sativus)

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus)

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We are not used to treating cucumber as an herb, but everyone knows about its refreshing, astringent and soothing effect on the skin. It is rich in antioxidants, which makes it suitable for use on sunburns, since they are essentially not similar to thermal burns, but are an inflammatory reaction of the skin against free radicals formed under the action of UV rays.

Aloe-vera

Aloe vera

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It is good to keep in mind that the daily use of the gel from the inside of the leaves of aloe vera can have a drying effect. Therefore, it is good in this case to use it in the form&nbsp;of (homemade) lotions.

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Aloe vera is suitable for burning and soothing inflamed skin.

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In the next part of the article, we will focus on the medicinal plants that tone the skin, moisturize it, and are suitable for refreshing mature skin.

echinacea pallida

Echinacea: Health Benefits, Medicinal Properties and Side Effects

Medicinal plants for beautiful amd healthy skin. Part 1