Echinacea is in the Asteraceae (sunflower) family. Most European research has been with fresh E. purpurea. The plant contains glycosides (especially echinacoside), eichloric acid and chlorogenic acid, polysaccharides (echinacin B, inulin, arabinogalactans, xyloglucans), isobutylamines (echinacein), alkylamides, phytosterols, (Z)-1, 8-pentadecadiene, sesquiterpene esters (in E. purpurea), and many other valuable compounds. Echinacea is recommended for use periodically for one or two weeks at a time, rather than continuously, because the body seems to become accustomed to it and it loses effectiveness. The effectiveness may return in a week or two. Note: If you are pregnant or nursing, consult your health care professional before using this product. If you have kidney disease, restrict usage to ten days, due to possible imbalance in excreted minerals. No claims are made regarding the therapeutic use of this product. This article is for information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. Your health and lifestyle may make the outcomes different for you. You should consult with a physician or other health-care professional familiar with nutrition, prevention, and related health issues. *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. |
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