Part of the plant used for medicinal purposes: herb, root (Echinaceae herba, radix)
Description and harvesting
Echinacea is a perennial plant that can be cultivated in the garden. It is a member of the daisy family. Echinacea roots which are dug in the autumn must be at least three years old to contain enough healing substances for treatment purposes.
Delovanje in uporaba ameriškega slamnika
Echinacea is a healing plant which supports the immune system. It shortens the duration of a cold and may even prevent the development of a viral respiratory infection. Scientists have found that Echinacea contains specific polysaccharides which increase the activity of leucocytes that are responsible for defence. Echinacea therefore increases the body’s immune response in several ways which are still being analysed. It inhibits the growth of viruses and reduces inflammation. For example, it increases the release of cytokines and the number of interferons α and β, which have antiviral properties.
Monk Simon Ašič’s product containing echinacea:
Sources:
1. Kreft S, Kočevar Glavač N. Sodobna fitoterapija. Z dokazi podprta uporaba zdravilnih rastlin. Slovensko farmacevtsko društvo, Ljubljana.
