Herb of the Month: Freeze-dried Echinacea

September 25, 2024

Time to read 8 min

Beyond the Beauty - A True Herbal Powerhouse

Echinacea, a genus of flowering plants in the daisy family, is widely known for its immune-boosting properties and is often used as a wellness booster during the cold months. However, there are several lesser-known facts about this remarkable herb that may surprise even avid herbal enthusiasts.

🌺 Native American Roots In Herbalism: Echinacea has a rich history rooted in Native American medicine. Long before it became popular in Western herbalism, various Native American tribes used Echinacea to treat wounds, infections, and even snakebites. The Cheyenne, Sioux, and Comanche, among others, recognized the plant's powerful healing properties and used it extensively in their traditional medicine practices. The use of Echinacea by Native Americans eventually caught the attention of European settlers, leading to its incorporation into modern herbal use.

🌸 A Genus of Diverse Benefits: Another interesting fact is that Echinacea isn't just one plant, but a genus that includes several species, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits. The most commonly used species in herbal traditions are Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia, and Echinacea pallida. While Echinacea purpurea is often favored for its immune-enhancing properties, Echinacea angustifolia is traditionally considered more potent. Echinacea pallida, on the other hand, is less commonly used but is known for its strong anti-inflammatory benefits.

💮 The Synergy of Echinacea's Active Compounds: Echinacea's effectiveness is not just due to one single compound but a complex mix of active constituents, including alkamides, polysaccharides, glycoproteins, and caffeic acid derivatives. These compounds work together synergistically to enhance the immune system and provide antioxidant effects. Interestingly, research has shown that Echinacea can stimulate the body's non-specific immune response, which means it helps bolster overall immunity rather than targeting specific pathogens. This makes it a versatile herb for supporting general health and wellness.

🌹 More than Immune Support - Echinacea's Potential for Mental Health: While Echinacea is most famous for its use in boosting seasonal immunity, its benefits extend beyond just the immune system. Emerging research suggests that Echinacea may also have potential in supporting mental health, particularly in reducing anxiety. Some studies indicate that the herb's active compounds can modulate the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in mood regulation. Though this area of research is still in its early stages, it opens up intriguing possibilities for the broader applications of this already versatile herb.

Did you know that during Victorian times, Echinacea angustifolia was one of the top prescribed herbs by the Eclectic Physicians? Today Echinacea purpurea is more popular, even though Echinacea angustifolia is regarded as being more potent.

With a long history of use by Native Americans and Eclectic physicians, Echinacea has earned its place as one of the most studied and widely used herbal remedies in North America and Europe. Today, it continues to be celebrated for its remarkable range of health benefits, making it a staple in natural wellness practices. Here’s a closer look at the key benefits that make Echinacea such a powerful addition to your wellness routine:

🌺 Immune System Support: Echinacea is most renowned for its ability to support and enhance the immune system. The herb contains active compounds like alkamides, polysaccharides, and glycoproteins, which work to stimulate the body’s natural defenses. These compounds help activate white blood cells, promoting a healthy immune response. By taking Echinacea regularly, especially during seasonal changes, many find that it helps maintain their body's defenses, making them more resilient against common health challenges. Its immune-modulating properties also help balance immune responses, providing support without overstimulation.

🌷 Anti-inflammatory Properties: In addition to its immune-boosting abilities, Echinacea contains flavonoids and antioxidants that play an important role in regulating the body's inflammatory processes. These antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative stress, which contributes to inflammation. Echinacea’s anti-inflammatory properties have been traditionally used to help soothe sore throats and respiratory discomfort, promoting comfort during seasonal challenges. Its ability to modulate inflammation makes it a natural choice for those looking to support overall wellness and balance.

🍃 Wound Healing: Echinacea has long been used for its wound-healing properties. Historically, Native American tribes applied Echinacea to wounds, burns, and insect bites to protect against infection and promote faster healing. The herb helps cleanse wounds and speeds up the healing process. Whether applied topically or used as a supplement, Echinacea can be a helpful ally in maintaining skin health and supporting the body’s natural healing processes.

💮 Potential Mental Health Benefits: Emerging research suggests that Echinacea may offer benefits beyond physical health by potentially supporting mental well-being. Some studies indicate that certain compounds in Echinacea, particularly alkamides, may interact with the endocannabinoid system, which plays a crucial role in regulating mood, stress, and anxiety. This interaction may help promote a sense of calm and reduce occasional feelings of anxiety. While research is still in the early stages, these findings open the door to exciting possibilities for Echinacea as a natural mood support option, adding to its already impressive range of uses.

With its wide range of benefits—spanning immune health, inflammation regulation, wound healing, and even potential mental health support—Echinacea stands out as a versatile and valuable addition to any natural wellness routine. Whether taken as a daily supplement or used more acutely during times of need, this powerful herb offers a holistic approach to supporting the body’s overall health and vitality.

Not all Echinaceas are created equal

Not all Echinacea supplements are created equal, and understanding the differences can significantly impact the effectiveness of this powerful herb. Among the various species of Echinacea, Echinacea angustifolia stands out as the most potent, particularly in its immune-boosting properties. This species was highly valued by Native American tribes, who traditionally used the fresh plant to treat a variety of ailments, from infections to wounds.

🌻 The potency of Echinacea angustifolia lies in its concentration of active compounds, such as alkamides, which play a crucial role in stimulating the immune system. Native Americans understood that using the plant fresh was key to unlocking its full potential. The fresh plant retains a higher level of bioactive compounds, making it more effective in supporting the body's natural defenses.

🌷 In modern times, the closest way to mimic the traditional use of fresh Echinacea is through freeze-drying. Freeze-drying preserves the integrity of the plant's active components, maintaining the same potency as the fresh plant. Unlike other drying methods, which can degrade the herb’s beneficial properties through heat or oxidation, freeze-drying locks in the nutrients and compounds that make Echinacea so effective.

🌼 It’s important to note that forms of Echinacea that aren't whole—such as standardized extracts—are merely fractions of the whole plant and may miss out on some of its benefits. Mother Nature knows what she's doing; the complexity of the whole plant offers a synergistic effect that standardized extracts cannot replicate. For those seeking the maximum benefits from Echinacea, opting for supplements made from freeze-dried Echinacea angustifolia is the superior choice. This method ensures that the herb remains as close as possible to its natural state, offering the same potent effects that have been relied upon for centuries.

"Freeze-dried Echinacea preserves the plant’s full spectrum of active compounds, offering the closest match to the fresh herb’s natural potency. Unlike other processing methods, freeze-drying ensures that the beneficial nutrients and bioactive components remain intact."

Freeze-dried Oregon-grown Echinacea angustifolia

Our Echinacea is certified organically grown in Oregon, cultivated and harvested with deep respect for the environment.

Once harvested, our Echinacea undergoes a gentle freeze-drying process that preserves its full nutritional and beneficial integrity. Unlike other drying methods that can degrade the plant's valuable compounds, freeze-drying retains the vibrant life force of the Echinacea, locking in its rich array of active ingredients. This ensures you receive all the powerful immune-boosting properties and phytochemicals that make Echinacea an immune powerhouse, in a convenient, easy-to-use form.

DIY Recipes with Echinacea

Echinacea Tea

Ingredients:

1-2 teaspoons of dried Echinacea (roots, leaves, or flowers)
1 cup of boiling water
Honey or lemon (optional, for flavor)

Instructions:

Boil Water: Bring a cup of water to a boil.
Steep the Echinacea: Place the dried Echinacea in a tea infuser or directly into the cup. Pour the boiling water over the Echinacea.
Steep Time: Allow the tea to steep for about 10-15 minutes. The longer it steeps, the stronger the flavor and medicinal properties.
Strain: If you added the Echinacea directly into the cup, strain the tea before drinking.
Optional Flavoring: Add honey or lemon to taste.

This tea is particularly useful during the winter season to help boost your immune system. You can drink it daily or as needed.

Echinacea Mouthwash

Ingredients:

1 cup of water
1 tablespoon of dried Echinacea root or 2 tablespoons of dried Echinacea leaves/flowers
1 teaspoon of sea salt
2 drops of peppermint essential oil

Instructions:

Boil Water: Bring the cup of water to a boil.
Add Echinacea: If using the root, add it to the boiling water and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. If using leaves or flowers, add them after removing the pot from the heat, and let them steep for about 10 minutes.
Strain: Strain the mixture to remove the Echinacea pieces.
Add Salt and Essential Oil: Stir in the sea salt until it dissolves. Add the essential oil.
Cool and Use: Allow the mouthwash to cool to a comfortable temperature. Swish about 1-2 tablespoons of the mouthwash in your mouth for 30 seconds to 1 minute, then spit it out. Do not swallow.

This natural Echinacea mouthwash can be used daily to promote oral health. Store any leftover mouthwash in the refrigerator and use it within a week.

Echinacea Infused Vinegar

Ingredients:

1 cup of dried Echinacea root (mixture of root, leaves, and flowers)
2 cups of raw apple cider vinegar (preferably with the mother)-
A glass jar with a non-metallic lid (vinegar can corrode metal)

Instructions:

Prepare the Jar: Place the dried Echinacea into the clean glass jar.
Add Vinegar: Pour the apple cider vinegar over the Echinacea until the herbs are fully submerged. If using a metal lid, place a piece of parchment paper between the lid and the jar to prevent corrosion.
Seal and Shake: Seal the jar tightly and shake well to mix the herbs with the vinegar.
Steep: Let the mixture sit in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks. Shake the jar every few days to help extract the herbal properties.
Strain: After 4-6 weeks, strain the vinegar through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean bottle, discarding the Echinacea solids.
Store: Store the Echinacea vinegar in a cool, dark place. It will keep for up to a year.

How to Use:

Healthy Salad Dressing: Use the Echinacea vinegar in salad dressings for a healthful, tangy boost.
Tonic: Dilute a tablespoon of the vinegar in a glass of water and drink it as a daily tonic to support immune health.
Culinary Uses: Use it in marinades, sauces, or anywhere you would typically use vinegar for an added herbal benefit.
This infused vinegar is not only healthy but also adds a unique flavor to your culinary creations.

The Author: Christine Alstat

Meet Christine Alstat, an internationally acclaimed naturopath and herbalist of Japanese heritage, whose profound expertise in plants and natural health has garnered recognition worldwide. As the dedicated CEO and owner of Eclectic Herb, Christine seamlessly intertwines her deep-rooted commitment to the Earth with her business, cultivating a space where her passion for plants is ever in full bloom. Her influential voice on herbal wisdom resonates across the globe through publications and panels, reflecting a lifetime commitment to nurturing both the plant kingdom and the earth.

Beyond her thriving professional life, Christine finds joy in the simple pleasures of hobbies. Whether she's spending time with her family, gathering herbs throughout the seasons, or concocting her own remedies in her home apothecary, Christine Alstat embodies a harmonious blend of nature, health, and the spiritual bonds that tie us all together.