Echinacea purpurea
The echinacea plant, also called purple coneflower, is helpful in support of immune system function and a groovy addition to bouquet design. Categorized an immunomodulatory supplement, echinacea has been used since the 1600s in North America to treat cold symptoms1. Although its ability to prevent the cold itself is highly debated, dietary supplement of echinacea has been shown to improve white and red blood cell count in animals. This can help prevent infection and immunosuppression after vaccination2. In a meta-analysis of echinacea success in cold prevention, the probability of acquiring a cold was 55% higher with a placebo than with echinacea usage3. Echinacea has also displayed dermatological benefits when applied topically due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and photoprotective properties4. Not only do the effects improve wound healing by stimulating the immune system, they could decrease signs of aging as well4,5. At the farm, we organically grow echinacea for our flower bunches and are hoping to develop a few products in the near future ;)
1Samuel, D. S., & Priyadarshoni, S. P. (2019). Echinacea purpurea - A potent medicinal herb. Drug Invention Today, 11(2), 448–452. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com.unh.idm.oclc.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=asn&AN=134815225&site=ehost-live
2BIAZAR, Y., AVIZEH, R., GHORBANPOUR, M., VARZI, H. N., & RAZIJALALI, M. (2018). Effects of Long Term Administration of Echinacea in Addition with Vaccination on General Condition and Liver and Renal Performance in Dogs. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Research (09752366), 10(4), 355–361. https://doi-org.unh.idm.oclc.org/10.31838/ijpr/2018.10.04.055
3Schoop, R., Klein, P., Suter, A., & Johnston, S. L. (2006). Echinacea in the prevention of induced rhinovirus colds: A meta-analysis. Clinical Therapeutics, 28(2), 174–183. https://doi-org.unh.idm.oclc.org/10.1016/j.clinthera.2006.02.001
4Yotsawimonwat, S., Rattanadechsakul, J., Rattanadechsakul, P., & Okonogi, S. (2010). Skin improvement and stability of Echinacea purpurea dermatological formulations. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 32(5), 340–346. https://doi-org.unh.idm.oclc.org/10.1111/j.1468-2494.2009.00559.x
5Rezaie, A., Najafzadeh, H., Poormahdi-Broojeni, M., Mohammadian, B., & Heidari, M. (2013). Effects of Echinacea Purpurea on Wound Healing after Arsenic Induced Skin Necrosis. Zahedan Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, 15(11), 19–23. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com.unh.idm.oclc.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=asn&AN=91946511&site=ehost-live
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