Echinacea Benefits For Skin- Your Comprehensive Guide (2024)

Echinacea, aka purple coneflower, is one of the most prominent herbs available globally.

Native Americans have been using it for more than centuries to treat several ailments.

It is why we will explore the most important Echinacea Benefits For Skin.

These days they are well-known as medication and an herbal remedy that can be bought over-the-counter to treat the common flu or cold.

But, it also helps treat swellings, migraines, and several other health issues.

Today, our post will be reviewing the uses, benefits, and several other important pieces of information about Echinacea!

 

What can you know about Echinacea? 

Echinacea is a collection of flowering plants mainly from the daisy family.

They are mainly native to North America, growing in open wooded areas and prairies.

Together, the group consists of nine species but only three of which are used in the herbal supplements.

The plant’s roots and upper parts are mainly used in tinctures, extracts, tablets, and teas.

Echinacea plants mainly contain many active compounds such as Alkamides, caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, phenolic acids, polyacetylenes, and several others.

Additionally, studies have connected Echinacea along with its compounds to several health benefits that include improved immunity, reduced swellings, and low blood sugar levels.

 

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High in antioxidants

Echinacea is a plant that is filled with plant elements functioning as antioxidants.

Antioxidants are the molecules that help defend the plants’ cells against oxidative stress, which is a state linked to chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and several others.

A few of the antioxidants are the flavonoids like rosmarinic acid and cichoric acid.

These are the antioxidants appearing in greater amounts in extracts from flowers and fruits of the plants compared to the rest of the other parts, such as the roots and leaves.

Additionally, the Echinacea are plants containing compounds known as Alkamides that further enhance antioxidant activity.

Alkamides are known to renew the worn-out antioxidants helping them better reach the molecules prone to oxidative stress.

 

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Echinacea Benefits For  Skin 

Echinacea has many benefits for the Skin

Greater effect on your immune system 

Echinacea is well-known due to its beneficial effects on the human immune system.

Several studies have found that the plant can help combat the viruses and infections of the immune system, helping in faster recovery from illnesses.

The only reason Echinacea is often used is to prevent and treat the common cold and flu.

In reality, according to a review, there are about 14 studies that have found that consuming Echinacea will lower the risk of developing colds by more than 50%, shortening the cold duration by one and a half days.

But, there are various studies on these topics designed poorly, showing no justifiable benefit.

It will make it quite tough to know if there are benefits to colds from consuming Echinacea or simply having a chance.

While Echinacea can improve your immunity along with the effects on the common cold, this is unclear.

 

Lowering the blood sugar levels 

It has higher blood sugar levels, posing some serious issues to health.

It will include Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and various other chronic conditions.

There are test-tube studies that have found that the Echinacea plants will lower blood sugar levels.

In this test-tube study, it is found that Echinacea Purpurea extra has been shown to suppress the enzymes digesting the carbohydrates.

It can help reduce the amount of sugar that enters your blood when consumed.

Several other test-tube studies have found that the echinacea extracts have made the cells extremely sensitive to the effects of insulin with the activation of the PPAR-y receptor, which is a common target for diabetes drugs.

It is the specific receptor that works with the removal of excess amount of fat in the blood, being the risk factor for insulin resistance.

It makes it easier for cells to respond to sugar and insulin.

It is, however, human-based research working on the effects of Echinacea’s lack of blood sugar.

 

It helps in reducing anxiety 

Anxiety is an issue affecting close to one in five American adults.

Echinacea plants have come up as potential help in treating anxiety in these recent years.

Research has discovered that Echinacea plants contain compounds that reduce feelings of anxiety.

These will include rosmarinic acid, Alkamides, and caffeic acid.

Three out of five Echinacea samples are helping in reducing anxiety in a mouse study.

Additionally, they will not make the mice less active in contrast to the higher doses of the standard treatments.

Several other studies have found that the Echinacea Angustifolia extracts instantly reduce feelings of anxiety in both humans and mice.

But, there are only a handful of studies on Echinacea and the anxiety that exists.

There are several other research required before the Echinacea products are recommended with the right type of treatment.

 

Anti-inflammatory properties 

The swelling is the natural way for the body to promote healing and defend itself.

There are times when the swelling that goes out of hand lasts for a long time; that is expected and necessary.

It will increase your risk of chronic diseases along with other types of health issues.

Many studies have shown that Echinacea helps in reducing the excessive amount of swelling.

In this mouse study, the Echinacea compounds help reduce the vital inflammatory markers and the loss of memory caused by swelling.

In the other month’s study, there were adults with osteoarthritis who discovered taking a supplement that contains Echinacea extract that significantly reduces inflammation, swelling, and chronic pain.

Luckily, these adults are not responding well to the traditional non-steroidal inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs but have found that the supplement does not contain the helpful Echinacea extract.

 

It helps to treat skin concerns 

Studies have shown that the Echinacea plants can help in treating the common concerns with skin.

In this test-tube study, scientists have found that the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties suppress the development of Propionibacterium, which is a common cause of acne.

In some other study ten people who are good and healthy are aged about 25-40 years as they are skincare products that contain the Echinacea extract that has been found to improve the hydration of the skin and reduce wrinkles.

Likewise, there is a cream that contains Echinacea Purpurea extracts shown to boost the eczema symptoms along with helping in repairing the skin to thin throughout the outer protective layers.

But, the Echinacea extract appears to have a shorter shelf life.

Therefore, it can be hard terms to incorporate into commercial skincare products.

 

May safeguard against cancer 

Cancer is mainly a disease involving the out-of-control growth of the cells.

Test-tube studies have shown that Echinacea extracts suppress the growth of cancer cells, triggering the death of cancer cells.

According to the one test-tube study, it is an extract of the Chicoric acid and Echinacea Purpurea as they have been shown to act as a trigger to the death of cancer cells.

In some other studies, the extracts from the Echinacea plants have killed the human cancer cells from the colon and pancreas, stimulating the processes known as apoptosis as well as the controlled death of the cells.

It is noted that the effects mainly happen due to the immune-boosting properties of Echinacea.

There are a few concerns that the Echinacea will interact with the standard cancer treatments such as doxorubicin, as new studies have discovered no kind of interaction.

With all being said, human studies are required before making any type of recommendation.

 

Reduces Swelling & Redness 

The systemic redness, swelling, and discomfort in your body have several sources, from an unhealthy diet to harsh exercise.

It consumes Echinacea or the application of the skincare products containing the Echinacea essential oil to aid in reducing and alleviating the tissue irritations.

 

Treats Eczema 

For several other people undergoing Eczema, an inflammation of the skin that happens when the cream contains Echinacea extracts that can help you.

Some research will show the regular use of the Echinacea cream that helps in soothing irritation caused by Eczema that helps in the buildup of the outer protective layer of the skin.

However, it is very early to know when the Echinacea can help in Eczema in several other people.

 

Echinacea helps to remove the Scars 

Echinacea can help in relieving to reducing scars on the skin.

They can help regain confidence through the daily use of the magical flower with Echinacea powder for gently exfoliating the facial skin.

These topical applications of the natural herb are a great remedy for irritated skin, bug bites, psoriasis, and soothing Eczema.

The consumption of this herb avoids infection during this healing process.

 

Paces up wound healing 

Echinacea can help in pacing up the formation of new skin cells that can eliminate toxins and bacteria.

The antioxidants can help destroy the toxins or the free radicals that damage the cells prematurely in our bodies due to the presence of antioxidants in Echinacea the consumption of Echinacea tea or high-quality supplements contributes to the growth of healthy cells in your body.

 

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Are there any side effects 

Echinacea offers several health benefits that mainly do not lead to any side effects.

But, in a few cases, using the Echinacea supplements carries a few risks.

 

Interacting with Other Medications 

People who consume medications will suppress immune systems, and Echinacea cannot be consumed as Echinacea supplements can interfere with all types of medication.

It includes people with leukemia, tuberculosis, HIV or AIDs, and several other autoimmune diseases.

These include people receiving organ transplants.

 

Allergic Reactions

Although it is quite rare, Echinacea can cause allergic reactions.

These reactions can be milder ones, but in serious cases, Echinacea causes anaphylaxis.

People having asthma and several other allergies are subjected to greater risks.

It is mainly true for people who are allergic to plants from the daisy families.

Speak to your physician before consuming Echinacea if you have asthma or allergies.

 

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How are they used? 

There is no standard procedure for the recommended doses for Echinacea.

It primarily happens as Echinacea supplements arrive in several forms, such as juices and creams, along with the pills.

You can follow all the directions noted on the product labels and even ask the doctor before its use.

Never take Echinacea for more than a couple of weeks unless your doctor informs you about it.

You need to consume it with water and food as you should not take Echinacea for more than a few weeks.

A few Echinacea supplements have higher doses than the rest.

Make sure to check out the supplement’s formulation with your physician, ensuring that the dosages are right for you.

It is vital to purchase the Echinacea products that well-known companies manufacture.

Speak to your doctor, who can help you choose a reliable source of Echinacea.

 

FAQs 

Below we share some FAQs related to the Query “Echinacea Benefits For Skin”

1. Is Echinacea beneficial to the skin?

Echinacea is an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory herb that is excellent for acne therapy.

Antimicrobial qualities calm irritated skin and stop acne-causing germs from spreading (and growing).

 

2. Can Echinacea help with wrinkles?

Echinacea has chemicals that can help prevent and cure acne, reduce inflammation, and reduce wrinkles.

 

3. Is Echinacea beneficial to hair growth?

Echinacea, often known as coneflower, activates the stem cells in each hair follicle, promoting hair growth.

Early-onset hair loss can be avoided by using shampoos and serums fortified with Echinacea extracts.

It promotes hair growth by increasing blood circulation in the scalp.

 

4. What occurs if you consume Echinacea daily?

Minor adverse effects are possible with Echinacea.

An unsettled stomach, nausea, and drowsiness are some of these symptoms.

Allergic responses, such as redness, swelling, and trouble breathing, are serious adverse effects.

Asthma symptoms may also be aggravated.

 

5. Can you use Echinacea as a topical treatment?

Echinacea is advertised as a food supplement for infections such as colds and other diseases, with the theory that it might boost the immune system’s ability to fight infection more effectively. Topical usage (administration to the skin) of echinacea formulations for sores and skin diseases has been recommended.

 

6. Is Echinacea Angustifolia beneficial to one’s skin?

According to studies, Echinacea increases levels of skin lipids, ceramides, and cholesterol, which promotes your skin’s inherent moisturizing capabilities.

When these advantages are combined, your skin’s insulating outer layer remains strong, allowing less moisture to leave over time.

 

7. How do you use Echinacea on hair?

You can make your hair mask by mixing freshly extracted aloe vera gel, Echinacea tincture, and some tea tree oil.

The Echinacea will fight against dandruff-causing bacteria, while the Aloe vera and tea tree oil will moisturize your hair.

 

8. What is the purpose of echinacea cream?

Echinacea is a plant that can be used to treat the flu virus, herpetic infection (topical), anticarcinogenic, leprosy (topical), bronchiolitis (viral), cystitis, uterine yeast infection, skin infections (topical), and skin ulcers (topical).

 

9. What is the best way to infuse Echinacea?

Set the jar in a small saucepan with a few cm of water to speed up the infusion.

Heat for a few hours over a low flame, keeping an eye on the water to make sure it doesn’t evaporate.

Remove from heat, let cool until you can handle it comfortably, then strain.

 

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Summary 

• Echinacea is considered a collection of flowering plants being used as a prominent herbal treatment.
• They are generally linked to several health benefits associated with reduced swelling, better immunity, and reduced blood sugar levels.
• The main Echinacea Benefits For Skin are its antioxidant properties such as rosmarinic acid, Cichoric acids, and flavonoids that safeguard your body against any oxidative stress.
• Echinacea improves your body’s immunity, blood sugar, inflammation, anxiety, and related health of the skin. It has anti-cancerous properties.
• Echinacea is generally safe and tolerated well on a short-term basis, but its long-term effects are relatively not quite known. It might be safe for individuals with a few specific health conditions compared to those consuming a few known medications.
• The products are quite variable, making it tough to set the standard recommended dosages. The dosages vary in the form of Echinacea that you use.

 

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