F rom the medicinal perspective, Echinacea angustifolia contains a variety of active ingredients including polyacetylenes, ploysaccharides, essential oils and alkylamides. The alkylamide compounds are responsible for the numbing and tingling sensation produced in the mouth by Echinacea angustifolia root. It was used to relieve the pain of toothaches by Native People. Extensive laboratory and clinical research on Echinacea angustifolia in the last few years, especially in Germany, has confirmed its immunostimulatory, antiviral , and antibacterial benefit to humans. A contra indication in the use of Echinacea is the inappropriate stimulation of the immune system for people suffering from autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and lupus.
Allergic reactions occur in rare cases.
Improved growing methods and quality control in the herbal industry will increase the confidence of consumers in this promising medicinal herb. New Zealand -1996 Hobbs, C.R. 1989.