Echinacea – The ‘blood purifier’

Echinacea angustifolia has become a popular medicine used by alternative therapists and the general public for ‘strengthening’ the immune system or for conditions related to immune dysfunction such as colds, flu, and susceptibility to infections.

In the past it was a medicine known for its use in treating such conditions as typhoid, diphtheria, malignant scarlatina, carbuncles, boils and snake bites. It was known as a ‘corrector of blood dyscrasia’ in cases of blood poisoning and septic conditions generally. Herbally it is known as the ‘blood purifier’. It is mostly from the herbal perspective that it is being used today, as little is written about its use homeopathically.

Homeopathically this is a medicine that has not been proven properly hence the poor symptom picture both from a physical and mental point of view.

We find its use in such conditions as foul discharges, emaciation and great debility. A tired feeling. Vermeulen’s Concordant Materia Medica gives these symptoms: “Patients feel weak and tired, aching in the muscles, slowness in every action, speaks slowly, replies slowly, walks slowly”.

Mentally they feel confused, depressed, can’t exert the mind. Doesn’t wish to think or study. Drowsy, could not read, senses seem to be numbed, and difficulty to apply the mind. Some of the key points then in considering this medicine centre on infections where this is blood poisoning with foul discharges, marked debility, sleepiness, difficulty in concentrating and slowness both physically and mentally.

There are also some homeopathic medicines to consider when differentiating with Echinacea which you should discuss with your homeopath.