Echinacea and Arthritis

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

When we think about arthritis we think about devil’s claw, white willow, yucca, frankincense, turmeric and the other usual suspects. These herbs all have anti-inflammatory properties which diminish pain and reduce swelling.

However there’s another herb that ought to be considered for arthritis…Echinacea.

Echinacea? You say.

Yup. Echinacea.

To understand why, we first have to understand how bodies are put together. As you know our bodies are made of millions of individual cells. These cells are held together by a polysaccharide called hyaluronic acid. Think of it as the mortar holding your bricks together. Some bacteria can produce an enzyme called hyaluronidase which breaks down the hyaluronic acid. This is how they destroy the barriers and invade tissues and organs. Think about what would happen if someone sprayed your house with a chemical that liquified all the mortar between your bricks…not good. This is why Echinacea is so effective for venomous snake and spider bites (which are full of tissue-dissolving hyaluronidase) as well as infected wounds threatening gangrene. But I digress…we were talking about arthritis.

Hyaluronic acid (the mortar) is a major component in cartilage and synovial fluid (the fancy doctor word for joint juice).

When joints are damaged by the inflammatory processes of arthritis they need more hyaluronic acid to effect repairs. Echinacea comes to the rescue again. You see, in addition to inhibiting hyaluronic acid destruction it also stimulates increased hyaluronic acid production. Echinacea stimulates fIbroblasts (the cells that make cartilage) to make increased levels of hyaluronic acid.

So Echinacea is a terrific herb not only for stimulating the immune system, killing bacteria and reducing inflammation (topically) but it also inhibits the destruction of the joint and stimulates production of exactly what damaged joints need to repair themselves. What could be bad?

So, for chronic injuries, torn ligaments, sprains, tears and arthritis add a little Echinacea to the mix.

Remember too that Echinacea is a mild herb. Take it often (several times a day).

Patrick

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

[IdahoHerbalist]

What about rheumatoid arthritis? I am sure that some of the things you mention would be helpful but I also know that this flavor of joint destruction is different. Would a separate thread be appropriate for that discussion?

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead InstructorTopic Author]

Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disease in which the immune system is attacking the joints. The immune-stimulating properties of Echinacea might make it a poor choice for rheumatoid cases.

For rheumatoid arthritis, I’d use anti-inflammatory herbs and herbs that cool down or modulate the immune system.

Patrick

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

[Martha StanleyStudent]

I am reading a book in which the author mentions his experience with echinacea.

He finds that E. augustifolia is much more effective than E. purpurea and so he recommends increasing dosages of E. purpurea quite a bit.

Upon some research, I find on Susan Weed’s site that E. augustifolia is used for the roots which are apparently quite a bit bigger and fleshier. While the E. purpurea roots can be used, it is better to use its flower and leaves.

What say ye, Doc?

(Name of book and herbalist available on request)

Martha

[Michelle KochStudent]

But…. (Just thinking out loud here). Even in the case of autoimmunity, the body sends out antibodies that attack the body’s own healthy tissues. Do we know the exact mechanism of RA? I know it causes a lot of inflammation. Do the antibodies involved destroy the hyaluronic acid? If that’s the case, wouldn’t Echinacea help to replenish and repair the damage, in concert with the anti inflammatory response?

Hmm… An entire thread devoted to autoimmune diseases and other inflammatory conditions might be good to have. :poke:

[IdahoHerbalist]

Fundog wrote: Hmm… An entire thread devoted to autoimmune diseases and other inflammatory conditions might be good to have. :poke:

Deja vu my comment above :poke:

Start one.

[Michelle KochStudent]

Oh! Oh! :blob: Add Autoimmune Diseases to Patrick’s ever growing list of modules to create. :big grin:

Eventually Patrick might need to recruit some knowledgeable helpers to write a few of those modules.

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead InstructorTopic Author]

Fundog wrote: Oh! Oh! :blob: Add Autoimmune Diseases to Patrick’s ever growing list of modules to create. :big grin:

Eventually Patrick might need to recruit some knowledgeable helpers to write a few of those modules.

I do a lot of autoimmune work in my practice…seems like that is the underlying cause of most things these days.

It will be covered in the upcoming immune system module. For now, go to the Lower Digestive II module and study the leaky gut section. That’s where I start with most of these cases.

Doc

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

[Michelle KochStudent]

It’s too bad this forum doesn’t have a “like” feature. I’m so thrilled to be in this course I’m positively giddy. :clap: :flapper: :wub:

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