Echinacea essence

What is echinacea essence?

Echinacea essence is a liquid extract made from the flowers, leaves or roots of the echinacea plant. There are different types of Echinacea, the most commonly used are Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea angustifolia. The plant originates from North America and was used by the indigenous people as a remedy for various ailments.

Echinacea essence contains various ingredients that have a positive effect on the immune system. These include, among others:

• Polysaccharides: these stimulate the formation of antibodies and the activity of phagocytes, which fight pathogens.
• Alkylamides: They have an anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antiviral effect.
• Caffeic acid derivatives: They have an antioxidant effect, protect the cells from free radicals and promote wound healing.
• Flavonoids: They also have an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effect.

How does echinacea essence work in dogs?

Echinacea essence can be used both preventively and therapeutically in dogs. The most important effect is to strengthen the immune system, i.e. to increase the body's resistance to bacteria, viruses, fungi and other pathogens. Echinacea essence can therefore help to prevent infections or overcome them more quickly.

Echinacea essence can also help with other illnesses or complaints, for example

• Skin problems: echinacea essence can be used for bacterial skin infections, poorly healing wounds, abscesses or herpes blisters. It has a wound-healing and disinfecting effect and relieves itching.
• Respiratory problems: Echinacea essence can be used for acute or chronic respiratory infections, colds, flu-like infections, coughs or bronchitis. It has an expectorant and antitussive effect and soothes the mucous membranes.
• Urinary tract problems: Echinacea essence can be used for urinary tract infections such as cystitis or pyelonephritis. It has a diuretic, antispasmodic and antibacterial effect.
• Allergies: Echinacea essence can be used for allergic reactions such as hay fever or skin rashes. It has an anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory effect and stabilizes the mast cells, which are responsible for the release of histamine.

What are the benefits of echinacea essence for dogs?

Echinacea essence has several benefits for dogs that make it a popular natural remedy. These include:

• Naturalness: echinacea essence is a purely natural product with no artificial additives. It is therefore well tolerated and has no negative effects on the liver or kidneys, as can be the case with some medications.
• Versatility: Echinacea essence can help with many different illnesses or complaints that affect the immune system. It can be used both internally and externally and can therefore be used flexibly.
• Availability : Echinacea essence is available in many pharmacies, drugstores and online stores. It is usually not very expensive and has a long shelf life.

What are the disadvantages of echinacea essence for dogs?

However, echinacea essence also has some disadvantages or risks for dogs that you should be aware of. These include:

• Overdosing: echinacea essence should not be used in too high a dose or for too long, otherwise it can overstimulate the immune system and lead to an overreaction. This can manifest itself, for example, in fever, chills, skin rash or diarrhea. The recommended dosage and duration of use should therefore not be exceeded.
• Side effects: Echinacea essence can cause side effects in some dogs, which are usually mild and temporary. These include, for example, gastrointestinal complaints, nausea, vomiting or loss of appetite. These can be avoided by taking a lower dosage or giving the dog food before taking it.
• Interactions: Echinacea essence can interact with some medications or other natural remedies and strengthen or weaken their effect. This applies in particular to drugs that affect the immune system, such as cortisone, immunosuppressants or chemotherapeutic agents. Echinacea essence should also not be used on dogs with autoimmune diseases, as it can stimulate the body's own defenses against itself. A vet should therefore always be consulted before using echinacea essence.

How should Echinacea essence be used correctly on dogs?

Echinacea essence can be used both internally and externally in dogs, depending on the symptoms. It should always be used according to the manufacturer's or vet's instructions. In general, however, the following applies:

• Internal use: Echinacea essence is given directly into the dog's mouth or mixed into the food. The dosage depends on the dog's weight and is usually between 0.5 and 2 ml per day. The duration of use should not exceed two to three weeks, after which a break of at least 14 days should be taken.
• External application: Echinacea essence is applied to the affected skin area and gently massaged in. The dosage depends on the size of the wound or rash and is usually between 1 and 5 ml per day. It should be used until the wound has healed or the rash has subsided.