Echinacea has been
widely used in herbal medicine for many years now. It has been a favorite of
Indians from the North American Plains for centuries, but has, since the
1930's, become popular in the rest of North America and European. In fact,
Echinacea is one of the most common herbs to be found, in various forms, in
health food and herbal medicine stores, both local and online.
There are quite a few
species of Echinacea, and some people know it better as the coneflower. Three
varieties are used in herbal medicine: Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea
engustifolia, and Echinacea pallida. For many years,
Echinacea has been one of the world’s most popular herbal remedies, and it is
being studied for the ability to fight colds, flu and other common infections.
However, studies on its ability to fight colds has been mixed, with perhaps the
balance in favor of a nil effect on the cold virus. It is worth looking out for
the results of more comprehensive studies if you have a particular interest in
Echinacea
Most parts of the
Echinacea are used in herbal remedies: the flowers, roots, stems and leaves.
There are hundreds of different herbal medicines commercially available that
utilize Echinacea. Depending on the preparation and the product used, plus the
variety of the plant used as a basis, this common herb is thought by some to be
able to stimulate the immune system, and fight bacteria, viruses and other
common harmful microbes.
The Effect of Echinacea on the Immune system
Echinacea appears to be both safe and powerful, and it is thought to stimulate
various immune system cells that are key to the fight against infection. In
addition, the herb is also thought to boost the ability of the cells to produce
interferon, a substance vital to the fighting of viruses. However, one study
(Miller) in 1998 suggested long term use may affect the liver.
In particular, Echinacea
is thought to help to reduce our susceptibility to colds and flu. This herb is
most effective when it is taken at the first sign of a cold or flu. For those
who are already afflicted by colds or the flu, Echinacea is thought to have the
power to shorten their duration and severity. While this has not been supported
by all studies into this claimed benefit of the herb, some studies have
suggested it may be of help.
Echinacea is also being
studied for its possible role in fighting such recurrent respiratory ailments
as bronchitis, strep throat and sinusitis. It is thought that the immune
boosting properties of Echinacea are responsible for this effectiveness in
fighting chronic infections. Again, Echinacea is though to work best when taken
at the first sign of illness.
Echinacea and Its Use in Healing
It is believed by some
that Echinacea may also aid in speeding the healing of skin wounds, and also in
reducing inflammation. Conditions that have been treated by Echinacea herbal
remedies are said to include burns, sores, cuts and scrapes, as well as boils,
abscesses, canker sores and eczema. Echinacea preparations can be applied
directly to the wound or taken orally to promote a healthy immune system
response. Echinacea has also been
showing some promise at treating chronic fatigue syndrome, one of medicine’s
most puzzling conditions. While results have varied so far, some sufferers of
CFS have claimed relief by using Echinacea.
Echinacea comes in many
forms, and a variety of preparations, including liquids, tablets, soft gels,
capsules, and tinctures. Echinacea can also be bought as a dried herb and
brewed into a tea. ou can also buy creams that can be rubbed onto sunburns and
other skin irritations to provide relief.
When buying Echinacea,
either at your health food store or online, it is important to read the
product's label carefully. Some preparations will contain mixed ingredients
from several different species, and from many parts of the plant. It is
important to choose an Echinacea preparation which contains the species and the
plant part best suited to treat your ailment.
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