Discover the benefits of echinacea for the body and skin! Echinacea is a popular perennial herb native to North America. Sales of dietary supplements increased 10% in the US Echinacea has tall stems with pink or purple flowers and a central cone that resembles a toothed comb. The cone is the seed head with sharp, prickly spines. Its alternative name is purple echinacea. This herb has been used throughout history for many foods.
There are nine identified plant species, but only three are commonly used in medicine: Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea pallida and purple echinacea. Medicine is made from its leaves, flowers, and roots. The chemicals in the root differ from those in the higher plant. The roots have high concentrations of volatile oils. The aerial parts of the plant contain polysaccharides, substances that activate the immune system. Research suggests that the aerial part of purple echinacea It is the most effective from a medical point of view.
Echinacea is available in different forms: dried herb, liquid extracts, tablets, capsules, juice, tea, ointments, and creams. It can be combined with other herbs. It can be purchased at most pharmacies, supermarkets, or health food stores.
Its flavor varies according to the mixtures. It can leave an unpleasant liquorice and alcohol aftertaste. Try juicing an ounce of echinacea on its own or mix it with other fruits and vegetables for larger drinks. Fight colds, coughs, and upper respiratory infections with a combination of ginger, echinacea, and lemon in a homemade tea recipe!
Echinacea tincture is a super concentrated herbal medicine. It is usually made in an alcohol base. Apple cider vinegar or glycerin can be substituted for the alcohol. Homemade echinacea tincture is useful to have at home in case of prolonged illness.
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ECHINACEA BENEFITS for the BODY – (Research is limited and inconclusive)
– Antiviral
– Stimulate the immune system
– Treat colds, flu, sore throat, enlarged lymph nodes, cough, bronchitis; upper respiratory infections
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ECHINACEA BENEFITS for the SKIN – (Research is limited and inconclusive)
– Antibiotic
– Increase elasticity
– Soothes bee stings
– Improve hydration
– Reduce inflammation
– Treat abscesses, ulcers and boils
– Treat acne, psoriasis and eczema.
– Heal burns, skin damage from UV radiation.
– Heal wounds and minor skin infections.
– Prevents the breakdown of hyaluronan, a component of cartilage and synovial fluid. (Hyaluronan is known as the “sticky molecule.”)
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POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS: (Some people experience side effects from echinacea.)
– Skin rash, especially in children
– Temporary numbness and tingling of the tongue (if taken orally)
– Allergic reactions: shortness of breath, tightness in the throat, fainting
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WHEN TO AVOID ECHINACEA
– With immunosuppressive medication
– Allergic to ragweed, marigolds, daisies, chrysanthemums or any plant in the Asteraceae family
– Have tuberculosis, leukemia, diabetes, connective tissue disorder, multiple sclerosis, HIV, AIDS, autoimmune disease, liver disorder
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PRECAUTIONS of USING ECHINACEA
– Consult your health care provider before taking echinacea if you are nursing, pregnant, on prescription drugs, or under care for medical conditions.
– There are concerns about the quality of echinacea on the market. Some products are mislabeled and may not contain echinacea at all. Read the instructions and labels well.