Echinacea is one of the most popular medicinal herbs used in North America, and for a good reason, because the native flowering plant has been used for over 400 years by Native Americans. Today it is used by many people all over the world as a natural cure to the common cold, but it has many more health benefits due to its high concentration of vitamin C, alkylamides, selenium, polysaccharides, and more. Regular use of Echinacea can provide outstanding support to many systems of the body and help reduce or prevent some common diseases and ailments. It can take many forms. Such as a supplement, capsule, tea, and even a raw plant.
Extra Boost to the Immune System
Over a dozen studies have taken place over the last few years about the power of Echinacea when it comes to the immune system, and all of the studies have found that regular consumption of the plant helps boost the immune system. In fact, regular use of Echinacea can help reduce the chances of catching a cold by over 50%. In order to boost the immune system, 10mg of Echinacea should be taken per kg of body weight during a ten-day period.
Can Treat Colds
One of the most surprising things about Echinacea is the fact that it is actually able to treat and shorten the duration of colds. The common cold is known as a viral disease that has no cure, but Echinacea is so effective at boosting the immune system that if you take it when cold symptoms start it will stop viral colds. As soon as cold symptoms start, Echinacea should be consumed to help shorten the duration of a cold by at least a day and a half if not more. Everyone has a different immune system so some people may seem more dramatic results.
Effective Cancer Fighter
This extra boost to the immune system no doubt plays an invaluable role in Echinacea’s ability to work as a cancer-fighting agent. Echinacea contains a mix of phytochemicals that have proven useful in some studies to combat tumors. When used in conjunction with other conventional cancer treatments, cancer treatment may be more potent. In particular, the positive effect of Echinacea on brain cancer has been studied extensively.
Reduces Swelling
There are dozens of reasons why you may experience systemic swelling in multiple places in the body. These commonly include strenuous exercise or unhealthy eating habits but can extend to include other illnesses and health ailments. Regardless of the cause, the application of Echinacea essential oils or the consumption of Echinacea on a regular basis has been proven to help reduce swelling and alleviate any tissue irritation that may be causing redness in the skin.
Strengthens the Upper Respiratory System
Echinacea has been proven to help improve many common upper respiratory infections by boosting the immune system and enhancing the upper respiratory system at the same time. The plant contains a powerful combination of anti-inflammatory powers that help to heal infections caused by strep throat, whooping cough, diphtheria, acute sinusitis, croup, inflammation, and all variations of the flu. Echinacea Supplements can be more effective against acute infections then Echinacea tea for immediate results.
Effective as a Painkiller
A lot of painkillers come with some pretty nasty side effects to the liver or kidneys, and some more potent painkillers have been linked to addiction. Therefore, the news that Echinacea can work as an all-natural painkiller is welcome to many people. In fact, one of its original purposes back in Native American days was to treat pain. There are dozens of conditions that Echinacea has been proven to effectively treat pain from including headaches, herpes, bowel pain, toothache, stomachaches, snake bites, measles, and tonsillitis.
Improves Mental Health
Echinacea can relieve stress and anxiety from your life. This is why many people consume Echinacea as a calming agent at the end of their day. It has been found particularly useful in treating issues that often arise from those who have ADD and ADHD. However, it is vital to take the right dosage as too much Echinacea can actually reverse the benefits of anxiety relief. 20mg is the recommended dose for treating anxiety.
Works as a Natural Laxative
No one enjoys constipation, and most over the counter cures, unfortunately, cause cramping and other uncomfortable side effects. Echinacea, on the other hand, works to solve the problem, and not just treat the symptom. Regular use of the herb will heal the stomach and the rest of the GI tract. It will calm the system and acting as a natural laxative. The herbal tea is a great way to loosen the bowels for those who suffer from chronic constipation. Whereas two to three cups per day will help deal with occasional bouts of constipation.
Treat Skin Conditions
Echinacea can improve your skin health. The anti-inflammatory properties found in Echinacea can actually help to stimulate and regenerate skin. Regular use over a period of time will help refresh the skin and work as an anti-aging agent. Studies have shown it helps to reduce irritation and blemishes on the skin. Additionally, it can help treat a variety of skin conditions.
Adds Antioxidants to Your Diet
Antioxidants are an important part of any diet. They help to reduce the chances of cancer and reduce inflammation in your body. Regular consumption of antioxidants helps to lower risk of heart disease as well. Echinacea has many healthy antioxidants that include selenium, Vitamin C, flavonoids, zinc, and beta-carotene. Regular consumption can help reverse or slow the effects of some serious causes of inflammation.