The Amazing Medicinal Properties of Echinacea
Echinacea is a well-known herbal treatment that has been used for more than 400 years. It is a North American cornflower that has long been utilized as a medicine by Great Plains cultures.
Echinacea was highly regarded in the medical community prior to the advent of antibiotics in 1950. However, when the medical sector shifted toward antibiotics and modern treatment, Echinacea became lost in the shuffle.
Several chemicals are found in the plant’s root and upper portions. The root contains high quantities of oils that have been shown to boost immune function
Chemical components in echinacea are very effective in stimulating the immune system and have significant therapeutic potential. Flavonoids, inulin, vitamin C, essential oils, and polysaccharides are also present.
The section of the plant that grows above ground gives the greatest therapeutic potential, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. This might be reflected in German authorities’ choice to only permit sections for human consumption. In Germany, echinacea is used to treat upper respiratory infections, colds, urinary tract infections, and slow-healing wounds.
Echinacea Medicinal Uses.
Echinacea is used to treat colds. Echinacea’s immune-boosting qualities may help you prevent catching a cold. According to a UConn study, it reduces cold risk by 58%. It shortens colds by 1.5 days.
Echinacea may help with several diseases, including the common cold and urinary tract infections. Native Americans viewed it as a universal cure-all, but studies have shown that it can help with tonsillitis, streptococcus infections, warts, ear infections, and bloodstream infections.
It also helps with anxiety, migraines, acid indigestion, pain, dizziness, ADHD, and arthritic symptoms, as well as improving physical performance.
Gum disease, boils, abscesses, ulcers, burns, skin wounds, psoriasis, eczema, sunburn, yeast infections, hemorrhoids, bee stings, mosquito bites, and snake bites are all treated with it.
It’s also been suggested that it might help prevent cancer. While there is research on the matter, the inference is that it modifies how the body processes foreign chemicals since it boosts the immune system.
The immune system is stimulated, which kills malignant cells as they form, preventing the illness from developing. Although it is not classified as an antioxidant, it seems to aid in the elimination of free radicals by stimulating the appropriate immune system cells, such as T cells.
Conclusion
There are no side effects from taking Echinacea unless you take it in large doses, which might induce dizziness and nausea. However, when injected, it may cause major adverse effects such headaches, fevers, insomnia, joint pains, nausea, disorientation, dizziness, diarrhea, and numb tongue.
While research on Echinacea’s therapeutic effects is limited, and most studies focus on its impact on the common cold, it is obvious that it serves a function. The fact that frequent usage helps to prevent colds proves that the claim that it boosts the immune system is true.
The Mayo Clinic says it’s safe to use when pregnant or nursing, but there aren’t many studies on the issue, so proceed with care. The most crucial thing is to be sure you’re buying genuine Echinacea. On the package, look for the THR checkmark.
