Echinacea, for centuries have been used by Indians in the treatment of cold, flu and other infections and also externally to treat cuts, burns, and insect bites. For the North Americans, it has rather been a “cure-all” herb for generations. However, the Europeans came to know about this magical herb much later than Native Americans, but held its beneficial impact in equal esteem as that of their North American and Indian counterparts. Therefore, Echinacea preserved its status of a powerful medicinal herb throughout history. It is said to possess both anti-viral as well as antioxidant properties. It is found to be superlatively efficacious in treating urinary tract infections, vaginal yeast infections, sinusitis, hay fever, athlete’s foot and many others contagious infections. The flower part of it, which is most widely used, is high in polysaccharides, a class of substance that is known to boost the immune system. Europeans, ever since made great efforts to reveal the secrets of Echinacea’s magical healing power. Read this article to acquaint yourself with all the health benefits of Echinacea.
Health Benefits Of Echinacea
Effective In Prevention And Cure Of Common Diseases
Echinacea boosts the immune system by stimulating the production of T-cells. It further hikes the ability of the white blood cells to ward off diseases like flu, nasal congestion, and upper respiratory infections. The herb has been widely used to treat cold. According to certain medical studies, Echinacea has been found effective in reducing the severity of cold symptoms. It is also known to prevent the occurrence of colds. Indian Echinacea is believed to be an effective anti-biotic, anti-viral, and anti-parasitic.
Can Be Used A Topical Disinfectant
It is extremely useful in preventing infections of cuts and scratches. Not only does it help to keep the wound from getting infected, but also speeds up recovery too. If used externally as a topical disinfectant, Echinacea serves as an analgesic too.
Beneficial For Slow-Healing Wounds
As stated earlier, Echinacea can quicken the process of healing of wounds. So it’s often used to treat slow-healing wounds. It also helps to relieve the pain of the wound and shields slow-healing wounds from contracting infections. Echinacea is also frequently used as a hemorrhoid remedy, and is often added to over-the-counter hemorrhoid medications.
As An Appetite Stimulant
If your child faces a sudden loss of appetite, the plant can be used to promote hunger. It is also used as a febrifuge, stomachic, tonic, alterative, anthelmintic, antispasmodic, etc.
Good For Heart
Indian Echinacea boosts heart health by preventing blocked arteries and blood clots. Its bitter taste is also found to have a cooling effect on the body, which is effective in bringing down the temperature.
Good For Liver And Intestine
It is extremely beneficial in meliorating the digestive system and serves to protect the liver and the gall bladder. It also helps the body get rid of the worms of intestine. It is found to be useful in viral hepatitis, children’s bowel complaints, gastric acidity, drug induced liver damage, liver congestion and flatulence.
Beneficial In Psoriasis And Eczema
Echinacea has been found to be extremely effective when applied topically to breakouts of psoriasis and eczema.
Found To Heal Sunburns
One more important healing property of Echinacea is that it helps to heal sunburns.
In Prevention Of Recurrent Infections
Echinacea is particularly effective in helping prevent recurring infections, such as ear infections. When used for a few weeks, Echinacea’s immune-boosting compounds accumulate in the body, making its immune-boosting effects cumulative. Because of Echinacea’s effects on the immune system, you must avoid taking it if you have multiple sclerosis, AIDS, tuberculosis, leukemia, and autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
Caution
- Indian Echinacea plant is found to carry some toxic materials, though the content is quite low.
- There are instances when consumption of the plant has induced dizziness and heart palpitations.
- According to certain studies, people may encounter allergic reactions especially those suffering from asthma.
- When it comes to using Echinacea to heal common cold, it is suggested that you start taking it as soon as you notice the symptoms.
- It is strongly advised to take Echinacea for three weeks at a time and not more than that. As the strength of Echinacea can vary depending on the manufacturing practices, for better results you must follow manufacturing guidelines on dosage amounts.
All of the great health benefits of Echinacea have been described in the article above. However, there are certain precautionary measures and guidelines, which must be heeded in order to prevent damage and extract the maximum benefits.