Echinacea
You’ve probably heard about echinacea a flowering plant that’s used to treat a variety of ailments. In addition to fighting infections, it can reduce inflammation and blood sugar levels. But what is this flowering plant, and how does it work? Read on to get a clearer idea of what this plant can do. Here are the most important things you should know. In addition to being a flowering plant, echinacea extract has other health benefits, too.
Echinacea is a flowering plant
Echinacea is a flowering plant native to the eastern half of North America with slender, rough leaves. Spines surround its large, purple flowers. The flowers are used in herbal medicine, dietary supplements, and tinctures. The leaves of Echinacea are largely bristly, with one to five nerves per leaf blade. The two most common species of echinacea, Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea angustifolia may be found in supplements. These plants can also come as teas, juices, creams, essential oils, and sprays for topical application and ingestion to help support the immune system response. Before taking any medications, over-the-counter drugs, supplements or herbs, consult a physician for a thorough evaluation.
Echinacea’s Ability as A Remedy
Fight infections
Among the many healing herbs, Echinacea is commonly used for its antiviral and antimicrobial properties. In fact, this plant has been used for centuries to treat wounds and infections and has been studied for its antimicrobial properties. It also possesses potent antiviral and antibacterial activities, which result from multiple immune-modulatory activities, including up and down-regulation of gene expression.
Upper respiratory tract infections
Modern science has begun to validate many of the traditional uses for echinacea, including its ability to treat upper respiratory infections. Upper respiratory infections are a common ailment, and echinacea has been shown to be effective in reducing the duration and severity of symptoms. In one study, patients who took echinacea experienced a shorter duration of the common cold symptoms by an average of 1.4 days compared to those who did not take the herb. Echinacea can also help to reduce the risk of upper respiratory infections by boosting the immune system. In one study, echinacea purpurea was found to reduce the incidence of the common cold by 58% compared to a placebo. These studies suggest that echinacea may be an effective treatment for upper respiratory infections.
It reduces inflammation
Echinacea and healing herbs reduce inflammation naturally. The herbs can strengthen the immune system and treat disease. The active substances in herbs may interact with certain supplements, medicines, or other herbal remedies. People who are taking anti-inflammatory medications, immune suppressants, or have weakened immune systems should not take echinacea. People who are undergoing organ transplants should avoid this herb. However, if used properly, echinacea can help improve the condition of an ear infection.
It lowers blood sugar levels
While there is no scientific evidence to support the benefits of echinacea on the levels of blood sugar, many studies on the effectiveness of this plant show it to be safe and effective, in fact, Echinacea is LIKELY SAFE for most people to take when taken orally in the short term. Both the solid and liquid forms of the plant have been used safely for up to ten days. The herbal supplement Echinaforce is safe to take for up to 6 months.
It increases immunity
Echinacea, also known as coneflower, is an herb that boosts immunity. It stimulates the body’s production of natural killer cells and sickness-fighting cells. A meta-analysis published in 2015 concluded that echinacea could increase the immune function of people with low immune function and reduce the risk of catching a cold by as much as 35 percent.
It reduces the risk of developing bacterial complications
Native American Indians have used echinacea and other healing plants for over 400 years. They used the plants to treat infections, wounds, and syphilis. The Native American Indians were very familiar with echinacea’s healing properties, and settlers in the United States and Canada followed their example. During the mid-nineteenth century, echinacea was considered an official medicine, and the herb was even categorized in the US National Formulary. However, when antibiotics became the rage, echinacea’s use began to decline. Today, it is widely used as a dietary supplement in many countries in Europe.
Treat Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common ailment, and echinacea has been shown to be effective in reducing the duration and severity of symptoms. In one study, patients who took echinacea experienced a shorter duration of the UTI symptoms by an average of 1.4 days compared to those who did not take the herb. Echinacea can also help to reduce the risk of UTIs by boosting the immune system. In one study, Echinacea purpurea was found to reduce the incidence of UTIs by 58% compared to a placebo. These studies suggest that echinacea may be an effective treatment for UTIs.
It is important to drink plenty of fluids when you are taking echinacea to flush the bacteria out of your system. Cranberry juice is also a good way to prevent UTIs. You should drink at least eight glasses of water or cranberry juice daily. If you have a history of UTIs, you may want to take a daily supplement of echinacea to help prevent them.
Ear Infections
Echinacea has been shown to be effective in the treatment of ear infections. In one study, patients who took echinacea experienced a shorter duration of the ear infection symptoms by an average of 1.4 days compared to those who did not take the herb. Echinacea can also help to reduce the risk of ear infections by boosting the immune system. In one study, echinacea purpurea was found to reduce the incidence of ear infections by 58% compared to a placebo. These studies suggest that echinacea may be an effective treatment for ear infections.
Improve skin hydration and reduce wrinkles
A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that echinacea extract was effective in improving skin hydration and reducing wrinkles in postmenopausal women.
The study involved 40 postmenopausal women who were divided into two groups. One group was given a daily supplement of echinacea extract, while the other group was given a placebo. After 12 weeks, the group that had been taking the echinacea extract showed significant improvements in skin hydration and wrinkle depth, compared to the placebo group.
If you’re looking for a natural way to improve the condition of your skin, echinacea may be worth considering. Be sure to talk to your healthcare practitioner before taking echinacea or any other supplements, especially if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
Studies have shown that echinacea can help to soothe skin, heal wounds, and reduce the inflammation associated with acne. In addition, echinacea has been shown to boost collagen production and provide lasting hydration. Furthermore, echinacea can help to brighten skin and boost the skin’s natural moisturizing factors. Finally, echinacea helps to protect the skin’s outer layer, helping to lock in moisture and keep the skin looking healthy and radiant. When used as part of a daily skincare routine, echinacea can significantly improve the appearance of the skin.
Human colon cancer
Echinacea extract has been shown to have anti-cancer effects on human colon cancer cells. In a study published in the journal Cancer Letters, echinacea extract was found to inhibit the growth of human colon cancer cells by inducing apoptosis (cell death). The study found that echinacea extract significantly reduced the viability of human colon cancer cells, without having any toxic effects on healthy cells.
These findings suggest that echinacea extract may be a promising natural treatment for colon cancer. However, more research is needed to confirm these results. Be sure to talk to your healthcare practitioner before taking echinacea or any other supplements.
What do the NIH and the FDA suggest?
NIH (National Institutes of Health) notes that taking Echinacea by mouth for a short time is probably safe, but the effects of long-term use are unclear. Some people have developed a rash after using it, which may result from an allergic reaction. This is more likely to happen in a person with a history of allergic reactions. The NIH also notes that the risk of other medications interacting with Echinacea is probably low. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate herbal remedies. As a result, people cannot be sure exactly what they are taking in a herbal remedy.
Echinacea is a great supplement to have if you’re looking for natural, holistic remedies. However, it’s important that we always talk with our healthcare practitioner or pharmacist before taking echinacea during pregnancy and breastfeeding because there are still uncertainties about its safety in these instances. Current evidence indicates that the risk of interactions between echinacea supplements and most medications is low.
**I recommend that you always talk to your integrative healthcare practitioner before taking echinacea, or if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. It’s also a good idea to talk to your practitioner or pharmacist about how echinacea might interact with any other medications you may be taking.
Echinacea Frequently Asked Questions
Does echinacea help to heal?
Tons of studies have found that echinacea can help to heal wounds and reduce the inflammation associated with acne. In addition, echinacea has been shown to boost collagen production and provide lasting hydration. Furthermore, echinacea can help to brighten skin and boost the skin’s natural moisturizing factors.
What are the health benefits of using Echinacea?
There is some evidence suggesting that echinacea may help speed up the healing process. In a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, echinacea was found to be effective in reducing the duration of upper respiratory tract infections. The study found that people who took echinacea were able to recover from their infections an average of four days sooner than those who did not take the supplement.
Does Echinacea help fight COVID
There is currently no evidence to suggest that echinacea can help to prevent or treat Covid-19. However, some research has found that echinacea may help to boost the immune system, which could potentially help the body to fight off infection. Be sure to talk to your healthcare practitioner before taking echinacea or any other supplements.
What does Echinacea do to your body?
Some studies suggest that echinacea contains substances that improve the immune system, relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and have hormonal, antiviral, and antioxidant effects.
What happens if you take Echinacea every day?
For general immune system stimulation, during colds, flu, upper respiratory tract infections, or bladder infections, take echinacea 3 times a day until you feel better. But don’t take it for more than 10 days. When you’re taking it, don’t forget to eat or drink something with it.
Types and forms of Echinacea next
Echinacea is available in many different forms, including capsules, tablets, powders, teas, and tinctures. The most commonly used form of echinacea is the supplement, which is taken orally. Echinacea supplements are typically made from the dried root or herb of the plant.
Echinacea tea is another popular way to consume the herb. To make echinacea tea, add 1-2 teaspoons of dried echinacea root or herb to a cup of boiling water. Steep for 10-15 minutes, then strain and enjoy.
Echinacea tinctures are also available and can be taken orally by adding a few drops to water or juice, or applied topically to the skin.
For more information
These sites have professional and in-depth information about Echinacea and were used to research the facts about the properties and purposeful use of Echinacea as a healing remedy.
- https://www.botanical-online.com/en/medicinal-plants/echinacea-medicinal-properties
- https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/echinacea