Is Echinacea Really As Good as They Claim? |
| Written by Jane White | |
| Friday, 29 August 2008 | |
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Echinacea is on the top ten list of best known herbs today. Native American tribes used it for centuries to fight off infections and cold symptoms. By the early 1900's, Echinacea was the number one best selling herb in the United States. However, this all changed with the introduction of the "miracle drugs" called antibiotics and because of the AMA Also known as coneflower, Echinacea has nine species though the best known is purpurea. This perennial plant grows to a height of 3 to 4 feet and produces beautiful purple flowers that are 4 to 6 inches across. These flowers are also called droops. This is because the petals droop after growing outward from the cone. Most of the research done on Echinacea purpurea comes from Germany and was done by Dr. Gerhard Madaus. His work resulted in the development of Echinacin, a juice made from the flowers, leaves, and stems of the Echinacea plant. More commonly, extracts from just the root are used. Scientists have reconsidered this herb since the AMA's first erroneous conclusion. Now Echinacea is believed to be an excellent infection fighter and is used as an effective natural antibiotic. It is often mixed in combination with other herbs, such as yarrow, goldenseal, and cayenne. It is commonly used to treat problems in the blood such as poisonous bites of snakes and insects, carbuncles, gangrene, and abscesses. Echinacea is best known today for its use in building resistance to infections of the respiratory and digestive tracts. Recent studies show Echinacea contains stimulants for the immune system. It also has antiviral, antiexudative, anti-inflammatory, bacteriostatic, and fungistatic properties. The ingredients so effective in stimulating the immune system are the water-soluble polysaccharides. In addition, some preliminary research indicates that it has possibilities in fighting cancer. Echinacea is able to attack and destroy fungi, viral, and bacterial invaders. This makes Echinacea effective in treating vaginal yeast infections, sties, upper respiratory infections, tuberculosis, sinusitis, and athlete's foot. Echinacea is especially good at cleaning the lymphatic system and the glands, and is, therefore, used to treat strep throat, swollen lymph glands, prostate problems, ear infections, and tonsillitis. It has the ability to speed recovery time from an infection without including the side effects some medication causes. Working together with chickweed, Echinacea helps with weight loss too. Dried root powder or leaves makes an easy Echinacea tea. The tincture has both internal and external use. For instance, a dropper of tincture in tea can be used to treat earaches and the tincture is also helpful in treating athlete's foot. Many believe freeze-dried Echinacea powder is the most potent but it is also available in a capsule. Unlike most herbs, Echinacea should only be used when you know you have a need, rather than on a regular basis as a supplement. However, it can be taken to strengthen the body against infection. The roots have a potent concentration of the same properties found in the tops. This makes it much more effective to use the whole plant when possible. This is by no means an exhaustive list of all the target problems for which Echinacea is used. But the list does emphasize how useful this herb is.
The Article Author:
With such potential for strengthening your health, Echinacea Purpurea tops surely deserve a try, wouldn't you say? Make sure you buy bulk herbs that are quality so as to make sure you enjoy the full benefits they contain.
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