What is echinacea good for?

Echinacea, also known as the Coneflower or Black Samson, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the daisy family. It’s not just a pretty flower though; it has many uses and benefits beyond being an eye-catching garden addition. The medicinal properties of echinacea are well-known and used worldwide.

Origins

The plant gets its name from the Greek word “echinos,” meaning hedgehog, due to its spiky seed head resembling one.¹ Native Americans first introduced this herb as a medicine to European settlers in North America more than 400 years ago.² Many cultures recognize it for treating various health conditions such as colds, flu symptoms, inflammation, infections,and even snakebites!

Constituents

What sets echinacea apart from other plants? Its roots,flowers,and leaves all contain unique compounds called alkamides and phenols。 Collectively these bioactive constituents help boost your immune system.

Immune System Boosting Properties

Enhances White Blood Cell Count

Lymphocytes are white blood cells responsible for protecting our body against germs and viruses that cause infectious diseases³ 。These same immune cells can detect antigens which set off an immune response essential in fighting bacteria (Antigens produce antibodies) ^4^. Echinacea promotes the production of lymphocytes by stimulating their creation.^3^.

Anti-inflammatory Effects

Inflammation occurs when there is tissue injury or infection affecting certain areas[5]. In some cases like arthritis (joint inflammation), autoimmunity causes chronic inflammation – basically prolonged periodic swellings with muscle pain8【6】.. These damaging effects lead to oxidative stress contributing to illnesses like heart disease.\7\ Some studies suggest anti-inflammatory activity helps fight potential pathogens [8].

Furthermore, Experiments on mice showed Echinacea helped reduce inflammation in the body. Still, it is unclear whether Echinacea has compounds which can help humans with autoimmune disease.

Fights Common Cold

The common cold and flu are two common ailments that contribute to discomfort for millions of people across the world during winters^9^. Research suggests proper usage reduces chances of getting these by up to 60%^10^.

Other Health Benefits

Skin Care

Echinacea helps reduce redness and combat any inflammation in your skin3. More than just being immune-boosters, alkylamides affect cannabinoid receptors found on nerve endings[11]. Cannabinoids promote healing a frequently-overlooked skincare application that aids recovery from acne, psoriasis8【6】or insect bites\12.Hemp oil similarly uses cannabinoids as their primary ingredient.Kannaway sells hemp oil products – conveniently named Pure CBD Oil8).

Wound Healing

Neutrophils accelerate wound healing In some cases where wounds do not heal quickly ,phagocytic leucocytes die off, slowing down lymphocyte production13【22】.. Echinacea increases white blood cell counts faster onset time making wounds of small areas such as bug bites heal more efficiently. You may also consider applying extracts as an anti-inflammatory remedy wherever possible2.

Dosage Considerations

Dosages depend on age group requirements and weight disparities among individuals, plus user’s health conditions14.. While tablets or tea may seem like easy options often personalized medicine best treats different dysfunctions15 .. A safe recommendation would be approximately 300mg and a maximum intake of around six grams daily ^16^.Ptients with Liver issues should avoid echinacea17 while patients taking immunosuppressants should consult medical professionals before using this herb18..

Note: Despite having beneficial properties discussed above echinacea could have failed findings increased contraction odds during pregnancy likely due to stimulating pituitary gland hormone production19.Women who are trying to conceive or pregnant should not consume any Echinacea20.

Types of Echinacea

There are at least nine varieties of echinacea, but only a few of them have medicinal uses. Here’s the breakdown:

​Echinacea purpurea

Commonly known as Purple Coneflower; this variety is best for immune support and skin care[5].

Echinacea angustifolia

This type is said to be helpful in fighting respiratory infections and fever.[1]

Echinacea pallida

Historically used by American settlers as an external antiseptic remedy, tinctures often include this plant21 ..

Getting Your Hands on Some

With increasing awareness surrounding its benefits,natural health supplements become available in salad blends (some juices may even contain it!), oils ,and lozenges made from the extracts18 .Do some searching online if you want easier access22.You can find more information on product options 鈥?

Conclusion

Despite having some side effects like rashes\23 \the sustainable use for various products makes it an environmentally-friendly option.\24. Available studies show that those suffering from common colds will experience healing rates quicker than those relying on antibiotics. We hope our discussion proved informative enough before choosing any medication with wider recommendations。

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