Echinacea, the purple coneflower, is the best known and
researched herb for stimulating the immune system. Thousands of
Europeans and Americans use echinacea preparations against colds
and flu, minor infections, and a host of other major and minor
ailments. This native American herb has an impressive record of
laboratory and clinical research. Thousands of doctors currently
use echinacea for treating infectious diseases.
History
Echinacea has a rich tradition of use by North American Plains
Indians who used it medicinally more than any other plant. It
was prominent in modern American medicine in the early 20th
Century, and was discovered by Europeans, who have used it
extensively since the 1930s. Today millions of Europeans use
echinacea as their primary therapy for colds, flus, infections,
and for general immune-boosting effects.
Health Benefits of Echinacea
Echinacea increases the "non-specific" activity of the immune
system. In other words, unlike a vaccine which is active only
against a specific disease, echinacea stimulates the overall
activity of the cells responsible for fighting all kinds of
infection. Unlike antibiotics, which are directly lethal to
bacteria, echinacea makes our own immune cells more efficient in
attacking bacteria, viruses and abnormal cells, including cancer
cells. Echinacea facilitates wound healing, lessens symptoms of
and speeds recovery from viruses. Anti-inflammatory effects make
it useful externally against inflammatory skin conditions
including psoriasis and eczema. It may also increase resistance
to candida, bronchitis, herpes, and other infectious conditions.
Benefits
* Colds, coughs and flu and other upper respiratory conditions
* Enlarged lymph glands, sore throat
* Urinary tract infections
* Other minor infections
* May help combat herpes and candida
* Wounds, skin regeneration and skin infections (external use)
* Psoriasis, eczema and inflammatory skin conditions (external
use)
About the author:
Chester is a health nutrition consultant and is the owner of
AstroNutrition - a provider of premium health nutrition
and sports supplements.
