Echinacea Benefits – Home Remedies

Discover the benefits of echinacea for the body and skin! Echinacea is a popular, perennial herb native to North America. Sales of dietary supplements increased 10% in the US Echinacea has tall stems with pink or purple flowers and a central cone that resembles a barbed comb. The cone is the seed head with sharp, prickly spines. Its alternate name is purple echinacea. This herb has been used throughout history for many foods.

There are nine identified plant species, but only three are commonly used in medicine: Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea pallida Y echinacea purpurea. Medicine is made from its leaves, flowers and roots. The chemicals in the root differ from those in the higher plant. The roots have high concentrations of volatile oils. The aerial parts of the plant contain polysaccharides, substances that activate the immune system. Research suggests that the aerial part of echinacea purpurea It is the most effective from a medical point of view.

Echinacea is available in different forms: dried herb, liquid extracts, tablets, capsules, juice, tea, ointments, and creams. It can be combined with other herbs. It can be purchased at most drug stores, supermarkets, or health food stores.

Its flavor varies according to the mixtures. May leave unpleasant liquorice and alcohol aftertaste. Try juicing an ounce of echinacea alone or blend it with other fruits and vegetables for larger drinks. Fight colds, coughs and upper respiratory infections with a combination of ginger, echinacea and lemon in a homemade tea recipe!

Echinacea tincture is a super concentrated herbal medicine. It is usually made in an alcohol base. You can substitute apple cider vinegar or glycerin for the alcohol. Homemade echinacea tincture is useful to have at home in case of prolonged illnesses.
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BENEFITS of ECHINACEA for the BODY – (Research is limited and inconclusive)

– Antiviral

– Stimulate the immune system

– Treat colds, flu, sore throat, enlarged lymph nodes, cough, bronchitis; upper respiratory infections
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SKIN BENEFITS of ECHINACEA – (Research is limited and inconclusive)

– Antibiotic

– Increase elasticity

– Soothes bee stings

– Improve hydration

– Reduce inflammation

– Treat abscesses, ulcers and boils

– Treat acne, psoriasis and eczema.

– Heal burns, skin damage by UV radiation.

– Heal wounds and minor skin infections.

– Prevents the breakdown of hyaluronan, a component of cartilage and synovial fluid. (Hyaluronan is known as the “sticky molecule.”)

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POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS: (Some people experience side effects from echinacea.)

– Skin rash, especially in children

– Temporary numbness and tingling of the tongue (if taken orally)

– Allergic reactions: shortness of breath, tightness in the throat, fainting

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WHEN TO AVOID ECHINACEA

– With immunosuppressive medication

– Allergic to ragweed, marigolds, daisies, chrysanthemums or any plant of the Asteraceae family

– Have tuberculosis, leukemia, diabetes, connective tissue disorder, multiple sclerosis, HIV, AIDS, autoimmune disease, liver disorder

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PRECAUTIONS of USING ECHINACEA

– Consult your health care provider before taking echinacea if you are nursing, pregnant, on prescription medication, or under care for medical conditions.

– There are concerns about the quality of echinacea on the market. Some products are mislabeled and may not contain echinacea at all. Read the directions and labels carefully.

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