Echinacea, a wonderful cold fighting herbal medicine

Where does Echinacea come from?

For Centuries, the North American Indians has been uses Echinacea for its medicinal value.

Echinacea is often referred to the as the Purple ConeFlower due to its purple summer flowers but  also goes by the name American ConeFlower or just coneflower.  

There are several species of Echinacea, but not all of these species can be used as herbal medicines.Echinacea angustifolia  is the most commonly used species for herbal remedies.

Echinacea is found only in North America.

How can Echinacea help me?

For many centuries, the American Indians have known that the main benefit from Echinacea is the immune system boosting powers this herbal remedy possesses.

For us today, one of the greatest benefits Echinacea has to offer, is increasing our body's power to fight off colds and flu.

This herbal medicine is most effective when it is used just before you get the cold or flu. Just as those horrible cold and flu symptoms start taking hold that is the time to take Echinacea

Traditionally, Echinacea has also been used to fight other infections too. Infections such as skin problems, acne or boils have all been treated using this wonderful herbal medicine.

As part of the infection fighting properties, Echinacea has antiseptic properties which are useful to treat mild infections.

Echinacea has even been used to treat fungal infections such as Athletes foot.

If I am already on medicine, what are the interactions or side effects I need to know about when using Echinacea?

As always, if you are under a medical professionals’ care, please consult them before taking Echinacea or any other herbal remedy.

Rashes and asthma have been reported as two of the more severe side effects of using Echinacea . The most common side effects are generally gastrointestinal.

People showing allergies to plants related to the daisy family should avoid Echinacea as they tend to be more likely to have an adverse reaction.

Echinacea is not a good idea for use by people with multiple sclerosis, white blood cell disorders, collagen disorders, HIV/AIDS, autoimmune disorders, or tuberculosis. Always consult your doctor if you have a serious medical condition.

How do I take Echinacea?

As a herbal supplement, Echinacea is commonly sold as pills, tinctures or teas.

When you are taking Echinacea in the form of pills, try and take the pills with water.

Sometimes Echinacea is sold as a tea which can be brewed and then drunk.