Echinacea, a Well-known Herb

Echinacea is a well-known herb in the alternative health world. There are nine species of Echinacea which are native to the United States and southern Canada. The common names for this plant are echinacea, purple coneflower, coneflower, and American coneflower. The herb has been used traditionally to treat or prevent infections and has been used to help wounds or skin problems like acne or boils.

When I or my children begin to feel ill, I increase our water intake and try to get more rest. I initiate a Vitamin C protocol and consider herbal supplements. I have often chosen echinacea for immune support during upper respiratory infections such as colds, bronchitis, ear infection, or sinus infection.

Echinacea

-The benefits of echinacea are many. Traditionally, echinacea is used at the onset of colds, flu, or sore throats to support immune system. It is also used externally as an antiseptic for wounds, bites, or stings.

-Per Botanical Safety Handbook, echinacea is Class 1, which means it is an herb that a person can safely consume with appropriate use. Echinacea interacts positively with other medications. It is used with another drug to treat advanced cancer and reacted well during a study with an anti-fungal drug. There is a caution for use with transplant patients taking immunosuppressive drugs.

-Echinacea species contain different active chemicals which may act synergistically. This means that they stimulate immune function, but there is no single bioactive ingredient that causes their actions to work.

-Echinacea is immune modulating (modulates and balances the activity of the immune system), immune enhancing (enhances immune function), depurative (improves detoxification and aids elimination to reduce the accumulation of metabolic waste products in the body), and anti-inflammatory (reduces inflammation). Choosing this herb aids both the immune system and the digestive system.

-Surface immune stimulators, such as echinacea, are protectors against viruses and microorganisms that create infections in the body. They are the first line of defense against these pathogens, since they engulf and rid the body of the viruses before they can take hold and create an infection. They are “surface” because the infection they face is not a deeply embedded infection. The types of conditions might a person might use surface immune stimulators for are:  staph infections under the nails, an infected tooth, upper respiratory tract infections, or a viral infection such as chronic fatigue syndrome or AIDS. Surface immune stimulators work best when they are taken for a short time period. What is meant by a “short time” is ten days on with three days off, for a maximum of three cycles. Echinacea can be taken in this manner to affect the immune system. Surface immune herbs move the body’s immune reserves to the surface so they can protect the body from the invasion of pathogens or help rid the body of an infection that is already present.

Many people have chosen echinacea for immune or digestive support. It is used both internally and externally, which is why it has become well-known in the alternative health community.

May God bless your healthful endeavors!

Joni

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