Anyone that knows me knows that I love my herbal remedies and all natural way of healthy living. As we approach the cold and flu season I try to have on hand natural remedies that can reduce the length of your cold or prevent it all together!
Echinacea a perennial herb native to the midwest region of North America, has been used by the Native Americans for over 400 years! They used the herb to treat wounds, malaria, blood poisoning and as a go-to cure-all!
The herb has been mainstream and popular up until the use of antibiotics in the 1950’s but has regained its popularity in Germany where most of the scientific research was conducted on the plant throughout the 20gth century.
Today people use this pink coneflower to shorten a cold or flu up to one and a half days. Reducing the symptoms of cough, sore throat and fever. Herbalists take the herb to boost the immune system and help fight infection, upper respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, and slow-healing wounds.
How does it work?
Echinacea contains several chemicals polysaccharides, glycoproteins, alkamides, volatile oils, and flavonoids. That play a role in its therapeutic effects. The chemicals contained in the root differ considerably from those in the upper part of the plant. For example, the roots have high concentrations of volatile oils (odorous compounds) while the above-ground parts of the plant tend to contain more polysaccharides (substances known to trigger the activity of the immune system). The combination of these active substances is responsible for echinacea’s beneficial effects, though research suggests that the above ground portion of Echinacea.
The upper above-ground part of the Echinacea purpurea plant is the most used for immunity building, containing more polysaccharides, The roots have a hight concentration of volitale oils (odorous compounds). The combination of these active substances is responsible for echinacea’s beneficial effects, though research suggests that the above ground portion of Echinacea.
The combination of these active substances is responsible for echinacea’s beneficial effects, though research suggests that the above ground portion of Echinacea purpurea is the most effective.
How to Take It
The most popular species Echinacea purpurea is available in Tea, extracts, tinctures, tablets, capsules, and ointments. For general immune system stimulation, during colds, flu, upper respiratory tract infections, or bladder infections, take echinacea 3 times a day until you feel better, but not for more than 10 days. Take it with food or a large glass of water.
Apply creams or ointments for slow-healing wounds as needed.
Take this remedy under the supervision of your Medical Practitioner and must not be taken with any immunosuppressant medications and may interact with other herbs and medications.
To learn more visit:
UOM Medical Center