7 Health Benefits of Echinacea (Coneflower)
Echinacea scientifically known as Coneflower is a plant that grows native to North America that has been dotting the American landscape for thousands of years in various forms. Before the invention of antibiotics, it was a wellness mainstay cherished at the time by the Native American Sioux as a treatment for infections, colic, and snake bites.
Echinacea continues to be one of the most cherished and popular herbs in America today. Echinacea is included as a primary ingredient in several organic supplements, cough syrups, and natural cold cures.
Like other herbs, echinacea has a wide range of nutrients that contribute to its health benefits. These nutrients include polysaccharides, Alkylamides, flavonoids, polyphenols, vitamin C, selenium, and zinc.
The benefits of echinacea for the digestive system are also well documented. Studies have shown that echinacea can be used as a mild natural laxative to assist relieve constipation. Additionally, it has relaxing effects. Herbal echinacea tea can be made that has beneficial effects on the digestive tract.
To enhance bowel motions if there are other chronic medical concerns, one cup of this herbal tea must drink each day. However, avoid taking too much echinacea.
Two cups per day are the maximum dosage that can be taken. Supplements should be taken as prescribed by a physician or as stated on the label of the medication.
Echinacea is typically regarded as secure. People who are allergic to pollen, however, should proceed with caution. Echinacea is a member of the same plant family as ragweed, daisies, and marigolds.
Consequences of exposure to pollen can include moderate nausea, dry mouth, and dizziness. Although many women enjoy using this herb, additional research is required to discover whether it is safe for expecting or nursing mothers. Consult with your dependable healthcare professional before using echinacea on your own.
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7 Health Benefits of Echinacea (Coneflower)
1. Fights Cancer
The medical significance of the phytochemicals found in echinacea is readily visible, and an interesting study on the advantages of echinacea for brain cancer suggests that these agents, as well as phytochemicals yet to be found in other plants, may be useful weapons to attack tumors.
The use of echinacea as a different complementary cancer treatment is now advised, very literally, together with or even in place of traditional therapy.
2. Boosts Immunity
The likelihood of contracting the common cold is thought to be reduced by about 60% by echinacea. The length is shortened by one and a half days if the person has a common cold.
It is well known that echinacea has certain potent compounds that can both prevent and treat common colds. Echinacea is regarded as one of the most effective natural cures out of the many home remedies.
Research shows that echinacea dosage has a significant impact on immune system health. For a period of 10 days, approximately 10 mg of echinacea can be taken daily for individuals who weigh more than one kilogram.
3. Relieves Respiratory Problems
Echinacea is very helpful for treating upper respiratory conditions like asthma, croup, the common cold, acute sinusitis, whooping cough, airway inflammation, TB, diphtheria, and strep throat because of its anti-inflammatory characteristics.
In one of the experiments, it was discovered that echinacea behaved similarly to a synthetic medication used to treat asthma.
4. Relieves Skin Problems
Echinacea is among the safest herbal treatments and is also excellent for the skin. Psoriasis or any other kind of skin disease, eczema, insect bites, wounds, snakebites, and inflammatory skin conditions can all be treated with echinacea.
Skin regeneration is another function of echinacea. In terms of curing sunburn and other skin diseases, it is also quite beneficial.
When echinacea is applied directly to the afflicted area, improvement can be seen almost immediately. Antiviral and antibacterial characteristics of echinacea can shield exposed sores and keep them from becoming infected.
5. Great Laxative
The benefits of echinacea for the digestive system are also well documented. Studies have shown that echinacea can be used as a mild natural laxative to assist relieve constipation. Additionally, it has relaxing effects. Herbal echinacea tea can be made that has beneficial effects on the digestive tract.
To enhance bowel motions if there are other chronic medical concerns, one cup of this herbal tea must drink each day. However, avoid taking too much echinacea. Two cups per day are the maximum dosage that can be taken. Supplements should be taken as prescribed by a physician or as stated on the label of the medication.
6. Anti-inflammatory
Most ailments are usually caused by inflammation at their core. Because it has many causes, including stress, an unhealthy lifestyle and nutrition, pesticide exposure, and a lack of adequate sleep, inflammation does not just appear out of nowhere.
There are ways to lessen inflammation’s consequences, though. Regular echinacea use can aid in reversing the effects of inflammation. People who suffer from persistent inflammation may frequently drink echinacea in the form of herbal tea.
7. Combats Cold
You may hear recommendations for using echinacea to increase your resistance when the flu and the cold season started. Echinacea has long been used to cure common cold in both Europe and the United States. The results of studies looking at the use of echinacea for colds and respiratory illnesses are contradictory.
For instance, studies on the use of echinacea to cure the common cold found no evidence to support a general recommendation to do so. However, they discovered that echinacea supplementation may be useful in cold prevention.
Echinacea supplements are available in a wide variety of varieties, plant parts, and dosages, but despite this, it is still a highly well-liked supplement for boosting the immune system, promoting faster wound healing, and treating skin issues.
The plant has been used for millennia with relatively few adverse responses reported, despite the lack of clear evidence. Echinacea may be beneficial if you want to increase your resistance to illnesses including colds and upper respiratory infections, itchy skin, or slow wound healing. If you’re a patient, inquire about using echinacea in your wellness regimen with your integrative healthcare physician.
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