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Echinacea is known to herbalists as one of the most powerful immune-boosters available; but did you know that it is also anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fungal, as well as increasing saliva production and gradually returning internal processes to their natural balance?
Before the discovery of antibiotics, echinacea was the preferred treatment for infection, and with the development of so many strains of drug-resistant bacteria, research into its usefulness in this area has become increasingly popular. Recent research even suggests that it can inhibit the growth of certain types of cancer cells.
Most frequently used to prevent and treat colds, flu, and upper respiratory infections; recent research has shown that echinacea can ease the symptoms associated with these illnesses. For bacterial and fungal infections, it appears to increase the ability of the body’s natural infection-fighting mechanisms to attack and destroy the microorganisms that cause the infection, rather than attacking them directly. Used both internally and externally, echinacea is commonly used for:
- colds and flu
- sore throat
- sinusitis
- tonsillitis
- strep throat
- laryngitis
- bronchitis
- hayfever and other allergies
- urinary tract infections
- poison ivy and poison oak
- eczema and psoriasis (externally)
- skin infections like acne or boils
- vaginal yeast infections (both internally and externally)
- wound healing (externally)
- migraines
- bee stings
- Myalgic Encephalitis (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome)
- Attention Deficit Disorder and/or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- cervical dysplasia (precancerous cervical changes) Echinacea augustifolia only
In addition, a study published in 2007 (PMID: 17052874) showed that several species of echinacea killed cancer cells outside the body.
Echinacea can be used in capsules, as a tincture, powdered, in creams or lotions, or as a tea (1 to 2 grams of echinacea in a cup of boiling water.) It stimulates saliva and numbs tissues it comes into contact with, making it an excellent remedy for anything that causes a sore, swollen throat (use a full dropper of echinacea tincture at least once an hour. Put the tincture into your mouth, allow it to mix with your saliva, and dribble it slowly over the affected area at the back of your throat.)
Further Reading: How To Make Echinacea Tincture and How To Make Your Own Herbal Capsules
Echinacea has become so popular that wild populations of one species, Echinacea augustifolia, is in serious danger of extinction. Since other species such as Echinacea purpurea are just as effective for treating the majority of illnesses it is used for, the use of E. augustifolia should be limited to the treatment of abnormal pap smears.
Where To Buy Echinacea
Echinacea is one of the most powerful herbs we can use. If you’d like to keep some in your medicine cabinet then the best place to buy it is from this page on Mountain Rose Herbs. MRH offers both Echinacea Angustifolia and Echinacea Purpurea in herb, root and root powder form.
Click Here To Take A Look On Mountain Rose Herbs
Alternatively, you can grow echinacea at home so you have a ready to go supply when needed. You can buy echinacea seeds from this page on Mountain Rose Herbs.
WARNING: Anyone who has had a transplant, uses immune-suppressing medications for any other reason, or has an auto-immune disease should completely avoid the use of any species of echinacea. Its immune-enhancing properties can lead to rejection of transplanted organs, counteract medications, and lead to worsening disease symptoms. Do not use if you’re pregnant or breast-feeding; and use with caution if you are allergic to ragweed, marigold, chrysanthemum, or daisy.
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