Once known to the Indians of the great American plains, echinacea now flourishes in Europe. These daisy-like flowers illuminate gardens in vivid colors that butterflies love. There are dozens of varieties of echinacea, but in herbal medicine, three species are mainly used: echinacea purpura, echinacea angustifolia and echinacea pallida. Among these three varieties, it is especially echinacea purpura which is recommended as a remedy and which arouses the most interest in the world of medical research.
Anti-cold and healing echinacea
For internal useEchinacea purpura is recommended for the prevention of symptoms of colds, flu and respiratory tract conditions. Currently, the most accepted theory specifies that echinacea works as a stimulant of the body’s immune functions. In short, echinacea would simulate a microbial invasion, which would make our body’s defense system react. It is of course not desirable to keep the immune system in a state of combat all year round, otherwise it will be weakened. On the other hand, it is entirely appropriate to take echinacea in prevention, once in a while and for short periods, in times of “nose drops” or an epidemic of colds in your surroundings! Echinacea is best taken in liquid extract or capsule.
Warning: Echinacea is not recommended in case of diseases of the immune system. Also, people with asthma or allergies are more likely than others to be allergic to echinacea.
For external useEchinacea in the form of a cream or ointment helps in the healing of wounds, ulcers and inflammation.
The effectiveness of echinacea, a reality?
Clinical trials examining the effectiveness of echinacea in preventing colds or flu have variable results: the preventive effect of echinacea may vary from person to person, as well as depending on the virus. and the preparation used to prevent it. But on the reduction of cold symptoms (congestion and runny nose, sore throat, headache, weakness and chills), a study published in 2007 indicates that treatment with echinacea reduced by 1.4 days , the period during which the symptoms appear and also reduced the intensity of the symptoms.
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