Echinacea, also known as the American coneflower, is a brightly colored medicinal plant named for the prickly spines in its large cone-shaped seed head. Based on those spines, its name is derived from the Greek word ekhînos, meaning hedgehog. Although used widely to treat all kinds of diseases and infections prior to the introduction of antibiotics in the U.S., this popular herb is now prized for its ability to shorten the duration of colds and flu. Echinacea is available in many forms — capsules, dried, essential oil and tea, to name a few — and features prominently as an ingredient in both mainstream and natural cold remedies, cough drops and supplements. While best known as an immune system booster, echinacea provides at least nine other health benefits you may want to consider. The History of EchinaceaAs a perennial plant and member of the Asteraceae (daisy) family, echinacea is best known for its colorful pink and purple flowers and distinctive cone-shaped seed head. Mature coneflowers reach heights of 1 to 2 feet. While there are several others, only three species of echinacea are used as herbal remedies:1
From growing wild on native prairies in eastern and central North America — where it thrives in moist to dry prairies and open woodlands — to being researched in German labs, echinacea has enjoyed a rich history:2,3
Interestingly, Native Americans4 learned of the medicinal value of echinacea by observing elk — noticing the stately animals sought it out whenever they were wounded or sick. As such, echinacea earned the name "elk root." The Sioux used it as a remedy for colic, infections and snakebites.5 Some tribes, like the Cheyenne and Kiowa, applied it to coughs and sore throats. The Pawnee were said to have used it on headaches, while the Lakota found echinacea to be an excellent painkiller. 10 Health Benefits of EchinaceaWhile somewhat displaced by antibiotics, echinacea remains a beneficial and powerful herb, especially given every part of the plant, from the flower petals to the roots, is packed with vital nutrients. According to Organic Facts,6 the unique varieties of echinacea contain different active chemicals, including "a variety of phenolic compounds like cichoric acid, caftaric acid, echinacoside and various other polysaccharides and alkylamides." Similarly, the Global Healing Center7 attributes echinacea's health benefits to "its diverse makeup of nutrients, which includes polysaccharides, alkylamides, flavonoids, polyphenols, vitamin C, selenium and zinc." Below are 10 health benefits of echinacea: 8,9,10
How to Make Echinacea TeaThe Global Healing Center provides the following recipe for echinacea tea, which is believed to be an incredible home remedy for the flu.25 Be sure to use only organic or wildcrafted echinacea that's pesticide free. Directions
Making and Using Echinacea Essential OilWhile not an exact science, you can easily make echinacea essential oil at home using the ingredients and directions shown below: 26 Ingredients
Directions
When using echinacea essential oil topically, always do a small skin test first on the underside of your forearm to check for any potential allergic reaction. If it is safe for you, you might consider using echinacea essential oil in one or more of the following ways:
Echinacea Side Effects and PrecautionsWhile echinacea is generally considered safe, you should exercise caution with respect to echinacea preparations if you are sensitive to pollen or have a known allergy to other members of the Asteraceae family such as daisies, marigolds or ragweed. If you experience any of the common side effects, including dizziness, dry mouth and mild nausea, avoid further contact with echinacea. Because research is lacking to demonstrate its safety, you may want to avoid using echinacea during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, unless approved for use by your doctor. Use of Echinacea and Other Herbal Supplements Continues to GrowAccording to the American Botanical Council,27 sales of herbal dietary supplements in the U.S. continue on an upswing. Sales of herbal supplements as a whole increased 7.7 percent in 2016, marking the 13th consecutive year of growth. In 2016, American consumers spent nearly $7.5 billion on herbal supplements. While herbal remedies continue to be minimized or dismissed by conventional medicine, the mainstream media, federal and state governments and other critics, consumer sales consistently underscore their value and usefulness. With respect to echinacea (specifically Echinacea spp.), sales of it also followed an upward trend from 2015 to 2016, maintaining a ranking within the top 40 herbal supplements sold in both the mainstream retail and natural distribution channels. Ranked as No. 3 in the mainstream retail market, echinacea sales topped $69 million, up 15.1 percent year over year. In the natural channel, where it slipped to No. 9, echinacea sales approached $8.4 million, up 6.3 percent from the previous year. While herbal supplements, echinacea included, have value, it's important to note they are not intended to replace real food, nor is it wise to use supplements to justify a poor diet. In my experience, no amount of supplements can replace healthy food choices. That said, because there are times when supplements can be quite useful, it's important you know how to choose the best ones. Whether it's echinacea or another herbal remedy, for starters, make sure it meets the following criteria:
from http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2018/12/31/echinacea-benefits.aspx
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