Seven Benefits of Echinacea

We devote this article to providing a roundup of the qualities and benefits of echinacea.... by M. Daniels, who has been professionally writing and editing technical non-fiction articles and publications for over 3 decades.

Echinacea is also known as: Kansas niggerhead, narrow-leaved purple coneflower. Its scientific designation is Echinacea angustofolia.

Herb Description and Medicinal Use

Traditionally it has been classified as:

• an antiseptic,
  
  
• depurative and
  
  
• digestive.
  

It has been noted among herbal tea remedies as:

• blood purifying agent to deal with such problems as eczema, acne and boils.
  
  
• promotes good digestion
  
  
• can be tried to lower fever
  
  
• roots are considered useful to relieve intestinal gasses

Controversial Studies

One study has suggested that some Echinacea supplements could have some antitumor properties.

A 2007 study by the University of Connecticut concluded that Echinacea could cut the chances of catching a cold by more than half, and shorten the duration of a cold by an average of 1.4 days.

Critics of these studies say that the evidence provided is not conclusive.

Proponents of Echinacea maintain that the studies which have dismissed it from among natural cold remedies, have not used the same components and administered them in the same way and under the same conditions as when positive results have been obtained.

Popular Use

Echinacea is popularly believed to be an immunostimulator, stimulating the body's non-specific immune system and warding off infections.

It was widely used native American herbal remedy employed by the Plains Indians for its general medicinal qualities.

Echinacea was one of the basic antimicrobial herbs of a variety of medical practices from the mid 19th century through the early 20th century, and its use was documented for snakebite, anthrax, and for relief of pain

In the 1930s Echinacea became popular in both Europe and America as a herbal medicine largely because a Swiss herbal supplement maker was misinformed about Echinacea being used for cold prevention by Native American Indians. In truth, the tribes who did use it, used Echinacea to treat some cold symptoms such as coughs and sore throats, headaches, and as an analgesic.

That's our roundup of the benefits of Echinacea: It is still used today and is generally available  in health-food stores and is particularly popular as one of the herbal remedies for acne.  One online source of this defense enhancing herb we've discovered is Natrol's Echinacea in Easy to Swallow, Fast Acting Capsules. .

What you see on Nutritional Supplements Information is just a sample of what's available for you in our Secrets of Natural Healthy Living. Check it out now!

Much more than benefits of Echinacea discussed back on the home page