Benefits of Echinacea

Echinacea side effects

Benefits of Echinacea............

Echinacea, also known as the purple coneflower, is plentiful in the central plains of North America. Similar in appearance to the black-eyed Susan, it is also called “snake root” because Native Americans use to treat snake bites with it.

Benefits of Echinacea

Another benefit is that Echinacea is an excellent blood purifier. It also is a valuable antibiotic and activates the body’s immune system which helps fight off disease.

It increases the production of white blood cells. Before sulfa antibiotics were introduced in 1940, Echinacea was the number 1 human cold and flu remedy in the United States.

Because the herb is an antibiotic that is effective against staph infections or strep throat, it is also being used to prevent the common cold. Studies have shown that when Echinacea was taken at the first sign of a cold, it reduced the cold duration and lessened the symptoms than for those who didn’t take it.

Echinacea is also used in treating skin cancers. Echinacea stimulates the overall cell activity for fighting all kinds of infection and makes our own immune cells more efficient in attacking bacteria, viruses and abnormal cells, including cancer cells.

Side effects of Echinacea

Mild side effects include diarrhea and nausea. Echinacea can have a worsening effect on asthma symptoms and allergic reactions so remember to see your physician before taking this or any other supplement.

Another possible side effect is a condition called echinacea numb tongue. It is quite common if taking this supplement for any length of time. It will appear as a tingling feeling but is not harmful.

Do not use Echinacea for a long period of time. After 8-10 weeks, it could stifle the immune system.



more than benefits of echinacea on our Herbal Nutritional Supplement page


Nutritional Supplements Guide home page

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