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Echinacea
The scientific name for Echinacea is Echinacea purpurea, angustifolia and pallida. This herb comes from the botanical family of plants referred to as Asteraceae/Compositae and is commonly called Echinacea. Echinacea is ommonly called Purple coneflower and is related to the sunflower family.
Facts about Echinacea
The human body and mind have to work in tandem with each other so scientists and health practitioners are constantly working to find new ways to keep the physical aspect of living tuned out. Herbal practitioners have long advocated the use of Echinacea as an immune stimulant and its increasing popularity is ample proof of its effectiveness in boosting the immune system to help ward off many winter ailments.
Medicinal value of Echinacea
Echinacea is among one of the most popular herbal products available today and this wonderful herb has won rave reviews globally as a naturally healing medicinal remedy for strengthening the human body, especially in the cold months. The extract of the Echinacea purpurea or the angustifolia are used extensively as is the whole plant sometimes, including the dried root and its leaves. The ground extract of the Echinacea purpurea is mostly preferred by herbalists as many studies have been conducted on it and proven results makes it a safe bet to work with.
Echinacea remedies and background: some popular uses
- Tracing back the history of Echinacea, its use was valued by Native Americans who realized its medicinal value for healing wounds and treating snakebites, a common enough problem even today. In current times, however, the authenticity of Echinacea has been validated by scientific tests and over 300 studies on its effectiveness as a timely healer of wounds. The Echinacea root is obtained from a daisy-like plant that has a foul tasting substance.
- The active compounds of Echinacea help to inhibit the common cold bug and influenza that strives all of us at some point in time and since it is a natural remedy for Influenza, many persons prefer it over synthetic drugs. The constituents of Echinacea combine to combat the cold viruses by increasing the body's natural production of interferon and herbalists recommend using it as a preventive during the flu season.
- If a cold is in progress, the use of Echinacea can help to stimulate the immune system and speed up recovery of sore throats, cough and congestion, bringing quick and natural relief.
- Reduction in immune response is one of the long term affects of diabetes and herbal therapists claim that Echinacea has the potential to have value for some diabetics in warding off opportunistic infections, and in speeding recovery.
Storage tips for Echinacea: handy hints
Offering ease of use and convenience, the herb Echinacea, is now available freely in capsule form as well as in teas and liquid extracts. However, if the plant is being used, do keep in mind that Echinacea is a great source of attraction for birds and butterflies. One can also make dried flower arrangements by hanging the long stems of the Echinacea plant upside-down in a cool, dry, airy space and once dry, the remainder of the cones can be used for floral decorations.