Juicing For Health - Echinacea
Name
Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea pallida) also known as Purple Coneflower, American Coneflower, Black Sampson, Comb Flower, Hedgehog, Indian Head, Rudbeckia, Sampson Head, Scurvy Root and Snakeroot.
Parts Used
Leaves, Roots.
Information
Echinacea is a genus of nine species of herbaceous plants in the family Asteraceae which are commonly called purple coneflowers. All are endemic to eastern and central North America, where they are found growing in moist to dry prairies and open wooded areas. The most common used species for medicinal purposes are Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea angustifolia.
Traditionally Echinacea is used for supporting the upper respiratory tract, colds, flu and infections, stimulating immune and lymphatic systems, allergies, snakebite, fighting inflammation, coughs/sore throats, boils, candida, acne and bacterial/viral infections.
Benefits
- Immune System
Echinacea is thought to stimulante to the body's immune system by activating white blood cells, making it more effective for fighting all kinds of infection. Some evidence from other clinical studies appears to indicate that Echinacea may have antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal effects, possibly adding to its infection and cancer fighting ability.
Echinacea has been shown to increase production of T cells, increase levels of circulating neutrophils, improve leukocyte phagocytosis, assist antibody binding and natural killer cell activity. Some studies seem to verify this notion that it can be effective against colds and flu.
Side Effects/Precautions
Echinacea is thought to be generally safe to take and serious side effects seem to be rare. Some common side effects include stomach upset, nausea, dizziness, increase in asthma symptoms and allergic reactions(anaphylaxis). People with allergies to the ragweed or to plants in the sunflower family should use caution.
Echinacea should not be taken by persons with progressive systemic and auto-immune disorders, connective tissue disorders, or related diseases. It should not be used with immunosuppressants or hepatotoxic drugs, and has the potential to interfere with anesthesia.
Buying Information
Good product sources can be purchased from the links below.
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