Thursday, June 12, 2008

Echinacea

Resembling a black-eyed Susan, Echinacea or Purple Coneflower is a North American perennial that is indigenous to the central plains where it grows on road banks, prairies, fields and in dry, open woods.

It is also called snake root because it grows from a thick black root that Indians used to treat snake bites. Echinacea one of the best blood purifiers and an effective antibiotic.
It activates the body's immune system increasing the chances of fighting off any disease.

This popular herb has been used to help ward off the common cold and to relieve the symptoms of hay fever.
Echinacea helps white blood cells to attack foreign microorganisms and toxins in the bloodstream.

Echinacea properties may offer benefit for nearly all infectious conditions. Studies show echinacea prevents the formation of an enzyme which destroys a natural barrier between healthy tissue and damaging organisms.

Echinacea is considered an effective therapeutic agent in many infectious conditions including upper respiratory infections, a cold and sinusitis. The herb is a mild antibiotic that is effective against staph and strep infections.

Echinacea's antibacterial properties can stimulate wound healing and are of benefit to skin conditions such as burns, insect bites, ulcers, psoriasis, acne and eczema.

It's anti-inflammatory properties may relieve arthritis and lymphatic swelling. It has also been used in homeopathy treatments for chronic fatigue syndrome, indigestion, gastroenteritis, and weight loss.

Part Used: Root, dried; also liquid extract and juice. Often used in combination with golden seal and /or Vitamin C.

Echinacea products are used as a general nonspecific stimulant to the immune system, supporting and stabilizing cellular immunity and cleansing the blood, for the prevention and treatment of infections. There are no known side effects associated with it's use.

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