Echinacea Protects Against Certain Health Problems

Echinacea Protects Against Certain Health Problems

Jamaal Harrison

The herb "Echinacea" is often referred to as "purple coneflower," "American coneflower," or simply "coneflower." Sometimes it is also known as "snake root." This is due to its thick black root, which was historically used by Aboriginals to treat snake bites. Echinacea grows in the ditches of the North America prairie regions, and also in dry open woods.

It's a common belief that Echinacea protects against certain health problems, including the flu and the common cold. It also has dermatological uses; it can help to eliminate acne and other skin infections. Its positive health benefits have yet to be verified within the scientific community, though. Research is still underway to determine whether Echinacea can be used to treat various types of respiratory infections.

However, scientifically it is not proven to have any cure on such things. There are still current studies with Echinacea to find out if it can help cure other respiratory infections besides the flu and cold. Echinacea is also used as a weight loss supplement, help with fatigue, syndrome, and indigestion. Indians used this herb to help with snake bites, smallpox, toothaches, and measles. There are some side effects if you choose to take this herb, however they were not many that were shown. The most common side effect shown was gastrointestinal.

When taken orally, allergic reactions such as rashes are also possible. Those who suffer from asthma or are allergic to daisies are most likely to experience side effects. Echinacea can used to make teas and juice, either by drying it or using it when it is fresh. It contains many nutrients such as vitamins A,C, and E. It also is rich in protein, carbohydrates, fatty acids, iron, and copper.

After being adopted by the settlers as a therapeutic plant, Echinacea has become a very popular herb. Over the past 10 years it has been one of the best selling herbs in the United States. While research is still being done on the herb, it has been proven by many herbalists that it has a wide range of benefits.