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Echinacea, or echinacea, is a plant whose healing properties were discovered by the Indians. Currently, the effects of Echinacea (especially purple Echinacea) are appreciated not only by supporters of natural medicine, but also by some scientists. Research shows that Echinacea strengthens immunity, is a proven method of treating colds and alleviates the symptoms of acne. Check what else Echinacea helps.

Echinacea (echinacea)is a plant whosehealing propertieswere discovered by the Indians. They used it to treat difficult-to-heal hunting wounds, burns, coughs, toothache, throat and headache, colds, measles, gonorrhea, tonsil enlargement, and as an antidote in cases of snake bites, insects or other poisonings. Modern phytotherapy recommendsEchinacea for colds ,acneor cold sores. Many of these properties of echinacea have been confirmed by scientific research. Currently, theEchinacea purpurea(Echinacea purpurea) is best known for its healing effects. Pharmaceutical products are also prepared on the basis of two other species of echinacea - narrow-leaved (E. angustifolia) and pale (E. pallida).

Contents:

  1. Echinacea (echinacea) to strengthen immunity
  2. Echinacea for colds
  3. Echinacea for cold sores and burns
  4. Echinacea for acne
  5. Echinacea (echinacea) - contraindications

Echinacea (echinacea) to strengthen immunity

In natural medicineEchinacea(especiallypurple ) is considered to be one of the most valuable immune-boosting agents. Echinacea is recommended not only for he althy people to prevent possible infections, but also in states of exhaustion and weakness of the body (e.g. during long-term administration of antibiotics).

Its immune-enhancing effects are confirmed by scientists from the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy, whose research results were published in 2007 in "The Lancet Infectious Diseases". They argue that the prophylactic intake of echinacea preserves reduces the risk of developing a cold from 35 (in the case of rhinovirus infection) to 58 percent (inin case of infection with other viruses responsible for the common cold). One study even found that combining Echinacea with vitamin C reduced the risk of developing the disease by as much as 86 percent.

Echinacea has been found to enhance immunity by increasing the phagocytosis process (uptake and absorption of viruses and bacteria by the cells of the immune system) and stimulating leukocytes (white blood cells) to secrete antiviral substances (interferons).

To prevent colds, Echinacea-based preparations should be taken for 3-4 weeks (except for lozenges, which should be taken for up to 10 days). After a month, a 14-day break is recommended.

Echinacea for colds

Research by scientists from the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy also shows that taking echinacea during a cold shortens the duration of the disease by a day and a half - cough, headache and nasal discharge disappear faster. Nevertheless, there are still specialists who deny the effectiveness of Echinacea extract in preventing and treating fall / winter infections. All because in the past, in attempts to prevent colds that were induced experimentally, Echinacea did not reduce the incidence, shorten the duration of the disease, or affect its course.

Echinacea for cold sores and burns

Modern phytotherapy recommends the use of Echinacea in the treatment of herpes, eczema, atopic dermatitis, burns, wounds and leg ulcers. Scientists have confirmed its healing effects in skin diseases. The ointment with the juice of fresh echinacea herb has been used to treat skin inflammation and other inflammations. medical conditions. Complete healing was observed in more than 85%. cases, while side effects occurred only in about 2 percent. respondents.

Echinacea for acne

Echinacea is also useful in the care of all skin types, because it has regenerating, anti-wrinkle, smoothing, moisturizing and protective properties, among others. against UV rays. However, due to its antibacterial and healing properties, it is best suited for oily and acne-prone skin. People struggling with eczema and inflammation should reach, among others, to tonics and gels based on echinacea.

Important

Echinacea should not be given to children under 12 years of age. May cause an allergy!

Echinacea preserves are often served also to cold children. However, researchers from The Medicines and He althcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the British Medicines and He althcare Products Regulatory Agency,argue that children under 12 should not eat them. Echinacea can cause allergies. Sensitization may include rash, itching, facial swelling, and even difficulty breathing or following a potentially fatal anaphylactic shock.

Echinacea (echinacea) - contraindications

Other contraindications for Echinacea are:

  • hypersensitivity to other herbs from the complex family, e.g. arnica, yarrow, calendula, dandelion.
  • tuberculosis
  • bone marrow diseases
  • multiple sclerosis
  • AIDS
  • collagen diseases and other autoimmune diseases
  • liver disease
  • taking medications that impair liver function (such as anabolic steroids, amiodarone, methotrexate, ketoconazole)
  • pregnancy and breastfeeding

Bibliography:

Segiet-Kujawa E, Mścisz A.Jeżówka (Echinacea) - a modern immunocosmetic , "Wiadomości Zielarskie" 2000, No. 3 [accessed: October 9, 2015], Available on the Internet: http://www.przychodnia.pl/pisma_zdrowie/wz/jezowka.htm.Zapała Ł., Lasek W.,Natural exogenous immunostimulators , "Postepy biologii świata" 2007, no.3

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