Both the upper parts and the roots of the Echinacea plant are used in tablets, tinctures, extracts and teas, with impressive therapeutic results.
You may already know that the common cold helps, but echinacea, this beautiful purple wildflower, can do much more for your health.
Echinacea is the name of a group of flowering plants belonging to the daisy family. In total, this group has nine species, but only three are used in herbal supplements: Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia and Echinacea pallida.
These plants contain an impressive variety of active compounds, such as caffeic acid, alkamides, phenolic acids, rosmarinic acid, polyacetylene and many more. In addition, studies have linked echinacea and its compounds to many health benefits such as reduced inflammation, improved immunity and lower blood sugar levels.
Both the tops and the roots of echinacea are used in tablets, tinctures, extracts and teas.
See 10 impressive uses of echinacea and its health benefits:
Reduces the duration of colds
Many people turn to echinacea at the beginning of a cold. Research shows that it contains chemicals that can help increase the number of white blood cells in your body. White blood cells support your body while fighting infections.
Reduces inflammation
Chronic inflammation can lead to diseases such as heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer's disease. Echinacea can be an effective natural remedy for inflammation. In a small study, participants who did not respond to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs showed reduced pain and anti-inflammatory effects using ginger extract and echinacea.
It cures eczema
Eczema is an example of a skin disorder caused by inflammation. Unfortunately, many suffer from itchy, red skin and make great efforts to find relief. One study found that echinacea extract reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines and when applied topically, echinacea cream improved eczema.
Reduces headphones after a flight
The dry air circulating in the cockpit of the plane dehydrates our body. This makes us more prone to colds and flu. However, echinacea can act as a defense against the germs we encounter when traveling. In one study, participants were asked to take echinacea or placebo tablets before and during an air trip, and the echinacea group was found to have milder symptoms in the lower respiratory tract than the placebo group.
Enhances the action of antioxidants
When antioxidants are introduced into the body, they can delay or stop the damage from oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can damage our DNA, lipids and proteins. It is even associated with neurological diseases, kidney problems and rheumatoid arthritis.
Some species of echinacea contain high levels of chicory acid, which is a powerful antioxidant. By taking echinacea, increasing the amount of antioxidants that fight free radicals can reduce the damage caused by oxidative stress.
Reduces stress
For many of us, stress is a debilitating illness. Constant panic and persistent anxiety affect our physical and mental health and anxiety disorders can lead to drug abuse, depression and insomnia. Fortunately, echinacea can help reduce stress. In one study, participants who received a higher dose of echinacea experienced reduced levels of stress after just 3 days of use, and these reduced levels remained constant throughout the study.
It has anti-cancer action
There has been some interesting research on echinacea and its effects on some cancers. In one study, researchers found that chicory acid from Echinacea purpurea extract reduced the activity of colon cancer cells and killed some cancer cells. In another study, echinacea extract caused the death of lung cancer cells. However, further research is needed.
Reduces the need to take antibiotics
Bacterial infections associated with ear infections, pneumonia, and sinus infections may require antibiotics. However, the frequent use of antibiotics can lead to antimicrobial resistance, eliminating the “good” bacteria in our body. In a search for alternative therapies, scientists administered echinacea or vitamin C to a group of children. Children who received echinacea were less likely to have respiratory illnesses that could develop into bacterial infections, thus reducing the need for antibiotics.
Relieves sore throat
Although sore throat is often thought to be related to streptococcus, it is usually caused by viral infections. When you have a virus, you have to wait for the disease to progress, in the meantime seeking relief from the symptoms. Echinacea as a natural option may have been shown to be effective in relieving sore throat symptoms. The researchers studied the differences between an echinacea / sage spray and a chlorhexidine / lidocaine spray when participants reported sore throats. Echinacea / sage spray was just as effective as chlorhexidine / lidocaine spray in reducing pain.
Reduces acne
Acne is often caused by inflammation, bacteria and clogged hair follicles. Just as echinacea can soothe eczema, there is evidence that it can do the same for acne. In a laboratory study, acne P – a type of bacterial acne – caused the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. When the researchers introduced echinacea, cytokine counts returned to normal.
source: vita.gr
