| We owe the Native Americans a big debt
of gratitude for introducing the settlers to the wonders of this purple
cone-flower plant. Indians of the Great Plains were first used this herb as a
remedy for snakebites and other skin wounds. They also applied the root of this
plant directly to the mouth for toothaches and sore throats. Word of
echinacea's healing properties traveled back to Europe where it is one of the
most sought after herbs and one of the better researched.
There is renewed interest in echinacea today in the United
States because of this herb's positive effect on the immune system. Many
studies have shown that echinacea prevents the formation of an enzyme called
hyaluronidase, which destroys a natural barrier between healthy tissue and
unwanted pathogenic organisms. Thus, echinacea helps the body maintain its line
of defense against unwanted invaders, especially viruses. In 1972, a study
appeared in the Journal of the Medical Chemistry showing that an
echinacea extract inhibited tumor growth in rats. Echinacea function in patients
receiving chemotherapy. In 1978, a study in Planta Medica showed that a
root extract destroyed both herpes and influenza viruses.
Several European studies show that echinacea appears to lessen the severity of
colds and flu, and helps speed recovery. Echinacea has also been used
successfully to treat candida, an annoying and persistent fungal infection. In
fact, patients treated with an anti-fungal cream and echinacea extract were less
likely to suffer a recurrence than those treated only with the antifungal
cream. Other studies show that echinacea has been used successfully to
treat psoriasis , diarrhea, and eczemza.
Many of the active compounds in echinacea can be destroyed during processing.
Freeze drying is the most effective way to preserve this herb's healing
properties.
Other benefits of the herb echinacea:
- is an excellent blood purifier
- works like penicillin in the body without the side effects
- has natural antibiotic properties
- helps the white bloods cells of the body
Part Used: Root
Common Use: Antiseptic for lymphatic system tonsillitis, blood poisoning.
Vasodilator, antimicrobial, antibacterial; Immune stimulant and support.
Echinacea is also known as:
Purple coneflower, Coneflower, echinacea purpurea
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