by Gina Marie Cronin
Flu season is here, making it important for one to stock one’s shelves with all things echinacea. Instead of suffering through fever, cough, severe fatigue, headache, congestion, muscle aches and more, confide in this healing herb from the daisy family for relief. Endemic to Eastern and Central North America, archaeologists have found evidence of Native Americans using this medicinal plant for more than 400 years. Echinacea continues to be one of the most popular herbs in the U.S. to this day for its deeply therapeutic properties.
Echinacea is packed with bioactive substances that boost immunity. Poor diet, excessive alcohol intake, lack of sleep, and lack of exercise are but a few of the factors that can wreak havoc on one’s immune system. Alkamides, which are the major constituents contained in the roots of the echinacea plant, work as immuno-modulators for stimulated immune function.
Many are quick to grab a prescription or over-the-counter medication when cold symptoms arise, but the volatile oils (essential oils) in echinacea help ease inflammation, while the antioxidant flavonoids kill bacteria. Studies have found that individuals that consumed echinacea tea for five days felt better much sooner than those that did not. Likewise, individuals that consumed echinacea regularly had a 58 percent lesser chance of developing a cold in the first place.
Enjoy echinacea as a tea, extract, tincture or capsule. As with all medicinal herbs, one should make sure to find 100 percent organic and pure supplements and administer the recommended dose found on the nutrition label. Keep it natural, and heal with ancient botanical wisdom.
Gina Marie Cronin is a staff writer for Natural Awakenings Long Island, who recently spent six months in Peru learning about the healing potential of medicinal plants.
