Echinacea Supplement – Beats Cold & Flu
One of the most popular herbal product on the market is the echinacea supplement. It is taken primarily to minimize or eliminate the length and symptoms of cold and flu-like ailments.
This supplement is derived from the root or the aerial part of 3 species of echinacea plant, E. purpurea, E. angustifolia, and E. pallida.
The plant also goes by different names such as American coneflower, coneflower, purple coneflower, black Sampson, igelkopfwurzel, Sampson root and sonnenhut.
Echinacea Health Benefits
It would appear that the scientific community is still debating the efficacy of taking echinacea supplements. This is because the results of the research on the health benefits of taking this herb have been conflicting.
Nonetheless, there is evidence to suggest that echinacea herb can boost the immune system and consequently reduce the effects and duration of colds and upper respiratory infections.
It is said that this herb works by stimulating the white blood cells to activate blood cells which fight disease. You could look at this herb as nature’s antibiotic.
This herb has also been used to heal wounds, eczema, and psoriasis.
About Echinacea Side Effects
Some people who have used this herbal product have reported feeling dizzy or nauseated. Other complaints include mild constipation and rashes.
Echinacea supplements are not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Neither is it recommended for person’s who have disorders resulting from a compromised immune system (e.g HIV/AIDS, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis etc) and other diseases such as cancer, multiple sclerosis and tuberculosis.
Some websites advocate that echinacea capsules can be used as a daily dietary supplement. But prolonged use may diminish its effect on the body. Consult your doctor or pharmacist first to ascertain the correct dosage or duration of use.
Similarly, if you are on any medication, please consult your physician first before taking an echinacea herbal product.
Commercially Available Forms
Echinacea herb is widely sold in capsule, juice, tea and tincture forms. There have been concerns however about the quality of some echinacea preparations.
Some brands were found to contain no echinacea or lesser amounts than what was advertised. Others were found to contain pollutants such as arsenic, lead, selenium.
Therefore it is very important to ensure that you acquire standardized echinacea extracts that are produced under strict quality control standards without the use of harsh chemicals.
What Is The Bottomline
Echinacea has demonstrated its ability to reduce the effects and duration of infections especially those that affect the upper respiratory system.
However do not use the product for longer than is recommended and be aware of any side effects you may experience.
*** Highly Recommended ***
Boost your immunity to optimal levels, increase resistant to colds and flu and improve antioxidant activity in your body with this immune boosting supplement that has various nutrients including Indian Echinacea
