Benefits of Echinacea

The benefits of Echinacea are a somewhat controversial topic. Those who use it believe that it is helpful for preventing colds or reducing their duration, but studies of the herb have been inconclusive.

Before getting into the benefits of Echinacea, here's a little background on what exactly Echinacea is and how it is used.

Echinacea is a flowering herb that comes in many varieties and is commonly known as the purple coneflower. These flowers are perennials that are native to the eastern United States and now can be found throughout the country and elsewhere in the world.

While the plant is prized by gardeners for its pretty purple and reddish flowers, it's actually the root that is used for herbal purposes. It takes several years for an Echinacea plant's roots to get large enough to harvest, so while you could grow your own, buying Echinacea in root or supplement form is going to be less time consuming.

Echinacea was used as a healing herb by the Native Americans and today it is one of the most popularly used herbal remedies in the United States.

Most studies on Echinacea have found that taking it will not prevent people from catching a cold, but taking Echinacea beginning when your symptoms first start could shorten the time you feel sick.

Echinacea is generally used as an immune system booster, and though it is most popularly known and tested as a treatment for colds, it can be useful for other ailments, too.

Some studies have shown that the herb can be helpful in treating upper respiratory tract infections, and it has been used as an immune system booster for people undergoing cancer treatment.

Other uses of Echinacea include:

• Treating urinary tract infections
• Speeding wound healing (when used externally)
• Reducing sore throat pain or enlarged lymph glands
• Aiding in healing of skin conditions such as eczema or inflammation (when used externally)
• Fighting infections
• Killing germs and reducing pain from external injuries

Echinacea has been widely studied through the years, and there are several things that Echinacea does in the body.

It increases the ability of white blood cells to destroy invading microorganisms, and boosts the strength of T-lymphocytes, which are vital to the immune system.

Additionally, a compound in Echinacea, known as echinacein, helps prevent germs from penetrating and destroying healthy cells. This works both when Echinacea is taken internally and when it is applied to wounds.

Echinacea sounds great, but there are actually some potential problems that can come from taking the herb. Germany's Commission E, which studies the effectiveness of herbal remedies, says that anyone with an autoimmune disorder such as multiple sclerosis or lupus should not use Echinacea because their ailments might be aggravated by further boosting their immune systems.

In addition, people who are HIV positive are advised not to use the herb because the increase in white blood cells might cause that virus to become more powerful as well.

Otherwise, Echinacea is generally considered safe for all people, but be sure to check with your doctor before taking it if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, nursing or taking medication for a health problem. You never know how different drugs might interact with herbal remedies, and you don't want to end up sicker because you combined medications with herbs without clearing it with your doctor.

Also, people who are allergic to ragweed or other plants in the aster family may be sensitive to Echinacea as well.

Echinacea should not be considered a permanent part of your health routine. Some people say it should be taken for no longer than a week or two at a time, while other experts say it is safe to take for months at a time. The idea is that the herb loses its immune boosting power over time and may ultimately inhibit the growth of T-cells, which is not good for your immune system. Again check with a doctor or herbalist before planning to take Echinacea long term.

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