For centuries, Echinacea has been used by Native Americans.
When the Europeans settled there, they also accepted the amazing healing power of this herb and recognized it for its potent immunity strengthening advantages.
According to research, the extract of Echinacea may also be of aid in destruction of viruses like herpes and some flu strains.
Some studies have found it to be potent against fungal and bacterial infections. It works by reducing the inflammation in the body. It can therefore be helpful for numerous skin problems like acne, psoriasis, eczema, etc.
Learn more about why you should add it to your diet below.
Helps in the Fight against Influenza
One study that can be found in the journal Virology discovered that Echinacea extracts successfully blocked the replication of the flu strains by more than 99 percent.
Moreover, no resistance was noted in the virus strains! This is why Echinacea tea is often used as a prevention or treatment of the common cold.
Echinacea is also rich in antioxidant compounds- they protect our cells from oxidative stress linked with chronic illnesses, some of them are flavonoids and rosmarinic acid.
It may also be of aid for people with high levels of sugar in the blood which can put us at a higher risk of serious health issues like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
It Can Be Beneficial for Anxious Individuals
Anxiety is a common issue that happens to one in five Americans.
Echinacea plants may be a helpful natural aid for it thanks to its compounds that were found to lower the anxious emotions-i.e. rosmarinic acid and alkamides.
Another amazing benefit of this plant is the ability to fight against inflammation which has gotten out of hand.
It was found to lower the inflammatory markers and the loss of memory linked with inflammation.
It may also be of aid for people with skin problems like eczema-it may encourage the repairing of the skin’s thin outer layer which protects the layers underneath.
A Natural Anti-Cancer Tool
Cancer or the uncontrolled growth of cells was found to be suppressed in test-tube studies with Echinacea extracts.
They may even help lead to cancer cell death.
But, Make Sure You’re Familiar with the Possible Side Effects
The products from Echinacea appear to be safe and well-tolerated if it’s taken for a short period of time.
In some people, side effects are possible and they may include itchy skin, hives, swelling, rashes, stomach ache, shortness of breath, etc.
This is usually seen in individuals who have allergies to flowers like marigolds and daises.
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