What is echinacea used to treat?

Today, people use echinacea to shorten the duration of the common cold and flu, and reduce symptoms, such as sore throat (pharyngitis), cough, and fever. Many herbalists also recommend echinacea to help boost the immune system and help the body fight infections.

How does echinacea work in the body?

Echinacea may work by increasing the response of natural killer cells and other immune system fighters, and also by blocking the action of some viral proteins, says Dr. Andreas Schapowal, first author of that 2015 review and a former lecturer at Hannover Medical School in Germany.

Is echinacea an antibiotic?

Because the mechanism for treating infections with Echinacea is completely different from that of antibiotics, there is no danger of Echinacea-resistant bacteria developing. Echinacea is a North American, southwestern plains herb, used for centuries by the Native Americans for a variety of diseases.

Can echinacea boost immune system?

Evidence has shown that echinacea may help boost the immune system, which could help the body fight off viruses or infections ( 33 ). Many studies have found that echinacea can shorten the duration of the common cold, lessen the severity of its symptoms or even prevent it ( 33 ).

Does echinacea have vitamin C?

It is high in vitamin C and beneficial plant compounds.

Can echinacea make your heart race?

Taking echinacea with caffeinated products can increase caffeine side effects such as headache, increased heart rate, and feeling jittery.

Does Echinacea help with mucus?

Echinacea can also help to sooth and heal the mucus membranes in the nose, throat and lungs, which are often inflamed by the flu. Elderberry is high in antioxidants called anthocyanins, which have strong anti-inflammatory properties. Elderberry also helps to dry up mucus and bring it up from the lungs.

How is Echinacea good for your health and well being?

Because echinacea benefits our health and well-being like few plants on the planet. Now that’s something to get behind. Once known as an alternative way to prevent the common cold, now echinacea is quickly becoming known for multiple uses and benefits — from combating cancer to alleviating pain.

What can Echinacea be used for over the counter?

Native Americans have used it for centuries to treat various ailments. Today, it’s best known as an over-the-counter herbal remedy for the common cold or flu. However, it’s also used to treat pain, inflammation, migraines and other health issues. This article reviews the benefits, uses, side effects and dosage of echinacea.

How does Echinacea help with stomach constipation?

Like many herbs, echinacea is particularly healing for the stomach and entire gastrointestinal tract. According to Medical Herbalism, for example, echinacea can be used as a mild natural laxative to provide natural constipation relief and as a calming agent. ( 10) Drinking the herbal tea is especially effective to help with this.

How is Echinacea used to treat the common cold?

That’s one reason why echinacea is often used to prevent or treat the common cold. In fact, a review of 14 studies found that taking echinacea may lower the risk of developing colds by more than 50% and shorten the duration of colds by one and a half days (11).