Echinacea, also known as purple coneflower or gapweed, is a popular natural herb for medicinal purposes. The health benefits of echinacea are immeasurable. You may already know this herb has long been used for its immune-boosting properties, but did you know it also has a host of other benefits?
In this article, you will discover how echinacea can improve your overall health, how it can help ward off cold and flu, and how to incorporate echinacea into your daily routine.
What is Echinacea?
Echinacea is a flowering plant that grows in the U.S. Southwest and Northwest. It was originally used as a medicinal herb by Native Americans, and was later brought to Western medicine by European settlers.
Echinacea is thought to have been used by Native Americans for its medicinal properties, including helping with cold and flu symptoms. It has also been used for its ability to help boost immune function.
However, the scientific evidence for the health benefits of echinacea is not as strong as many people think. This is why, for many people, echinacea is only a good idea for boosting immune function and not for everyday use.
Health Benefits of Echinacea
Although there isn’t a lot of scientific research yet on the health benefits of echinacea, there are a few studies that suggest echinacea may be beneficial for you.
Immune System
Studies in laboratory animals and humans have found that echinacea appears to boost immune function.
The immune system plays an important role in keeping our bodies healthy. The immune system protects your body from germs and other harmful substances.
When your immune system is functioning properly, it can protect you from infections and other health problems.
Cellular Protection
In a study of echinacea, it was found that echinacea appeared to protect sugar gliders from lung cancer. Sugar gliders are a type of small animal closely related to primates.
These animals are only found in Australia and have been used in cancer research because they have been shown to have high rates of cancer in the lungs.
It was found that sugar gliders that were given echinacea were less likely to develop lung cancer.
Cardiovascular Health
In a study of people with heart disease, those who took echinacea were less likely to die within six months.
Metabolic Health
Studies have also shown that echinacea may help with metabolic disorders, such as insulin resistance and diabetes.
In one study, it was found that echinacea helped improve insulin sensitivity in people with diabetes.
How to Take Echinacea?
Although echinacea has many health benefits, you may still want to consider taking echinacea supplements.
You can purchase echinacea at many stores, including grocery stores and health food stores. You can also find echinacea online.
Echinacea is available in many different forms. You can purchase echinacea pills, extracts, tinctures, and teas.
Summary
Echinacea is a medicinal herb that has been used for many years by native cultures in the U.S. Southwest and Northwest. It has been used to help boost the immune system and may have other health benefits.
Although there is not a lot of scientific research on echinacea, it appears to be safe when taken in the right dose.
You can purchase echinacea online or at health food stores. It’s also available in many different forms, such as pills, tinctures, extracts, and teas.
Learn more about echinacea:
Echinacea for preventing and treating the common cold – PMC
Does Echinacea Work On Colds? Here’s What the Science Says | Time
Echinacea | Complementary and alternative therapy | Cancer Research UK