Echinacea Overview Known scientifically as Echinacea angustifolia, this plant originated in North America. The name Echinacea is derived from ‘echinos’ meaning hedgehog in Greek, because it has prickly scales that resemble the spines of an angry hedgehog. It has a long and rich tradition of healing in native North American medicine. It was used by the natives to treat snakebites and other open wounds. They also used the herb to treat skin allergies and infections, even syphilis. Throughout history, the herb has been used to treat scarlet fever, malaria, diphtheria and blood poisoning. Echinacea is a hardy and drought resistant plant. In fact, the plant may even react negatively to excessive irrigation. The plant also needs the full sun, and partial shade will make the plant grow tall and lanky. The soil has to be well drained and light-textured. Use of Echniacea  Today, Echinacea has a wide range of uses medicinally. Its primary use is in the form of an effective antibiotic. It is also an effective blood purifier and immuno-stimulant. Its combination of antibiotic properties and ability to boost the body’s immune system make it an effective treatment against a host of diseases. It has therefore been used to treat colds, coughs, sore throats and sinus infections. Its antibiotic properties also help fight cystitis and can effectively combat cuts, bites and stings. It is also used to treat minor burns and blisters.
Echinacea can be used effectively to fight bacterial infections. It is a good natural treatment for colds, coughs, pharyngitis and viral infections because it is particularly good for chronic infections. The herb also reduces symptoms brought on by allergies and is also useful against allergic asthma. The immuno-boosting capabilities of Echinacea offer great promise when it comes to treating patients suffering from HIV and AIDS. Echinacea is used primarily for its immune boosting properties. This helps the body become a strong fortress against diseases. Studies on animals show that there are active substances in Echinacea that help relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Professional herbalists often recommend the herb to treat or speed up the treatment of urinary tract infections, Candida, ear infections, hay fever, sinusitis and other slow-healing wounds. Some recent studies indicate the use of Echinacea in the early stages of cold reduces the symptoms of cold and even shortened the duration of the attack. Echinacea consists of many compounds and chemical substances like polysaccharides, glycoproteins and flavonoids. Different products use different parts of the plant. The parts of the plant below the soil have different substances from the parts above. This combination of the substances makes the plant a powerful herb. Echinacea is available in the form of tinctures, ointments, capsules, tablets and powders (for teas). It is combined with other immune-boosting herbs, minerals and vitamins for optimum use. Echinacea Cautions While there are no reported side effects, people suffering from any kind of auto-immune diseases should not take Echinacea or should take it only under strict medical supervision. People receiving organ transplants should also not use the herb because there is a concern that Echinacea may reduce the effectiveness of medicines that suppress the immune system.
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