Healthy Blooms of Echinacea

Health is the cornerstone of our lifestyle and we always hunt for novel ways to enhance our health, most of which come from traditional medicine.

Echinacea, a group of flowering plants, commonly known as coneflowers is blooming in the healthcare industry due to mass research being carried out towards its benefits. So, what are these benefits?

It Boosts Immunity

Echinacea has been studied majorly for its immune-boosting properties. A dose of 10 mg/ kg body weight, when taken daily for ten days, can effectively stimulate the immune system. A huge chunk of research has been conducted on the benefits of Echinacea in treating the common cold. Being a popular health supplement, it can cut the chances of catching a cold by 58% and reduces the duration of the common cold by almost 1.4 days. Additionally, consuming Echinacea products for three months or more is associated with a lesser incidence of winter infections like flu and throat infection.

It Combats Cancer

There is no doubt that the biologically active chemicals present in Echinacea have medicinal importance. Moreso, they have even demonstrated anti-cancer properties. A recent research also suggests that Echinacoside, a small molecule derived from Echinacea, may serve as an encouraging therapeutic target to treat breast cancer. It makes Echinacea one of the ideal alternatives to costly cancer treatment.

It has Anti-inflammatory Properties

One of the most important manifestations of a disease is inflammation. Research suggests that Echinacea extracts from the aerial parts (leaves, flowers and seeds) may show anti-inflammatory properties. This is the reason why Echinacea tea is recommended worldwide to combat inflammation.

It helps Manage Anxiety

With our rapidly evolving lifestyles, we are all exposed to various kinds of anxieties. Alkamides, a characteristic constituent present in the roots, are linked to inhibition of anxiety. This extract is usually recommended to people who have ADD/ ADHD, but it can also help the general population showing mild forms of anxiety.

It combats Skin Problems

Cosmetic industries are persistently working to find novel ways to treat skin problems. Fresh Echinacea extracts have been traditionally used to combat skin problems. Creams and gels prepared from Echinacea help enhance the skin quality by improving skin hydration and reducing wrinkles. Thus, Echinacea makes up an inexpensive home remedy to combat skin problems.

It has Antiviral and Antibacterial Properties

With ever-increasing viral infections around the globe, scientists often turn back to study traditional medicine as a remedy. A remarkable ability of Echinacea is in the treatment of infectious diseases. The herbal preparations seem to have direct antiviral and antibacterial properties, resulting either from the discrete activity of multiple compounds or synergistic activity of several compounds. Thus, fighting against viruses like herpes and bacterial throat infections.

It promotes Cell Growth

Antioxidants work by destroying the components responsible for damaging the cells in our body prematurely. The flower extracts of Echinacea are rich in phenols. The antioxidant properties of these phenols have multiple health benefits. Echinacea is rich in these antioxidants, thus promoting cell growth. As a matter of fact, any herbal extract having antioxidant properties can help promote cell growth.

It Helps Control Blood Sugar

The inability to control blood sugar or diabetes is one of the most common modern diseases globally. The alkamide and fatty acid components from the flower extracts of Echinacea purpurea in your blood can improve insulin sensitivity, thus increasing glucose intake by the body. The extracts from roots also show a similar effect. These effects improve cell energy and blood sugar control. Though not an alternative to insulin therapy, Echinacea can be used as a form of effective traditional medicine.

It is Effective in Treating Upper Respiratory Tract Infections

Upper respiratory tract infections affect the nose, throat and the airways. Echinacea may be useful in the early treatment of upper respiratory infections. Echinacea has anti-inflammatory properties making it a potent treatment option for allergic disorders of the airways, such as asthma. This is why tea made up of Echinacea extracts is recommended in traditional medicine to fight throat infections.

For centuries, Echinacea has been a key component in traditional medicine. With flourishing research, health benefits are ever-increasing. Though Echinacea is primarily used as traditional medicine, it’s a good practice to consult a physician before consumption.

 Armed with some remarkable health-promoting components, Echinacea is rapidly becoming one of the most versatile plants in medicine history.