|
Echinacea
What is Echinacea?
Echinacea is a decorative plant whose root, flowers, stems and leaves have
been used by Europeans to fight bacterial and viral infections as the plant
has certain medicinal properties. Echinacea is thought to protect he body's
immune system, the system that we use to fight off infectious and inflammatory
conditions. Echinacea helps the immune system by stimulating phagocytosis, the
process by which white blood cells engulf and destroy foreign material.
What are then benefits and uses of Echinacea?
Echinacea has been found to help relieve many symptoms of a multitude of medical
problems. It is thought that Echinacea works as an antiseptic, and has also
been known to help relieve discomfort caused by: · Colds· Flu· Minor respiratory
infections· Boils· Septicaemia · Syphilis · Other impurities of the blood· Bronchitis·
Psoriasis, eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions· Wounds and other skin
irriations.
What is the right dosage of Echinacea to use?
Echinacea comes in powdered extract, liquid extract, alcohol tincture, juice,
tea, capsules, tablets, or whole dried root. Whatever form you are taking, be
sure to take it three times daily for maximum effect. The following are the
recommended doses to be taken per time:
| Echinacea form |
Dosage |
| Powdered
extract |
300 mg |
| Liquid
extract |
0.5 to 5ml |
| Alcohol
tincture |
3 to 4 ml |
| Juice |
2 to 3 ml |
| Tea |
½ g to 2g |
| Capsules |
½ g to 2 g |
| Tablets |
½ g to 2 g |
| Whole
dried root |
1 to 2 g |
What are the side effects of Echinacea?
Echinacea is generally a safe medicine, even in high doses. There are few recognized
side effects, however those reported are mild and minor. Side effect of Echinacea
include: · Slight gastrointestinal discomfort· Increased urination· Mild allergic
reactions. As Echinacea is thought to stimulate the immune system people with
autoimmune disorders should use it with caution.
|
