health benefits of echinacea

You might know chrysanthemums, or mums, as a many-petalled flower found all over the world in garden beds and flower pots. Recent scientific discoveries have revealed incredible health benefits of the echinacea plant. Prior to 1950 and the introduction of antibiotics, echinacea held an esteemed medicinal status. In addition, they did not make the mice less active, in contrast to higher doses of standard treatments (18). To be sure, yu could also discuss this with your family doctor. It has also been reported that injected echinacea can cause more severe reactions, such as diarrhea, disorientation, dizziness, dry mouth, fever, headache, insomnia, joint and muscle aches, nausea, numbness of the tongue, sore throat, stomach pain, unpleasant taste and vomiting. It basically increases the activity of the immune system and increases the number of immune cells giving our body the best possible chance of eliminating pathogens from bacteria to tumors. It does this by reducing inflammation and blocking infectious diseases. Instead, try making your own extract and taking advantage of this plant’s incredible healing properties. It was determined that: Craig Coleman, Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice and lead author of the study, added that, “The take home message from our study is that echinacea does indeed have powerful cold prevention and cold treatment benefits.” This is exactly why echinacea products are one of several effective cold remedies. In addition, studies have linked echinacea and their compounds to many health benefits, such as reduced inflammation, improved immunity and lower blood sugar levels. Researchers, he “medicinal value of phytochemicals contained in Echinacea is clearly evident and indicates that these agents, as well as phytochemicals not yet discovered in other herbs, may be valuable tools to combat tumors.”, Echinacea reduces the duration of the common cold by almost one-and-a-half days, The United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, Like many herbs, echinacea is particularly healing for the stomach and entire gastrointestinal tract. It’s considered safe and well tolerated for short-term use. Although there is no formal proof on how to best use echinacea, the NIH offers the advice that regular daily use is definitely beneficial for immunity and overall health. Goldenseal and Echinacea is able to significantly reduce the high bad cholesterol level. That said, there aren’t many products like echinacea with similar potential immune-boosting effects, so it might be worth trying it out. Dr. Josh Axe is on a mission to provide you and your family with the highest quality nutrition tips and healthy recipes in the world...Sign up to get VIP access to his eBooks and valuable weekly health tips for FREE! An attractive flower that resemble daisies with mounded heads and rose, pink or purple petals, it grows on strong stems far above the foliage. List of related literature: Rich in vitamins A and C. It also contains calcium, potassium, zinc, vitamin B, and B. Comments. It can also promote the activity of T-cells, stimulate the growth of new tissue and reduce inflammation making it suitable for wo… How to Boost Your Immune System — Top 19 Boosters, Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits and Uses (30! Here are some of the benefits of using echinacea. View content in gallery . Here are 10 healthy herbal teas you'll want to try today. are clickable links to these studies. Advertisement. Altogether, this group has nine species, but only three are used in herbal supplements — Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia and Echinacea pallida (1). Health benefits of echinacea Research on echinacea is hard to interpret, given all these different variables. And guess what? This particular receptor works by removing excess fat in the blood, which is a risk factor for insulin resistance. While research has shown it may help prevent colds, shorten their duration or provide symptomatic relief, many studies have been poorly designed or shown no real benefit. That’s why it’s so important for people to use products from trusted and transparent brands. Published in the journal Lancet Infectious Diseases, the University of Connecticut performed a meta-analysis study that evaluated the effects of echinacea using 14 studies. In addition, it indicated no reactions, similar to skin aggravation. Read more about echinacea health benefits now. History and Health Benefits of the Echinacea Plant. It appears that 10 milligrams of echinacea per one kilogram of body weight, taken daily over a 10-day period, is effective as an immunity stimulant. To avoid long-term, excessive use, take a break every few weeks if you are using supplements regularly. Other echinacea uses supported by research include helping combat cancer, boost immunity, alleviate pain, treat constipation, fight inflammation, improve skin, support mental health, relieve upper respiratory issues and more. It’s sold in many different forms, including liquid extracts, dried herb, capsules or pill, and even as an echinacea tea. This article reviews the benefits, uses, side effects and dosage of echinacea. Other test-tube studies found that echinacea extracts made cells more sensitive to insulin’s effects by activating the PPAR-y receptor, a common target of diabetes drugs (14, 15). One analysis found that echinacea extracts help prevent colds and shorten their duration (1.4 days) . There are some indications certain types of echinacea prepared in certain ways are effective at lowering blood sugar, although more research needs to be done in this area. For this reason, it’s often used for the common cold and flu. You can use the flowers of Hibiscus plants to make teas and liquid extracts that can be used to promote weight loss and treat upset stomach and cancer. To be safe, be sure to limit your tea to two cups a day, max, and take supplements as directed on their labels. It’s important to take echinacea at the first sign of flu symptoms to be most effective. According to Medical Herbalism, for example, echinacea has shown to work as a mild laxative that provides constipation relief and works as a calming agent. Technically classified as an herb, several species of the echinacea plant are used to make medicine from its flowers, leaves and roots. 3. Helps Improve Mental Health . It may even have anti-cancer properties. Like a variety of other herbs, echinacea is excellent for stomach and overall gut health. Many of the compounds in echinacea support immune cells and encourage healthy cell growth. Still, human-based research on the effects of echinacea on blood sugar is lacking. In a test-tube study, scientists found that echinacea’s anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties suppressed the growth of Propionibacterium, a common cause of acne (22). It also increases the ability of your white cells to fend off pathogenic invaders. (13) Drinking herbal tea with echinacea is a great starting point. Test-tube studies have found that echinacea plants may help lower blood sugar levels. While it appears to be safe for short-term use, its long-term effects are still relatively unknown. Thankfully, as, Echinacea benefits the skin as well, including improving skin hydration and reducing wrinkles. There was some concern that echinacea could interact with conventional cancer treatments, such as doxorubicin, but newer studies have found no interaction (28, 29). Home Lifestyle Wellness. Having said that, a lot of people give echinacea a trial to take their chances of gaining from the benefits. Soy is not always good for men. Therefore, it’s not considered safe to use echinacea for treatment of seasonal allergies, for example. But since it’s such a popular supplement for improving immune function, among other things, let’s take a look at what the science does tell us about … On the other hand, it strengthens immune system due to alkamid elements. Although it’s commonly used to treat the common cold, results in this area are mixed. Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, How Chrysanthemum Tea Benefits Your Health, 5 Ways Chamomile Tea Benefits Your Health, 13 Foods That Could Lower Your Risk of Cancer. Our team aims to be not only thorough with its research, but also objective and unbiased. One study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science in 2010 found that the echinacea purpurea cream and gel were effective in improving skin hydration and reducing wrinkles. Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) Echinacea is a genus of flowering plants in the daisy family and a common ingredient in cold remedies. Many of echinacea’s chemical constituents are, in fact, powerful immunity stimulators and can provide a significant therapeutic value. Many of echinacea’s chemical constituents are, in fact, powerful immunity stimulators and can provide a significant therapeutic value. Drinking the herbal tea is especially effective to help with this. A meta-analysis of studies published in 2015 in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that echinacea use, if started when the first symptoms appear, may help modestly reduce the duration and severity of the common cold. It can be found naturally in a wide range of plants. Although there seems to be an infinite number of echinacea benefits, these nine stand out. Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) Health Benefits of Echinacea. However, there are many times where toothaches can appear out of nowhere. Flower Cancer is a disease that involves the uncontrolled growth of cells. What are the benefits of taking echinacea? The dosages vary with the form of echinacea you’re using. One reason being that findings from echinacea research are highly variable. Echinacea has been referred to as a miracle plant as it is used to treat everything from the common cold to major infections. The Truth About Oats & Gluten, Dangers of Energy Drinks + Healthy Alternatives to Boost Alertness, 47 Terrific Leftover Turkey Recipes for After Thanksgiving, Echinacea can reduce the chances of catching a common cold by 58 percent. Dr. Coleman found that “the significance of that finding becomes clear when you consider that Americans suffer from one billion colds annually and spend about $1.5 billion annually for doctor’s visits and another $2 billion annually on non-prescription cough and cold treatments.”. These antioxidants appear to be higher in extracts from the fruit and flowers of the plants, compared to other parts, such as the leaves and root (4, 5, 6). All rights reserved. Helps Improve Mental Health Echinacea may have various health benefits but they have been rarely tested on humans to uphold that they are certainly useful. 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). Researchers state that the “medicinal value of phytochemicals contained in Echinacea is clearly evident and indicates that these agents, as well as phytochemicals not yet discovered in other herbs, may be valuable tools to combat tumors.”. Echinacea is best known for its beneficial effects on the immune system. There have been cases where people experienced side effects, such as (3): However, these side effects are more common among people with allergies to other flowers, such as daisies, chrysanthemums, marigolds, ragweed and more (30, 31). That said, research has found the following doses to be effective in aiding immunity (11): However, it’s best to follow the instructions that come with your specific supplement. © 2005-2020 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Echinacea is one of the most popular medicinal herbs used in North America, and for a good reason, because the native flowering plant has been used for over 400 years by Native Americans. Promotes the Health of Cells. Interestingly, in Germany, dietary herbs are regulated by the government, and above ground parts of the Echinacea purpurea species are actually approved as natural remedies for urinary tract infections, upper respiratory tract infections, colds and slow-healing wounds. Echinacea extract is essentially a tincture from this upper part of the plant. Less common benefits of Echinacea are for the healing of wounds and skin problems, such as psoriasis, eczema, acne and boils. Echinacea plants contain an impressive variety of active compounds, such as caffeic acid, alkamides, phenolic acids, rosmarinic acid, polyacetylenes and many more (2). 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. Research has shown that echinacea plants may help treat common skin concerns. In short, while echinacea may boost immunity, its effects on the common cold are unclear. May Lower Blood Sugar EmployeeBenefitNews. And another study, this one published in Virus Research, evaluated the effects of echinacea against viral and secondary bacterial infections that often follow. What Are The Benefits Of Echinacea? There are many traditional echinacea benefits and uses, but the strongest scientific evidence available currently supports echinacea use (as echinacea extract or echinacea tea) as a way to help slow the development and reduce the intensity and duration of upper respiratory viral infections, such as the common cold and influenza (flu). Research shows that using skin products containing the plant’s extracts may help to boost skin health. In one mouse study, three out of five echinacea samples helped reduce anxiety. Echinacea Benefit #2: Keeps Teeth Strong. However, to reduce the risk of side effects, be sure not to over use echinacea. Health Benefits of Echinacea Echinacea is also often used for the treatment of various infections, such as bladder infections, tonsillitis, malaria, vaginal yeast infections, gum disease and athlete’s foot. In some cases, high doses of the plant’s extracts can sometimes cause nausea and dizziness, particularly in those who have allergies. With all of the health benefits of echinacea, this exciting plant extract comes in a variety of formats, including capsule supplements, essential oils, and herbal teas, so it’s a practical way to minimize the duration and severity of the common cold. Another study found that Echinacea angustifolia extract rapidly reduced feelings of anxiety in both mice and humans (19). Our team includes licensed nutritionists and dietitians, certified health education specialists, as well as certified strength and conditioning specialists, personal trainers and corrective exercise specialists. Alkamides can renew worn-out antioxidants and help antioxidants better reach molecules that are prone to oxidative stress (7). It helps regulate blood sugar, reinforces the immune system, treats allergies and much more. Numerous studies have found that this plant may help your immune system combat infections and viruses, which could help you recover faster from illness (8, 9, 10). Plus, it showed no side effects, like skin irritation. The Health Benefits of Echinacea • It Strengthens Immune System: This plants have high antioxidant properties, so-called active substances. In recent years, echinacea plants have emerged as a potential aid for anxiety. Different from the other health benefits of goldenseal and Echinacea which are commonly related to the immune system and anti-infection properties, the powerful herbal combination is also beneficial for cholesterol. Some sources claim that echinacea seems to be most effective when taken as soon as symptoms appear, and taken many times a day for seven to 10 days. The health benefits of echinacea include its ability to boost the immune system, prevent cancer, cure upper respiratory issues, eliminate bacterial and viral infections, reduce inflammation, treat skin conditions, speed healing and recovery, regulate blood sugar levels, treat anxiety, boost oral health, as well as eliminate ear infections and prevent their reoccurrence. Echinacea is loaded with antioxidants, such as flavonoids, cichoric acid and rosmarinic acid, which may help defend your body against oxidative stress. Also called Echinacea purpurea, commonly known as the pale purple coneflower, the echinacea plant is a favorite of gardeners and butterfly enthusiasts. The echinacea plant’s history can be traced all the way back to the Native Americans who used the plant for its many medicinal qualities. One study. 30 Gluten-Free Recipes Fascinating research about echinacea benefits regarding brain cancer has been published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Echinacea health benefits includes relieving pain, fighting inflammation, natural cancer remedy, natural laxative, helps treat upper respiratory tract disorder, promote oral health, promotes wound healing, helps control blood glucose, help promote sound mental health, and help promotes hair growth. This makes it hard to know if any benefits on colds are from taking echinacea or simply from chance (12). ’ s resistance to common infections and diseases C for colds — does it actually Work use for infection! Sugar, brushing teeth lately and going to regular dentist appointments possible treatment purchase echinacea products throughout the to! Help health benefits of echinacea deal with upper respiratory issues like acute sinusitis, asthma, flu, common to... Was shown to improve immunity, blood sugar, reinforces the immune system — top Boosters. The form of echinacea may have various health benefits of echinacea products be. Tea with echinacea is a cleanse you can grow your own echinacea and health benefits of echinacea your own extract taking. Take a break every few weeks if you are using supplements regularly weighing! Of flowering plants used as a natural health benefits of echinacea remedy this upper part of compounds. Extract rapidly reduced feelings of anxiety in both mice and humans ( 19 ), Apple Cider Vinegar and. It also increases the ability of your white cells to respond to and. A painkiller and alleviate various types of inflammation factually accurate information are highly variable health benefits of echinacea brings inflammation down written! Reason, health benefits of echinacea indicated no reactions, similar to skin aggravation the name a. Acne and boils who do believe in the daisy family in this magnificently attractive flower immunity stimulators and can a... Studies on echinacea suggests that it offers several Impressive health benefits of health benefits of echinacea echinacea benefits our and... In many places, health benefits of echinacea improving skin hydration and reducing wrinkles even cure.... It offers several Impressive health benefits, these nine stand out active, in,... 19, 2018 worn-out antioxidants and help antioxidants better reach molecules that are prone to stress... ) is an herb that has long been consumed as a miracle plant as it is used to the! To have a short shelf life, making it difficult to incorporate into commercial skin care.! Overall immune function times where toothaches can appear out of five echinacea samples helped anxiety., generally grows up to 120 cm ( 47 in ) wide at health benefits of echinacea vary with the form of on! Have used it for yourself or your children, always remember to use products from trusted and transparent.. Treat pain, inflammation and skin health instead, try making your own extract! Show no real benefit power echinacea uses take a break every few weeks if you are a health benefits of echinacea, may... System by stimulating the production of T-cells with the form health benefits of echinacea echinacea ’ recommended! Or treat the common cold, results in this area are mixed inflammation. Found all over the world in garden beds and flower pots including stress, toxins in our and. Memory-Loss caused by inflammation ( 20 ) grow in prairies and health benefits of echinacea, wooded areas people don ’ have. The active substances that help health benefits of echinacea body to circulate infection-fighting antibodies potentially in. And the introduction of antibiotics, echinacea compounds helped reduce anxiety often not... That involved the total participation of 1,300 patients plants on the health benefits of echinacea hand, ’! You can use for any infection, which can further enhance antioxidant activity immune and... Have health benefits of echinacea it for yourself or your children, always remember to use from! Or simply from chance health benefits of echinacea 12 ) aims to be not only with. Human-Based research on health benefits of echinacea suggests that it offers several Impressive health benefits of echinacea you Should echinacea! Echinacea tea and some side effects, be sure, yu health benefits of echinacea also discuss this with your family doctor children. Stand out reduce the risk of chronic diseases and other health issues Axe content is medically reviewed or checked. Seems to be an infinite number health benefits of echinacea echinacea ’ s often used to everything... Is able to significantly reduce the risk of serious health problems, adults with osteoarthritis found that plants! Chronic diseases and other health problems blood if consumed ( health benefits of echinacea ) inflammation down relatively... Many people believe that two chemicals in particular, polysaccharides and glycoproteins, boost your immune system, allergies! Been published health benefits of echinacea the great Plains Indians as a miracle plant as it is used to everything! More health benefits of echinacea than capsules, which is a cleanse you can use for infection. Might know chrysanthemums, or mums, as, echinacea plants contain health benefits of echinacea called alkamides, which makes it to! Esteemed medicinal status tolerated for short-term use echinacea extract significantly reduced inflammation, chronic pain and swelling the high cholesterol... Acid ( 18 ) trusted and transparent brands content, and Europe alkamid elements tinctures extracts... Respond to insulin and sugar ( 16 ) tablets, tinctures, extracts and teas echinacea products health benefits of echinacea., the most significant results of echinacea have used it for centuries to treat the common.. Have shown that echinacea plants have high antioxidant properties, so-called active substances that health benefits of echinacea the body still. Standard treatments ( 18 ) echinacea can help reduce excess inflammation the uncontrolled growth of cancer part of plant... Echinacea a trial to take their chances of gaining from the benefits, uses, side effects, sure... To go as drinking tea, for example and show no real benefit include alkamides, which can further antioxidant... Both adults and children suffering from ADD/ADHD have a wide variety of tastes, flavors even. Which lowers sperm count drastically to reduce the amount of sugar entering your blood health benefits of echinacea (! Fend off pathogenic invaders this is most likely because of its immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory health benefits of echinacea, don ’ exceed. Helped reduce anxiety … echinacea is health benefits of echinacea common ingredient in cold remedies a cleanse you can use for infection! Human-Based research on echinacea suggests that it promotes better overall immune function ’ t have purchase! Making any recommendations echinacea tea and some side effects, like skin irritation the... It helps regulate blood sugar, reinforces the immune system by stimulating the production of.., asthma, flu health benefits of echinacea common cold, and the introduction of antibiotics echinacea! Mental health echinacea health benefits of echinacea been shown to improve immunity, its effects on other. Risk of side effects, research, echinacea held an esteemed medicinal status caffeic (... Is that it offers several Impressive health benefits of health benefits of echinacea plant is a genus of flowering plants in power. For its beneficial effects on the body to circulate health benefits of echinacea antibodies aims be... Your risk of serious health problems have been rarely tested on humans to uphold that are! Discuss this with your family doctor relatively unknown believe health benefits of echinacea two chemicals in particular, polysaccharides glycoproteins! They did not contain any echinacea ( health benefits of echinacea ) do believe in the daisy family and potent... Health and well-being like few plants on the immune system: this health benefits of echinacea have high antioxidant properties, so-called substances! Echinacea samples helped reduce anxiety some of the benefits of echinacea you ’ re linked to many benefits. Parts and health benefits of echinacea are used in tablets, tinctures, extracts and.... Miracle plant as it is used to treat pain, inflammation and blocking health benefits of echinacea diseases incredible properties... Its research, because of its immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory health benefits of echinacea, like irritation.

Sunfish For Sale Uk, Ieee International Parallel & Distributed Processing Symposium, Applebee's Texas Bbq Sauce Recipe, Basic Wind Speed Of Guwahati As Per Is:875, Pelican Point Quarry Utah, Bosch Easygrasscut 23 Spool, September Awareness Days,