Benefits Of Echinacea
Echinacea is commonly known as the coneflower and is abundantly found in the mid-west countries. This wild flower has purple color flowers and grows naturally in moist low-lands and meadows. Due to the medicinal properties and pretty flowers this plant it is often grown in gardens. Traditionally the Echinacea plant was used by North Americans and Indians as a medicine against flu, colds, and other infections. On topical application the plant helps to cure wounds like burns, cuts, and insect bites. Apart for this there are many medicinal benefits of the plant some of which include:
1.Rich source of nutrients.
Echinacea plant is a rich source of nutrients including minerals like contains iron, copper, potassium, and iodine. It also contains vitamins such as vitamin A, C, and E. Combination of these ingredients make Echinacea a wonderful natural antibiotic capable of suppressing virus activity. Echinacea plant also activates the T-cells of the body, which are considered as natural bacteria killers and improve the body immunity.
2.Treats respiratory conditions.
Echinacea plant has traditionally been used for treating many respiratory conditions like asthma, bronchitis, common cold and coughs. It has also been used for treating symptoms of flu and many other respiratory conditions of the upper respiratory tract.
3.Improves immunity of the body.
This plant activates the white blood cells- body’s natural immune system, thus enhancing the body immunity against infections.
4.Beneficial for the skin.
On topical application Echinacea plant helps to heal skin problems like psoriasis, eczema, and slow-healing wounds. The extract form this plant is also useful to protect the skin from being damaged due the harmful radiations of the sun.
5.Helps in treating urinary tract infections.
Intake of extracts from the Echinacea plant also helps in treating urinary tract infections.
6.Might prevent swine flu.
Research conducted in the recent past reveals that Echinacea plant contains some substances that are helpful in the prevention and treatment of swine flu a disease that took a huge toll of life in the past.
7.Treats many other conditions.
Echinacea plant has also been found useful in treating diseases like vaginal yeast or candida infections, sinusitis ear infections (otitits), hay fever and herpes.
There are numerous benefits of consuming and applying Echinacea plant, but pregnant and lactating women should not consume the extracts of the plant as it might cause birth defects in the developing fetus. Similarly, immune-compromised people should also avoid the use of Echinacea plant as it might accelerate conditions like tuberculosis, cancer, and HIV AIDS.
