It's a common belief that Echinacea protects against certain health problems, including the flu and the common cold. It also has dermatological uses; it can help to eliminate acne and other skin infections. Its positive health benefits have yet to be verified within the scientific community, though. Research is still underway to determine whether Echinacea can be used to treat various types of respiratory infections.
Echinacea is also used to aid people with weight loss, treat fatigue, and lessen the effects of indigestion. In addition to using it to treat snake bites, Aboriginals also used to use it to treat smallpox, toothaches, and the measles. There can be gastrointestinal side effects associated with use of this herb.
One may also experience an allergic reaction such as a rash when taken by mouth. If you have a history of being allergic to daisies, or have asthma you are more likely to be allergic to Echinacea. The herb can be dried or used fresh to make teas, juice, and other extracts. It contains a wide variety of nutrients including vitamins A,C, and E. It also contains carbohydrates, copper, iron, protein, and fatty acids.
After being adopted by the settlers as a therapeutic plant, Echinacea has become a very popular herb. Over the past 10 years it has been one of the best selling herbs in the United States. While research is still being done on the herb, it has been proven by many herbalists that it has a wide range of benefits.
