While most people have had influenza, or the flu, it is sometimes confused with a cold, but the flu generally hits you faster than a cold and is more severe. Typical flu symptoms include chills, headache, congestion, a dry cough, a fever over 100 degrees, aches, tiredness and weakness. If you have these symptoms, echninacea is one natural method that might ease them and help you get over it quicker. Consult your doctor before taking echinacea for the flu.
Identification
The echinacea plant is sometimes called a purple cone flower because of its cone-like center surrounded by purple petals. Echinacea originates in the U.S. Midwest. The plant has chemicals that give it its healing benefits, such as glycoproteins, alkamides, polysaccharides and flavonoids.
Benefits
The main benefit of echinacea is its ability to boost the immune system, which means it can help prevent illnesses such as the flu and help your body fight it off quicker. People tend to get over the cold and flu more quickly and have eased symptoms when they take echinacea, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. More research is needed to determine if echinacea is an effective treatment method.
Application
The echinacea herb is typically available in capsule form or in tea form, but also can be found in extracts and tinctures. Echinacea is sometimes combined with other herbs, such as goldenseal. The dried herb is crushed or the oils are extracted from the plant for the different forms. Extracts are made by simmering an herb in water and tinctures are herb extracts made with high proof alcohol, according to Nerys Purchon in "The Essential Natural Health Bible."
Dose
For the flu, take one of the following doses: 1 to 2 g of the herb in tea form, 300 mg of powdered extract, 0.75 ml of fresh extract or 1 to 3 ml tincture of echinacea, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. Take any form three times a day for seven to 10 days.
Warning
Herbs are not regulated by the FDA, so use caution when taking them and choose trustworthy brands. Herbs can counteract medications you are taking and can cause side effects. Specifically, do not use echinacea if you have an autoimmune disease or liver disorder. Echinacea sometimes causes allergic reactions, especially if you are prone to them. Speak to your doctor before using echinacea to treat the flu.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Influenza (Flu) Symptoms
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Echinacea
- "The Essential Natural Health Bible"; Nerys Purchon; 2006
- "Mayo Clinic Guide to Alternative Medicine 2007"; Mayo Clinic; 2007
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