1. More Than a Prickly, Purple Daisy
Echinacea, the Native American medicinal plant that resembles a large, lavender daisy with prickly petals, has been used for over 400 years as a general cure-all for many ailments. The nine species all grow easily in the United States and in southern Canada, with Echinacea purpurea being the most potent and most popular. The name of Echinacea comes from the Greek word for hedgehog, "echinos," as the spines of the prickly scales resemble that of an angry hedgehog. You will also hear it referred to as the purple coneflower or the American coneflower.
2. Popular Long Before Antibiotics
During the 18th and 19th centuries, people used Echinacea to treat numerous diseases such as malaria, syphilis, diphtheria, blood poisoning and scarlet fever. Once antibiotics became popular in the United States, they became the favorite choice for curing these maladies. In Germany, however, Echinacea continues to be the object of much scientific research and a popular choice over antibiotics.
3. The Layman's Choice for the Home Medicine Cabinet
The common everyday ailments that beset people, such as a cold or flu, sore throats, fevers and coughs, still succumb to the layman's use of Echinacea. Herbalists recommend it to boost one's immune system and fight off these nuisance infections. They also recommend it for fighting many other infections such as athlete's foot, hay fever, sinusitis, vaginal yeast (candida), urinary tract infections and ear infections. Many apply a paste of Echinacea to open wounds and skin problems, boils and acne.
4. Situations for Avoiding Echinacea
While many consider Echinacea to be an awesome immune system protector, certain physical problems do better without it. People with any type of white blood cell disorder, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, leukemia, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, collagen disorders or autoimmune disorders must avoid taking it without direct instructions from a medical doctor. Scientists have not determined if Echinacea might be harmful to the fetus of a pregnant woman. In Germany, scientists have determined that this herb loses its effectiveness after eight consecutive weeks, so give the body rest from it for a time.
5. If Ragweed Makes You Sneeze, Think Twice Before Taking Echinacea
If you sneeze when smelling a daisy you might want to avoid Echinacea. If one member of the daisy family-- ragweed, marigolds and chrysanthemums--tends to create a reaction in you, anticipate reactions from the other members. It's also wise for anyone with known allergies to many things to not take Echinacea. He may or may not have a reaction to it.
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