The chemical composition of Echinacea is very rich. The basis of the herb includes various substances necessary for the proper functioning of organs and systems. For this reason, the plant has found wide application in many areas. For medicinal purposes, all its parts are used – flower, stem, root, leaves.
Echinacea contains:
The medicinal plant also contains enzymes, amino acids, phenolic compounds, microelements, oils, fatty acids, antioxidants and tannins.
Useful properties of echinacea: Increases the body’s resistance to infectious and viral diseases Strengthens the non-specific immune system Helps cope with headaches Powerful antimicrobial protection Effective diuretic Accelerates the healing process. Anti-inflammatory and wound-healing agent, relieves itching and irritation. The purple clusters of these flowers are unusually beautiful. But the main wealth of this flower is hidden underground. The most healing properties of echinacea are in its root. The roots contain glycoside of caffeic acid, which increases the body’s resistance to infectious and viral diseases, accelerates the healing process. Another component – echinacea , has cortisone-like activity and accelerates wound healing. Modern research has proven that the flower is able to accelerate the regeneration of the skin and mucous membranes, thus promoting their restoration. Researchers at the US Department of Agriculture have discovered that the components of this plant are able to suppress tumor growth. Echinacea can be used both as a general tonic and as an adjuvant in the treatment of various diseases, especially chronic ones. The mineral composition of the plant allows the flower to have a beneficial effect on the processes of hematopoiesis, it also improves the condition of hair, nails, takes care of teeth and bones, but only if you take the plant in a course when necessary, and not on a permanent basis. Echinacea is considered a powerful antioxidant that slows down aging, neutralizes free radicals and improves the condition of depression, nervous exhaustion and fatigue. According to numerous studies, the inclusion of echinacea-based drugs in the therapy of colds can reduce the duration of the disease and alleviate its course. In clinical practice with proven experience of use, drugs are widely used, in the production of which the juice of freshly picked plants was used (for example, Immunal , Immunal plus C , Echinacea Vilar , Immunorm-Teva , Immunorm , Gerbion Echinacea, Echinacea Hexal ). You can combine echinacea with other useful herbs and fruits, such as rose hips, lemon balm and others, and brew a healthy tea to improve overall health and strengthen the body’s defenses. Echinacea is indicated for dry cough, bronchitis, tracheitis or bronchial asthma – for all these diagnoses, external use of echinacea is indicated. Rub the chest, the area under the shoulder blades with an alcohol tincture or ointment with an extract of the plant. Echinacea penetrates deep into the dermis, warms up, relieves muscle spasms , removes inflammation and swelling of organs. It helps to separate phlegm and remove mucus, and when the cough becomes wet, you should stop taking echinacea. Inhalations with echinacea drops are also useful, especially for asthma and a lingering cough. This is a safe and effective way to treat and alleviate the course of the disease, so doctors can prescribe inhalations to children. Echinacea can be a useful preventative measure during a herpes epidemic, including the mucous membrane of internal organs. At the same time, it is noted that it is better to buy pharmacy drugs, since home ointments and tinctures may not have the desired effect in time.
Side effects may occur if the plant is abused, so it is recommended to follow a course of treatment for no longer than 2 weeks and not to take medications without a doctor’s prescription.
It is not recommended to use the plant in case of :
Only a doctor can prescribe immunomodulatory drugs for autoimmune diseases; you should never prescribe them to yourself!
Echinacea preparations can be dangerous if you have unstable blood pressure. Echinacea tinctures should be taken less than the prescribed dose, or completely excluded if a person suffers from hypertension or ischemia. Since taking echinacea in these cases can lead to irreversible consequences.
You cannot take herbal ingredients with alcohol – this will enhance the effect of the latter .
Be aware of possible allergic reactions.
Long-term use of echinacea can cause pulmonary edema.
This is a good preventative measure, but its effect is most effective in the first 10 days.
Taking echinacea for too long can deplete your immune system. More is not better.
It is recommended to consult a doctor before use.
Source: https://zdravbud.net/new/ekhinatseya-echinacea