Echinacea: Benefits and Uses

Echinacea is a genus of flowering plants. It is a common ingredient used in some cold remedies.

It is believed that Echinacea supplements help in boosting up the immune system and also decrease symptoms related to different illnesses such as the common cold.

But strong evidence is lacking in this area.

Echinacea uses

1.     Echinacea is High in antioxidants.

Echinacea plants are rich in those plant compounds that act as antioxidants.

Antioxidants are those molecules that are helpful in protecting cells from oxidative stress. This state has been found to be associated with many chronic illnesses like heart diseases, diabetes, and many more.

Some types of antioxidants are cichoric acid, rosmarinic acid, and flavonoids.

Such antioxidants are typically found excessively in fruits and flowers extract than other parts of plants like roots and leaves.

2.     Echinacea for immune System

Echinacea is considered best for providing beneficial effects to the immune system.

Many studies indicated that this plant is helpful in boosting the immune system so that it could fight off viruses and infections and further enhance recovery from diseases.

This is only one reason for Echinacea being used in the treatment and prevention of the common cold.

3.     Echinacea capsules lower blood sugar levels

High blood sugar level leads to increased risk of different health conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other diseases.

Test-tube studies indicated that Echinacea plants are helpful in lowering blood sugar levels.

4.     Echinacea supplement reduces anxiety.

Anxiety is considered as one common problem that occurs in almost every 1 in 5 American adults, as per researches.

Recently, Echinacea plants have gained popularity for their role in anxiety.

Researches have indicated that Echinacea plants have those compounds that help in reducing feelings associated with anxiety. These include caffeic acid, alkamides, and rosmarinic acid.

5.     Echinacea capsules have Anti-inflammatory properties

Inflammation is a natural body response towards injury to promote healing.

In some cases, inflammation gets prolonged than expected and may increase the risk of many chronic diseases and severe health conditions.

Many studies have indicated that the Echinacea plant may also help in reducing high inflammation.

In one study of the mouse, Echinacea compounds were found to decrease some critical markers of inflammation and memory loss occurred due to inflammation.

6.     Echinacea tablets for skin

Researches have indicated that Echinacea plants may provide help in treating skin issues.

In one test-tube study, researchers found out that anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties exhibited by Echinacea may suppress the growth of Propionibacterium, which is one of the common causes of acne.

7.     Ekinase for Cancer

Cancer results from the uncontrolled division of cells.

Test-tube studies indicated that Echinacea plants may help in suppressing cancer cell growth and may even cause the death of cancer cells.

Echinacea side effects

Echinacea products are safe and have a good tolerance for their use in the short term.

Some possible side effects may occur in some people, including:

• Swelling
• Nausea
• Itchy skin and rashes
• Stomachaches
• Shortness of breath
• Hives

But such side effects typically occur in people already having some allergies to some flowers like marigolds, daisies, ragweed, chrysanthemums, and many more.