Echinacea - is it a cure against the common cold and flu?

Echinacea is a native North American herb. Native Americans used it extensively to treat a large number of ailments from infections to snake bites. Echinacea purpurea is the most common variety of the echinacea plant. It is also one of the most popular of herbs sold in North America. It is very common in European countries such as Germany where it is routinely prescribed for those suffering from colds and flu. Researchers from German found that maximum effect of echinacea comes within 3 to 6 days after taking echinacea. Therefore, in order to fight a cold or flu it should be taken well before the first symptoms of a cold or flu appears.

Extracts usually come in liquid form from the root of the E. purpurea plant. Echinacea is also available in capsule or tablet, dried root, herbal tea and cream/gel forms. Cream and gel preparations when applied externally helps improve eczema, psoriasis and other inflammatory conditions. It also enhances wound healing. Echinacea should not be taken if you have severe infections such as pneumonia, or symptoms persist or get worse. Always consult a physician if in doubt, however, no known side effects have ever been documented from taking this herb.

Over the past 30 years more than 500 studies have been made of echinacea. The results from these studies suggest that this herbal plant works through a process known as phagocytosis. This process encourages white blood cells and lymphocytes to attack invading organisms. Scientific research, mostly done in Europe, has shown echinacea to show the following benefits:

• increase immune function
• promote T-cell activation
• aids wound healing
• reduces inflammation
• acts as an antibiotic against bacteria, viruses and other organisms.
• protects healthy cells against harmful bacteria
• slows spread of infection and flush toxins from infected areas.
• aids in fighting flu and colds

Perhaps we should take the advice of our ancestors who were in close touch with nature and embrace the therapeutic power of this curious purple coneflower herb which has served us very well for many centuries.