Echinacea
Echinacea is one of the most popular herbs used to support your health. This is a perennial plant that is natives to areas East of the Rocky Mountains in the United States, as well as in the western States, Canada, and Europe.
Echinacea has tall stems and a single pinkish purple flower with a spiky seedhead in the center that is usually purple or brown. The medicinal properties of Echinacea is make from its leaves, flowers, and roots. Echinacea has been used for centuries by Native American tribes to support overall health and promote immune system function. Later, settlers followed the Indians' example and began using echinacea for medicinal purposes as well.
Today, echinacea is primarily used to support immune system health and function, especially used for common colds and infections. This is because echinacea contains a number of potentially beneficial substances like polysaccharides, glycoproteins, volatile oils, and flavonoids. Echinacea seems to activate chemicals in the body that decrease inflammation, which might reduce cold and flu symptoms. Laboratory research also suggests that echinacea can stimulate the body's immune system. Echinacea seems to contain some chemicals that can also attack yeast and other kinds of fungi directly.
There are a number of ways to take Echinacea including tablets, juice/ liquid, and tea.
