Native Americans used Echinacea for toothaches, snakebites, insect stings, and infections. The herb was used by some individual tribes for headaches, swollen glands, and stomach cramps. Echinacea was highly regarded and used more than any other herb for illness and injury. Early colonists were interested in herbs like Echinacea for their use in healing. The colonists relied on the natives to learn of the medicinal plants. Dr. John King mentioned that this herb contains benefits as a blood purifier and is also an alterative in his medical journal in 1887. The herb lost its praise during the early twentieth century, but was rediscovered around 1980 and is very popular for treating colds and flu.

This herb is used for many different ailments. It is used as a blood purifier against strep and staph infections. Also, it is known to fight chemical toxic poisoning in the body. It has been used as a treatment for candida yeast infections, as it has the ability to kill fungus. Echinacea is beneficial for blood poisoning, ulcers, tuberculosis, pyorrhea, childhood diseases, spinal meningitis, and gangrene. This herb is probably the best-known herbal immune booster and has been found to help with many immune functions. Ongoing research as to the immune-strengthening effects of Echinacea has found its ability to affect many different immune functions.

Echinacea stabilizes the white blood cell count in the body, as it contains antiviral properties that are known to increase the activity of white blood cells. This allows them to do their job of fighting and destroying toxic organisms that invade the body. Echinacea is known to increase the red blood cell count, which helps to remove waste from the body. This herb contains antiseptic properties, which helps to cleanse the body and reduce pain with external and internal injuries.

Multiple studies have been done to examine the healing abilities and benefits of echinacea. Extracts of echinacea root have been found to help stimulate the production of interferon and other immune activities. Numerous studies have found that these immune activities help to enhance the immune response.

One of the greatest benefits of echinacea is its ability to prevent and shorten the duration of the common cold and flu. Almost everyone is faced with a bout of cold of flu during the winter months, but these bouts can be prevented or lessened in severity. Another use for echinacea is in treatment of some forms of cancer and tumors. Echinacea has the ability to stimulate macrophages to fight tumor cells. Research has found echinacea is effective in fighting tumor and infectious disease. This herb may also help to increase the white blood cells for those individuals that are undergoing radiation treatments.

The root, flowers, and leaves of the echinacea plant are used to provide adaptogen, alterative, antibiotic, antinoplastic antiseptic, antiviral, blood purifier, carminative, demulcent, digestive, sialagogue, stimulant, and vulnerary properties. The primary nutrients found in this herb are calcium, iodine, iron, potassium, sulfur, and vitamins A, C, and E. Primarily, echinacea is extremely beneficial in dealing with acne, blood impurities, boils, ear infection, glandular problems, weak immune system, infection, lymphatic problems, mouth sores, excessive mucus, peritonitis, blood poisoning, prostate problems, skin disorders, and wounds. Additionally, this herb is very helpful in treating bites, bronchitis, cancer, diphtheria, eczema, fevers, flu, gangrene, gastric disorders, gingivitis, hemorrhages, laryngitis, pyorrhea, strep throat, syphilis, sore throat, typhoid fever, and tonsillitis.

You can find quality herbs like Echinacea at your local or internet vitamin store. Always choose name brands like Solaray to ensure purity and authenticity of the product you buy for better health.

Author Bio: Get some Echinacea for immune health at VitaNet ®, LLC Discount Vitamin Store. http://vitanetonline.com/

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: Echinacea, Immune health, Blood Purifier Herbs, Immune System herbs