The Effectiveness of Echinacea

The Effectiveness of Echinacea 

Echinacea is a wildflower from the western part of the United States. In the autumn, when the plant has finished flowering, they roots can be harvested for their known healing properties. Echinacea has been known to help in treating colds and flues. It has immune building properties that help the body fight and conquer infections.

Many wonder if the root extract is best used as a treatment or a preventative treatment. It holds both properties but seems to work best as a treatment. Echinacea works to shorten the length of colds and other illnesses. It cal also lessen the severity of the symptoms that one can experience during their illness.

There is some debate about how and when to use Echinacea. It is generally thought that it is most effective in the early stages of an illness. It is recommended that at the first sign of illness, to begin taking the recommended dosage. This gives the extract a chance to bond with the cells before the virus can take hold.

Echinacea can be effective in the later stages of a cold as well.  Although the illness has already set into the body, the Echinacea can help clear the bacteria from the body. This may help to speed the recovery process. Echinacea can also help prevent the spread of bacteria in the nose and mouth areas. If your cold has already taken hold, some Echinacea may still do some good.

There is some debate about prolonged use of Echinacea. Not much is known about long term effects, both positive and negative so doctors usually don’t recommend using it for more that 8 weeks. It is also believed that prolonged usage can make the remedy less effective. You body may loose its own ability to fight illness. To break the cycle some suggest taking it for 2 weeks followed by a 3 day rest.

Echinacea has been around for centuries. First discovered by the Native Americans, it has since grown in popularity and usage. Many prefer using Echinacea over antibiotics because of its natural properties. However. Echinacea must be used properly. Prolonged usage can actually have the opposite effect on the body. Echinacea needs to be used when it is most effective. Using it early on is thought to be the best way to get the most out of the substance.

Echinacea is the source of a large amount of debate. However, its healing powers cannot be denied.