Echinacea the Immune Booster

Echinacea looks something like a daisy. Echinacea is often referred to as the Purple Coneflower because of its color and shape.

Echinacea was initially a native plant to the North American plains. You will see it grown widely in many gardens nowadays.

Native American’s used the plant for a variety of ailments such as; skin problems like measles, insect and animal bites, wounds and even more serious conditions.

However, these days Echinacea is utilized mainly as an immune system booster and enhancer. This in turn gives our bodies a better chance of resisting and fighting infections and other illnesses.

The question is how does Echinacea assist our bodies in doing this? After all it’s just a plant or is it? While it is true herbs are plants it seems to be more true herbs are plants with concentrated combinations of plant chemicals. Most things in life actually take place by means of different chemical reactions in one form or another.

This particular herb and its combination of plant chemicals are able to increase the potency and the activity of our white blood cells. Think of your white blood cells as defenders of your body or your “White Knights”. If there is an invader many white knights are sent out to do battle with the invader and protect you. Increased amounts of interleukins are also secreted. Interleukins stimulate the growth and activities of certain kinds of white blood cells.

One of the problems over the past few years has been the over prescribing of antibiotics. An antibiotics main use is against bacteria. Problem is they were being used for viruses too. They are not an antiviral but antibacterial.

The interesting thing about plants and their combination of plant chemicals is there ability to assist our bodies in doing a better job at fighting its own battles.

Echinacea is known to have antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties.

There are many different companies offering Echinacea in capsules, pill and liquid form which leads to many different qualities. In general a good quality Echinacea root should make your tongue tingle and salivate.

As with all herbs there can be some side effects. If you are already allergic to plants in the ragweed and marigold family this plant may bother you too. Folks who have systemic problems like TB, lupus or HIV could experience some side effects because of the way it effects their immune system.

It is best not to use Echinacea any longer than about a month and a half without taking a break from it. If you do so then a side effect can be a suppression of the your immune system.

Okay here’s the disclaimer: With any herb, herb supplement, vitamin or mineral always consult your doctor or other healthcare provider before taking any alternative treatments.