The Benefits of Echinacea in Cold Relief

INTRODUCTION

Echinacea is one of the most often used plants in America. The Native American herb echinacea got its name from the enormous, conical seed head's spiky scales, which looked like the spines of a furious hedgehog (echinos is Greek for hedgehog).

ABOUT ECHINACEA

It is a blooming plant that flourishes in North America and has long been used for medicinal purposes. Nine species are present. It goes by the names purple coneflower and black-eyed Susan, among others. Teas, liquid extracts, and supplements are made from the leaves, stems, flowers, and roots.

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

Evidence discovered by archaeologists suggests that Native Americans may have used echinacea for more than 400 years to treat wounds and illnesses as well as a general “cure-all.” Scarlet fever, syphilis, malaria, blood poisoning, and diphtheria have all been treated with echinacea throughout history. Despite being widely used in the 18th and 19th centuries, this herb's use started to diminish in the United States once antibiotics were developed. Through the 20th century, echinacea preparations gained popularity in Germany.In true terms, Germany has been the center of echinacea scientific study.

Echinacea decreased cold risk by 58% and cold duration by 1 to 4 days, according to a study of clinical trials. However, several experts dispute these findings, claiming the study had a lot of errors. Various echinacea preparations have been tested in clinical trials. It's crucial to get a high-quality echinacea supplement and to start taking it as soon as a cold starts, numerous times each day for the first few days.

FOR COLD TREATMENT

Echinacea is now used to shorten the duration of the common cold and the flu, as well as to lessen symptoms including fever, coughing, and sore throats (pharyngitis). Echinacea is another plant that many herbalists advise using to strengthen the immune system and aid the body in fighting illnesses.It is debatable if echinacea aids in the prevention or treatment of the common cold. According to certain research, the herb can hasten your recovery.

Others claim that echinacea has no effect at all on a cold. People who take echinacea as soon as they begin to feel poorly have milder colds and experience less symptoms than those who do not, based to many clinical studies.In a study of 95 patients who had fever, runny nose, scratchy throat, and other early signs of the flu and cold, it was discovered that those who drank many cups of echinacea tea daily for five days felt well more quickly than those who drank tea without the herb.For advice, consult your health care practitioner.

EICHENESIA IN DIFFERENT FORMS

Echinacea is available Fresh or dried,It is  occasionally used as a food supplement in teas, pills, or extracts in juice. It is also available as pills for topical application to the skin.

IS IT SAFE ?

Echinacea may be helpful in treating the common cold, but the risks are unknown. An unsettled stomach is the most frequent adverse effect.But allergic responses can happen to some people such as :

• Rashes
• symptoms of asthma getting worse
• A potentially fatal emergency known as anaphylaxis can make breathing difficult.
• If you are allergic to other members of the daisy family, you may be more likely to react to echinacea.

CONCLUSION

There may be health advantages to echinacea, which often has no negative consequences. But occasionally, taking echinacea supplements could be risky.Echinacea supplements should not be taken by people who are on certain medications such as diabetes, hypertension immunosuppressants etc since they may interact with the drug. Consulting a healthcare professional before consuming eichenesia is recommended.