What Are The Benefits Of Echinacea?

What are the benefits of Echinacea?

Whilst Echinacea is well-known for helping to relieve the symptoms of colds and flus, including soothing sore throats whilst helping to strengthen the immune system, traditionally this herb has also been used to help target a number of other ailments including poor blood sugar regulation, acne and inflammation.

4 health benefits of Echinacea you need to know more about?

Traditionally the known health benefits of Echinacea were quite extensive; however, nowadays, the reliable health benefits are a little more contained. Some of the main benefits of Echinacea include:

1. Treating colds, flu and upper respiratory tract infections
2. Strengthening the immune system
3. Increasing the body's resistance to colds and flu
4. Soothing sore throats

Throughout this blog, I go into more detail about these four benefits, as well as touching on some other areas of interest when it comes to the potential health benefits of Echinacea.

1. Treating colds, flu and upper respiratory tract infections

Echinacea has long been used as a treatment for upper respiratory tract infections and the symptomatic relief of colds, influenza type infections and similar upper respiratory tract conditions.

Crucially, tackling colds and flu early with the treatment of Echinacea may help to reduce the duration and severity of the symptoms experienced. Some research helps back this idea as it has been found that Echinacea may help to reduce the duration of bouts of the common cold by up to 1.5 days.¹

2. Strengthening the immune system

Echinacea is made up of a clever combination of active ingredients including polyphenols, alkylamides, polysaccharides and antioxidants. Research into Echinacea has helped us determine how exactly the plant has its beneficial effects in the body and, this is thought to partly be down to the modulating effects it exerts on the immune system.

This means that Echinacea encourages the immune system to respond more appropriately to invading bugs: the very bugs that can give rise to cold and flu infections. In practice, whilst taking Echinacea, the immune system is more able to react suitably if there is a threat in the form of a virus or bacteria but, if we're quite well, it won't risk sending our immune system into overdrive when there isn't an infection present.²

3. Increasing the body’s resistance to colds and flu

So, in line with the research, Echinacea may not only be helpful if you have a current infection, but it could also be used in our bid to help prevent colds and flus too. Research concluded that taking a course of Echinacea during high risk times, such as during winter, could make you up to 58% less likely to fall victim to a cold or flu infection.¹

4. Soothing sore throats

Whilst many of the benefits of Echinacea are systemic, more localised benefits have also been put into practice traditionally, plus they have been subject to research in more recent times.
For this reason, Echinacea can be used to relieve the symptoms of sore throats associated with coughs, colds and flu, and has been found to be comparable to conventional medications for sore throats.³

Are there any side effects?

Generally, Echinacea is well tolerated. Just as with any medicine or remedy, when it comes to side effects they can't be completely ruled out; but, you should know that they are very rare.
Side effects could occur in those who are allergic to Echinacea or members of the daisy family. It should also be noted that those with autoimmune conditions should refrain from using Echinacea products.

Can I overdose on Echinacea?

Although taking too much is unlikely to be harmful, if you take too much and feel ill, you should always talk to your doctor. Taking more than the recommended dose at one time will not give you an enhanced effect so always stick to the instructions on the product information leaflet.

Learn more about Echinacea in my self care video:

References:

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17597571/
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15556647/
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19748859/

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