Echinacea purpurea. This is the scientific name for the plant best known as echinacea. Known and appreciated by the Native Americans of North America, it has become one of the most studied plants in the world. This characteristic is due to its importance in medical treatments, such as stimulating the immune system, and preventing the development of respiratory infections and skin conditions.

Echinacea properties

  • Antiallergic;
  • Antibiotics;
  • Anti-inflammatory,
  • Detoxifying;
  • Immunostimulant.

Allied of the immune system

Of all its beneficial actions, the one that most highlights echinacea is its immunostimulating power. This makes it able to strengthen the body’s natural protections and encourages the body to face infectious diseases in general. Flu, colds and other respiratory illnesses do not develop using this plant.

In addition, echinacea works diligently to reduce the effects that anticancer chemotherapy causes in the patient’s body. In this way, it manages to attenuate the negative results that this treatment causes. Also eliminating the toxins present in the body, working in this sense as a “cleaner” of good.

However, it is not only from the inside that this plant becomes an ally of human health. With its anti-inflammatory action, it can be used externally in the treatment of injuries and skin conditions, such as wounds and burns. These actions are related to its anti-infective, healing and regenerating powers.

How to use echinacea?

There are already pills and capsules based on this plant. However, those who prefer a natural remedy over an industrialized one can also benefit from the beneficial properties of echinacea. Therefore, it can be used in the form of a compress, when used in an outdoor region. But also as a herbal tea, to improve ailments inside the body. Its leaves, flowers and roots can be found at online or physical health food stores and at street markets.

Preparing the tea:

Use a teaspoon to pick up chopped leaves or roots. Pour them into a cup and then pour in the hot water. Cover the container and let the mixture rest for approximately 10 minutes. Strain and drink without sweetening. The tip is to drink this drink two to three times a day, preferably between meals.

Precautions and contraindications

Despite being very beneficial, the tea from this plant should be consumed in the indicated amount, thus avoiding some unwanted reactions. As with everything in life, it is necessary to have a balance in the dosage. If this drink is ingested correctly there will be no signs of side effects for the consumer. Therefore, a lot of attention is needed.

It is recommended not to use the plant in the periods of pregnancy and lactation, as well as in patients with tuberculosis, multiple sclerosis, HIV and collagenosis. People who take medication such as corticoids, ketoconazole, among others, need medical authorization to use this natural remedy, considering that echinacea can interact with these and other drugs.