THEechinacea, Also called purple sun hat, is one of the most popular herbs in the world.
(Native Americans have used it for centuries to treat various ailments!)
Today it is better known as herbal remedy counter for the municipality cold o influence; however, it is also used to treat pain, inflammation, migraines, and other health problems.
Index
What is echinacea?
It is a group of pious
Only three are used in herbal supplements: purpurea, angustifolia, and pallida.
Let there be upper parts that the roots of the plant are used in tablets, tinctures, extracts and teas.
Echinacea plants contain an impressive variety of active compounds, such as caffeic acid, alkamides, phenolic acids, rosmarinic acid, polyacetylenes and many others.
Additionally, studies have linked echinacea and its compounds to many health benefits, such as reduction of inflammation, improved immunity , reduction of levels cup sugar in the blood.
High antioxidant content
Echinacea plants are rich in plant compounds that work like antioxidants.
Antioxidants are molecules that help defend cells from oxidative stress, a condition that has been linked to chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease and many others.
These antioxidants appear to be higher in plant fruit and flower extracts than in other parts, such as leaves and roots.
Also, plants contain compounds called alkamides, which can renew worn out antioxidants and help them better reach molecules that are prone to oxidative stress.
Benefits
Immune system
This plant can help the immune system fight flu and cold viruses and infections.
Sugar in the blood
It can lower blood sugar levels; extracts from echinacea suppress enzymes that digest carbohydrates and make cells more sensitive to the effects of insulin.
States of anxiety
Echinacea plants contain compounds that help reduce anxiety.
Anti-inflammatory properties
Helps reduce important inflammatory markers; it can help in therapy for osteoarthritis, chronic pain and swelling.
Skin problems
Echinacea extracts can help fight the propionibacterium, responsible for acne and have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Cancer
This plant can help suppress the growth of cancer cells and trigger their death.
Effetti collaterali
Echinacea products appear to be safe and well tolerated for short-term use, but there are possible side effects:
- rashes
- itchy skin
- urticaria
- swelling
- stomach ache
- nausea
- shortness of breath
However, these side effects are more common among people with allergies to other flowers, such as daisies, chrysanthemums, calendula, ragweed, and more.
Since echinacea appears to stimulate the immune system, people with autoimmune disorders or people taking immunosuppressive medications should avoid it or consult their doctor first.
Dosage recommendations
There is currently no official dosage recommendation for echinacea.
One reason is that the research results on echinacea are very variable. Additionally, echinacea products often may not contain what is written on the label.
One study found that 10% of echinacea product samples did not contain it.
This is why you should only buy products from reputable brands.