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Echinacea Angustifolia Herb, Root -Benefits, Uses And Side Effects

Scientific name: Echinacea al1gustifolia

Actions: Alterative, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-putrefactive, anti-venomous, antiseptic, antiviral, deodorant, depurant, aphrodisiac, sialogogue, diaphoretic, aromatic, carminative, bitter, stimulant, vulnerary.

Description

Echinacea angustifolia DC. is an herbaceous perennial and a member of the Asteraceae family.  Commonly called narrow leaf purple coneflower, it has a natural range in North America that includes most of the mid-western states east of the Rocky Mountains.  E. angustifolia grows at a rate of six to eight inches a year to a mature height of twelve to twenty-eight inches.  The leaves are lanceolate to linear-lanceolate, and the flowers are cone-shaped disks with purple, pale pink, or rarely white spreading ray flowers.  The plant has one or more stems that are mostly unbranched, and flowers bloom from June to July.  The taproot of cultivated E. angustifolia is harvested three-to-four years from seed.  It is the root that is believed to contain most of the plant's medicinal value, although the herb is also used

Uses and benefits of Echinacea Angustifolia

• Echinacea is another one of God's greatest herbs.
• It is known as the "immune herb."
• Strengthens and stimulates the immune system.
• It enhances tissue function, especially bone marrow, thymus gland and spleen tissue.
• Has strong antibiotic and antiseptic properties.
• A blood purifier and anti-inflammatory.
• Useful in cases of arthritis and rheumatism.
• Useful in colds, flu, pneumonia, and similar conditions.
• Strengthens cells.
• A blood purifier.
• Very useful in sepsis of the blood or any toxic blood conditions.
• A must in all cancers, tumors, boils and abscesses.
• Great in urinary tract infections and inflammation.
• Useful in prostate conditions.

Topically, echinacea may have anti-infective and anti-inflammatory effects, so it has been applied to treat skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. It is included in other topical products used to relieve conditions as diverse as hemorrhoids and insect bites. Some early evidence from animal studies shows that topical echinacea preparations may also protect skin from damage due to sunlight.

Are there any side effects or interactions?

• People are more likely to experience allergic reactions to echinacea if they are allergic to related plants in the daisy family, which includes ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies. Also, people with asthma or atopy (a genetic tendency toward allergic reactions) may be more likely to have an allergic reaction when taking echinacea.
Because echinacea could, in theory at least, overstimulate the immune system, it could worsen the condition of lupus, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other autoimmune disorders. Consult your doctor before taking the herb if you suffer from any of these disorders.