Echinacea is a medicinal plant, also known as Cone Flower, Purple or Rudbéquia, widely used as a home remedy in the treatment of colds and flus, alleviating nasal discharge and cough, mainly for its anti-inflammatory and antiallergic properties. .
The scientific name for this plant is Echinacea spp. and the best known species are Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea angustifolia, which are shaped like pink flower and sold in various forms such as root, dried leaves and even capsules, which can be found to buy in pharmacies, health stores, flea markets and some supermarkets, in the form of sachets.
- Echinacea is a plant with many benefits and is commonly used to relieve cold and flu symptoms and to help treat respiratory infections.
- Urinary tract infections.
- Thrush.
- Tooth and gum pain.
- Rheumatoid arthritis and viral or bacterial diseases.
- Due to its properties:.
In addition, it can also be used to treat wounds and as a disinfectant for abscesses, boils, superficial wounds, burns and poisonings such as snake bites.
However, in these cases, it is recommended that you first seek the assistance of a GP to know the causes of these symptoms and to indicate the most appropriate conventional treatment and only after initiating complementary treatment with echinacea.
The used parts of echinacea are root, leaves and flowers, which can be taken in different ways, such as:
Echinacea tea is an excellent solution for flu and colds, as it relieves symptoms such as coughing and runny nose.
Ingredients
Preparation mode
Put 1 teaspoon of roots or echinacea leaves in a cup of boiling water. Let stand for 15 minutes, strain and drink twice a day. Learn about other natural options for flu and colds.
Echinacea can also be used on the skin by applying a paste made from echinacea roots and leaves.
Ingredients
Preparation mode
Knead the leaves and roots of the echinacea with a mortar until a paste forms. Then apply to the affected area with a cloth soaked in hot water.
Echinacea can also be found in capsules and tablets, in pharmacies or health food stores, such as Enax or Imunax, for example.
The usual dose is 300 mg to 500 mg, 3 times daily, but a doctor or herbalist should be consulted to administer the correct dose, as it may change from person to person. Learn more about echinacea indications in capsules.
Despite many benefits, echinacea is contraindicated in cases of allergy to plants in the asteraceae family, as well as for patients with HIV, tuberculosis, collagenosis and multiple sclerosis.
In addition, the side effects of echinacea can be passing fever, nausea, vomiting and an unpleasant taste in the mouth after use. Several allergic reactions may also occur, such as itching and worsening asthma attacks.