1) Native Americans made use of more Echinacea in the treatment of physical ailments than any other plant.
2) Echinacea became part of “formal” medical practice in 1895.
3) Through the 1920’s echinacea was the top selling medicinal plant and the one most often prescribed by physicians. In the years ahead antibiotics eclipsed Echinacea.
4) Echinacea has remained much more popular in Europe than it is in the United States.
5) Herbalists consider echinacea to be useful as a blood purifier and for combating infections.
6) At present echinacea is most often used as a treatment for colds.
7) A German study in 1992 showed echinacea to be effective in reducing symptoms associated with the flu.
8) Echinacea is thought to stimulate the immune system into dealing with viruses more effectively.
9) No single element of enchinacea has been identified as the one with specific medicinal properties.
10) The healing of existing infections is said to be speeded up with the addition of enchinacea.
Though some people who are allergic to pollen from other members of the aster plant family, like ragweed, are also allergic to enchinacea, it is thought to be a very safe substance with no serious side effects of toxicity associated with it.
Enchinacea is available in liquids, tablets, and capsules. Though not among the most popular supplements anymore, it retains a following and is reassuring in its safety.
Copyright © Dennis Becker, 2004.
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