 Nature's
Way
with Alan Hayes
Build your Immunity with Echinacea
Commonly known as 'cone flower', Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia) is one of the most medicinal of all the herbs, and has been used since early times as a blood purifier and to help build up resistance to infection. Mexican Indians used to bind its leaves around wounds to promote healing, to prevent infection and to stop pain, while American Indians used it as a snakebite remedy. Today, it is one of the most popular plants employed by herbalists and over recent years it has received a considerable amount of attention as to its many virtues, especially its reputed ability to boost the immune system and to ease the symptoms of cold and 'flu.
It has a long history of herbal use as an immuno-stimulant and natural antitoxin. Although why or how much of this herb stimulates the immune system is still undetermined. However, modern scientific research appears to support its immune building properties, along with its ability to act as an external antiseptic.
Used internally, it is said to help prevent and ease influenza and to reduce the frequency and severity of attacks of herpes simplex, and when used as an external antiseptic it will help slow healing wounds. The juice extracted from the fresh flowers is a natural antiseptic that can be used externally to treat bacterial infections and vaginal thrush.
This attractive perennial herb can be grown in home gardens in most parts of Australia. The beautiful purple petals that radiate from its dark cone-shaped centre somewhat resemble the commonly grown black-eyed Susan. Echinacea seeds, which are found in its cone-shaped centre, are used in a herbal tea for treating all sorts of infections, fevers, and bites.
During the hay fever season, and when sinusitis is prevalent, Echinacea will provide antimicrobial support to keep the many bugs that flourish in our mucus-filled sinuses under control.
Echinacea is available from health food stores in tablet or capsule form, or as a herbal tea, and may be taken internally as a botanical antibiotic. Its reputation for stimulating the immune system makes it an excellent tonic for treating coughs, colds, flu and other infections, as well as for easing allergies.
Many herbalists now recommend that a daily preventive dose of this herb be taken to enhance the immune system and lessen the chance of catching colds and flu. However, follow the directions on the tablets, capsules or tea, or as directed by your health practitioner.
During winter you may find that Echinacea is the perfect natural choice to help build up your immunity so you don't catch a cold, or to help alleviate its symptoms. To make your own Echinacea herbal tea, steep one teaspoon of the dried seeds in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain, reheat, sweeten with honey if desired, and drink as hot as possible three to four times daily when suffering from cold or flu; or drink a cup of the tea morning and night as a preventive.
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