Learn 5 potential Echinacea benefits in this blog post.
Does the change of the season have you reaching for the box of tissues? Or maybe it’s your eyes that are constantly watering and itching, or your head feels like you’re walking around in a fog? Seasonal health challenges can pop up in many ways, and the symptoms are down-right annoying! Over-the-counter or prescription medications might help mask your symptoms temporarily, but why not try herbal options from Mother Nature? After all, she is the one wreaking havoc on your respiratory system, right? Read on to learn how Echinacea benefits your health.
Top Echinacea Benefits
You’ve probably heard people talk about Echinacea. It’s become a highly popular herbal supplement to assist with the symptoms of seasonal change. But, what exactly is it? Well, Echinacea comes from a plant, often referred to as the coneflower. There are several different species of this plant, but they are all native to North America and have been used medicinally for centuries by Native American tribes. Echinacea is thought to be particularly helpful, because it promotes a strong and healthy immune system, which in turn means that the body can fight more effectively against potentially harmful microbes. Different parts of the plant are used regularly including the flowers, leaves, and roots. Echinacea can be taken orally in supplement form, ingested through teas, or used topically in creams, lotions, or ointments.
There are many potential Echinacea benefits to your health. Here are five that may help you…
01. Supports a Healthy Immune System – This is perhaps the most widely known of the Echinacea benefits. Many people turn to these supplements in hopes of avoiding the symptoms of seasonal health challenges, or to shorten their stay if the symptoms have already started. More research is needed to understand exactly how much of an impact Echinacea may have on our health, but there are studies that show that it works. Experts say some of the common seasonal symptoms that Echinacea may help with include:
- Sneezing, Runny Nose
- Itchy, Watery Eyes
- Sore Throat, Coughing
- Sinus Pressure, Headaches
02. May Temporarily Alleviate Minor Pain – Another Echinacea benefit that doesn’t get as much exposure is its potential to act as a natural painkiller. Researchers say Echinacea works as a natural anti-inflammatory and may temporarily help relieve minor pain. The Native Americans commonly used the plant for this purpose.
03. May Help Soothe Skin Irritations – Echinacea was also commonly used by the Native Americans as a way to treat snake bites. Today, it’s commonly found in many creams and ointments that are used to soothe insect bites, rashes, and other skin irritations. You can even find it in shampoos and conditioners to help support and maintain a healthy scalp.
04. Promotes Healthy Digestion – Drinking Echinacea tea may help keep things moving in the bathroom as well. Researchers say another Echinacea benefit is that is seems to support a healthy digestive tract by gently loosening the bowels and encouraging regularity in the bathroom. Just watch how much you drink as there can be too much of a good thing!
05. May Support Overall Health – Because Echinacea is known for supporting a strong and healthy immune system, it can be a real asset to the body. In particular, Echinacea seems to have an impact in these areas.
- Healthy Vaginal Yeast Levels
- Urinary Tract Health
- Oral Health
What are your go-to Echinacea benefits? We’d love to hear about your routine for natural seasonal health support in the comments below!
No comments yet.