by Rhonda Buffington

Created on: December 16, 2009

There are nine known species of echinacea, all of which are native to the United States and southern Canada. Echinacea Purpurea is the most commonly used and most herbalists believe it to be the most potent. The purple coneflower is a striking flower which grows to approximately three feet high and two and a half feet wide, sometimes larger.

~~ Common Names ~~

Echinacea, Purple coneflower, American coneflower, Coneflower

~~ Uses ~~

Echinacea stimulates the immune system to help fight infections. Basically, this tincture is used to kick start your immune system. At the blood level it accelerates Phagocytosis, the way your body attacks and removes bacteria. Without a large amount of unburdened antibodies to work with, echinacea's capacity to fight infection is limited to antiseptic actions. This means for this herb to work at it's best, timing is very important. You should take your tincture at the first onset of infectious symptoms.

A common treatment for a sore throat is using the echinacea tincture by squirting ½ dropper at the back of your throat as soon as your throat starts to feel scratchy. Keep in mind that most tinctures are made using alcohol, so you will definitely know when that tincture hits the back of your throat. For those who do not want tinctures that are extracted with alcohol, you can also purchase tinctures that are made with glycerin.

Echinacea is a mild natural antibiotic on the level of penicillin; it activates the body's immune system, which increases the body's ability to fight off most diseases. To use echinacea, put a half dropper full of tincture into a small glass and add a small amount of juice for each dose throughout the day. The juice is used to mask the alcohol taste. Some choose to add the tincture to their coffee.

Studies have shown that small doses of echinacea taken a few times a day will have better results than larger doses. A good rule of thumb for any herbal remedy is two weeks on, one week off. That will give your body time to work on it's own and determine if you need to continue treatment.

Stimulating the immune system, echinacea is also used to prevent urinary tract infections in men and women. Women with chronic yeast infections have also found echinacea tincture helpful.

Perhaps you would like to try this herb as a tea or lemonade. Try this Hot Ginger-Echinacea Lemonade, find a recipe that you want to try or create your own drink for a healthy start every day.

Hot Ginger-Echinacea Lemonade

2 cups boiling water

1 tsp dried Echinacea flowers or roots

1 tsp finely chopped fresh ginger root

juice of 1 freshly squeezed lemon

1 tsp honey

In a bowl or teapot, pour the boiling water over the echinacea and ginger root. Cover and steep for 10-15 minutes. Add the lemon juice and honey and stir. Serve warm.

(Growing 101 Herbs that Heal)

Echinacea is one herb that has shown its effectiveness over and over for many people. It's a natural approach that doesn't cost a fortune and it works. If you have never tried echinacea, it is an herb that is worth trying and I'm sure you will agree that it is a wonderful and effective herb.

The information provided is not intended to substitute for the medical advice of your medical doctor. Always contact your physician before starting any medication, including alternative medicine.

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