Echinacea is a powerful and beneficial herb used by people around the world to maintain good health. Every part of the plant, from the roots to the flower petals, is bursting with vital nutrients. With a reputation as a natural cold remedy, many people enjoy echinacea in one form or another, whether as a tea, a supplement, or even the raw plant. Here, we’ll look at ten impressive ways echinacea can support your health.
The health benefits of echinacea include its ability to boost the immune system,reduces inflammation,laxative,calming agent,fights infections,treat respiratory problems,improves skin problems,helps in improving mental health,tonsillitis,acid indigestion,malaria and typhoid and antioxidants.
What is Echinacea Herb?
Echinacea is an herb which is natively found in North America. This herb has been used as traditional herbal remedy for more than 400 years. There are several species of Echinacea plant which are used as a remedy to various problems and diseases.
Echinacea is an herb which is easily available as an over-the-counter medicine. The herb is also known as Coneflower, Purple Coneflower, Black Sampson, Kansas Coneflower, and American Coneflower. The Echinacea plant can be used in various ways – the whole plant can be used after it has been dried properly, the roots of the plants can also be used, and a mixture of any two parts of the plant can be consumed.
Echinacea is one of the most popular therapeutic herb in the world. It has been used to treat and prevent common cold, flu and infections. The herb contains Vitamin C, essential oils, and polysaccharides.
How does Echinacea Herb work?
It has been seen that Echinacea herb stimulates the immune system of the body and hence strengthens the body which helps in fighting off cold, flu, cough, sore throat, and infections. It has also been seen that Echinacea herb has been useful in relieving pain and reducing inflammation. Echinacea herb has been used to treat bacterial infections as well. Allergies and skin disorders can also be cured with the help of Echinacea Herb.
12 Surprising Health Benefits of Echinacea Herb for Kids
Echinacea herb has been used to treat diseases in children for a very long time. The herb is completely safe and can be consumed by children of all ages. Here is a list of 12 amazing health benefits of Echinacea Herb for Children
Boosts the Immune System
Newborn babies and young children have Immune Systems which are still in the developing stage. Therefore, they are prone to catch diseases. Echinacea Herb can be used to boost their immune system and protect them from common diseases. Common cold, flu, cough, sore throat, seasonal allergies affect the children and can easily be prevented by the consumption of Echinacea Herb. Through various surveys, it has been found that Echinacea herb can reduce the chances of catching a cold by 58%.
Reduces Inflammation
Echinacea herb has been used to reduce inflammation for a long time. Any swelling or redness on the body of your child could be due to various reasons. An unhealthy diet, poor sleep habits, toxins in the food could be one of the possible reason for redness and inflammation. Consuming Echinacea herb works by alleviating tissue irritation which in turn reduces inflammation.
Laxative
Echinacea has been known to treat stomach problems for many centuries. Gastrointestinal tract infections are very common in children between the ages of 5-12. Echinacea herb can be used as a mild laxative, is a calming agent and can be used to treat constipation problems. Herbal tea made from the leaves of the Echinacea plant should be given to the child twice a day for best results.
Calming Agent
The Vitamin C present in Echinacea herb has a soothing and calming effect on the human body. For outer irritations and burns, a paste made from the leaves of the Echinacea plant can be applied directly to the affected area.
Fights Infections
Echinacea is an amazing remedy for a whole range of infections. Bloodstream infections are also treated by this herb. Drinking the herbal tea made from Echinacea plant leaves can be enough to treat small infections but if your child suffers from some serious infection, supplements would be the way to go.
Treat Respiratory Problems
As Echinacea plant has immune boosting properties, many of the major respiratory problems can be cured. The anti-inflammatory properties are a bonus along with the immune-boosting effect. Upper respiratory issues like Asthma, Tuberculosis, Strep Throat, Common Cold etc. can easily be relieved by Echinacea herb.
Improves Skin Problems
Echinacea herb is one of the best natural ways to treat skin problems. The herb benefits the skin profusely. Research has shown that the herb heals the skin by speeding up the process of regeneration of skin cells. Stings, skin infections, inflammatory skin conditions, and bites can be healed easily by application of a past of Echinacea plant leaves on the affected area.
Helps in improving mental health
Anxiety, depression, and stress are problems which are common in the youth these days. Small children also suffer from these problems. Echinacea is a recommended herb for the improvement of mental health. This herb also helps in the mental development of your child. The first few years of your child is the stage where most of the mental development takes place.
Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is one of the most common problems in children. Children suffer from tonsillitis every few months. This makes eating food and swallowing extremely painful. An over-the-counter medicine which contains Echinacea herb or it’s extract can be taken to relieve your child of Tonsillitis.
Acid Indigestion
Echinacea herbal tea can be used to treat acidity. The Vitamin C present in the herb has a soothing effect. Acidity, indigestion, stomachaches, and other digestive problems can easily be treated by Echinacea herb.
Malaria and Typhoid
Infections and diseases like Malaria and Typhoid can be treated by consuming Echinacea herb. The immune system boosting property and the anti-inflammatory property are one of the major healing properties of the herb. These help in relieving pain and healing the body. The herb also helps in building a stronger body and prevents the child from catching these diseases again.
Antioxidants
Echinacea herb has constituents which are great antioxidants. Vitamin C. Zinc. Flavonoids and Selenium are a few constituents, which are great antioxidants. Antioxidants are extremely important for our body and the Echinacea provides these to the body. Antioxidants are important for children due to their higher physical activity as compared to adults.
Precautions
High doses of Echinacea may have some severe side effects. High consumption of the herb can cause dizziness and nausea. Consumers should be careful while consuming Echinacea herb. If taken orally, there are fewer chances of developing any allergies and having any side effects. Children who are sensitive to pollens should exercise caution while consuming or using Echinacea herb or products which contain the herb.
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