Years ago Echinacea was the buzz word in herbal supplements.  It was touted as a cure for the common cold. 

While echinacea does have properties to support our immune system, are you aware of the many other benefits this healing botanical has?

In this recent article from Wake Up World, Dr. Edward Group, talks about the other benefits for echinacea that you may have never known:

“10 Impressive Echinacea Benefits to Support Your Health

December 15th, 2017

By Dr. Edward Group

Guest writer for Wake Up World

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.

What Is Echinacea?

A flowering plant native to North America, echinacea has dotted the American landscape in one form or another for hundreds of years. Initially prized by the Native American Sioux Indians as a remedy for snakebites, colic, and infections, it went on to become a wellness staple until the advent of antibiotics. Today, echinacea remains one of America’s most beloved and widely used herbs. Natural cold remedies, cough drops, and organic supplements all cite echinacea as a key ingredient.^[1]Like other herbs, the health benefits of echinacea are owed to its diverse makeup of nutrients, which includes polysaccharides, alkylamides, flavonoids, polyphenols, vitamin C, selenium, and zinc.^[2]

    10 Health Benefits of Echinacea

Americans spend millions of dollars on echinacea supplements every year to support their health. With a long history of therapeutic use, there is a treasure trove of research to support its popularity.

1. Boosts the Immune System

Echinacea can have a powerful impact on the immune system; over 14 clinical trials have confirmed its ability to encourage good health all year long.^[3, 4] Other studies show echinacea to be among the most effective supplements for seasonal wellness.^[5]

2. Reduces Redness and Swelling

Systemic swelling, redness, and discomfort in the body can have multiple sources, including an unhealthy diet or strenuous exercise.^[6] Consuming echinacea or applying skin care products that contain echinacea essential oil can help reduce and alleviate tissue irritation.^[7, 8]

3. Promotes the Health of Cells

Consuming echinacea promotes the health of protective cells in your body. Many of the compounds in echinacea support immune cells and encourage healthy cell growth.^[9, 10]

4. Facilitates Oxygen Transport

Echinacea may improve oxygen levels in the blood. Echinacea increases erythropoietin production in the bone marrow, this, in turn, promotes red blood cell production and increases the capacity of the blood to transport oxygen.^[11]”

One of the easiest ways to obtain the benefits of Echinacea is brewing homemade tea.  Here is a simple recipe for you to enjoy the benefits of this herb:

• ¼ cup of dried Echinacea flowers
• 8 ounces of filtered water
• 1 to 2 tsp. of raw honey

1. Bring the water to a boil over medium heat in a small pot.
2. Once the water starts to boil, add in the Echinacea flowers.
3. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Strain the tea into a mug and add honey as needed.

To find out more benefits of this popular plant, finish reading the article over on Wake-Up World.com.

Photo By Ute Rüger