Medicinal uses for the herb Echinacea
Echinacea is a highly regarded herbal remedy for relieving cold and flu symptoms, fighting a wide range of infections, stimulating the immune system, and healing wounds and minor burns. A tea made from the plant’s roots or leaves is used both as a preventive for colds and flu as well as a treatment once symptoms appear. Echinacea tea is also used to help treat chronic fatique syndrome and yeast infections. Parts used on the plant are the leaves and roots. A typical preparations is tea - simmer 1 cup of water with 1 teaspoon of dried, chopped root (or 1 teaspoon of dried or fresh leafs) for 10 minutes, turn off heat and steep 15 minutes. Strain out the herbs and drink 1 cup of the remaining liquid up to 3 times daily.
The tea may be used externally as a wash for wounds and minor burns.
Echinacea preparations may cause a tingling sensation in the mouth that is considered normal and harmless. In general, Echinacea preparations are taken for a period of up to 2 weeks followed by one to several weeks during which the herb is not taken.
Always remember to talk to your doctor before ingesting any herbal product if you have an existing medical condition or if you are pregnant or nursing a baby.