The Echinacea is a plant type known as the purple coneflower. It takes place mainly in North America and Europe. They have various medicinal properties, so in the field of treatment for different aspects of health, this has become a great alternative.
In the case of people, the most widely implemented species in relation to these plants are: pale, purpurea and angustifolia. In addition, it is important to know that this type of plant is used in different ways, sometimes the leaves are used, in others the root is used and sometimes each of the parts of this plant is combined, to achieve a specific treatment.
It should be noted that it is possible to find echinacea in liquid or capsules, to be used orally. Similarly, you can get an ointment to be applied to the skin. And it is that the substances that characterize this plant contain derivatives of caffeic acid, which is known as a potential alkylamides and antioxidant that help improve defenses.
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What are the benefits of echinacea?
Natural medicine and herbal supplements are becoming increasingly popular. To strengthen the immune system and improve many other health conditions, there is this medicinal plant whose scientific name is Echinacea angustifolia.
Echinacea is a plant with multiple benefits for the body. Therefore, it has become popular as a good alternative to achieve satisfactory results in terms of improving health.
It is generally implemented to treat certain complications, such as: urinary infections, colds, among other cases.
It has also produced excellent results for skin treatments, such as wounds and more complex problems, as in the case of eczema and psoriasis. In addition to this, it can be highlighted that this plant improves the immune system, making CD4 cells increase activity specifically in this system.
Echinacea and its effect on the skin
Echinacea is a type of plant that contains vitamins B and C, minerals, beta-carotene, magnesium, calcium, and sodium. It is also considered a natural type antibiotic. According to its antibacterial property, it is possible to effectively treat fungi, viruses and bacteria.
As well as, echinacea has its healing properties for different conditions in the body, it can also be considered an exceptional element for skin cases. This type of plant is implemented for that area of the body, given its healing potential.
It is also used topically for the treatment of various infections and diseases of the epidermis, such as: wounds, eczema, burns, herpes, among others.
The use of echinacea in HIV positive people
It is important to know the components of echinacea in order to determine its usefulness in an adequate and effective way, since there are occasions or types of health situations in which it is not advisable to use this plant.
In relation to HIV positive, there is much controversy with the use of this medicinal plant.
In general, people with this health condition implement this plant because, within its properties, it helps in the stimulation of the immune system. Some specialists do not believe this practice is convenient in people with immunological disorders. While others consider that this treatment destroys healthy cells and destroys tissues.
It is extremely important to take this information into account and have the advice of a specialist to evaluate the use of this type of plant for the treatment of these health conditions. In this way, to be able to take advantage of the advantages offered by these plants, following the appropriate indications and thus largely avoiding causing damage to the body.
How is echinacea used?
Echinacea is available in pharmacies in the form of capsule preparations and supplements, as well as pills, less often in the form of herbal teas.
Treatment with the preparation should not last more than a month, and a two-week break is recommended before the next application. When wondering how to strengthen the immune system using natural ingredients, echinacea is worth looking for.
This herb is also widely used to treat digestive problems, like so many other medicinal plants. Drinking echinacea in the form of an infusion cleanses our digestive system and relieves constipation and also has a relaxing effect.
Side effects of echinacea
Echinacea, as well as other types of plants used in the medicinal field, has certain restrictions, regarding its usefulness. In this regard, some conditions in which it is not convenient to implement this type of plants can be mentioned.
- Some side effects may occur, such as: skin rash and upset stomach.
- Echinacea possibly disrupts coagulation, causing bleeding. Therefore, it is convenient that people with bleeding disorders should take the necessary precautions.
- By implementing echinacea for a long time, you may reduce your white blood cell count. In this way, a blood disorder can be caused, where clots develop in small blood vessels, which would end up affecting platelets.
- When using echinacea in injectable form, it may cause changes in blood sugar levels.
- In people with a liver disorder, it can cause considerable damage. Therefore, care must be taken in its implementation.
Is Echinacea Good for A Child?
This is usually a common doubt in parents today, however, special care should be taken and, preferably, not to use preparations with echinacea in children under 12 years old, the substances contained in the plant can act as an allergy effect for children.
Echinacea sensitization usually takes the form of a rash, itching, or swelling, and in extreme cases causes shortness of breath. A strong allergic reaction can even lead to life-threatening anaphylactic shock.
In the field of natural medicine, there is a wide variety of alternatives when treating certain health disorders.
It is important to take into account all the elements that characterize this type of treatment, in order to coincide with one that provides nutrients and properties that improve health, as is the case with echinacea.