The human immune system is truly a marvel. Given the numbers of things our bodies are exposed to, it is amazing that we survive at all. When we survive all the harmful attacks of the environment and free radicals we only have our Immune System to thank for, but we need something to make our immune system healthy and nature has blessed us with Echinacea plant, an immune system protector. Echinacea plant has a beautiful purple flower that is pretty enough but there is more to Echinacea than meets the eye. The healing property of this plant is hidden underground in the root. The root contains properties that boost immunity and speed wound healing, according to expert who studied this herb. Echinacea is rich in fructose, vitamin A, C and E.

Echinacea has rich tradition in the culture of the North American Plains Indians, who used it more than any other plant to help maintain their health during winter. They also applied root poultices, used Echinacea as a mouthwash and drank it as tea.

Health Benefits:

• One of the primary defense mechanism of the body is made of a jelly-like substance called Hyaluronic Acid (HA). HA occurs in the tissue between cells to cement them together. There is an enzyme, hyaluronidase, which attacks HA in a way not yet fully understood. When it does, the HA quickly loses its jelly-like viscosity, and this protective cement loses its effectiveness. If the enzyme is allowed to destroy the integrity of the HA barrier, immune function may suffer. Echinacea has been shown to prevent the enzyme from dissolving HA.

• Echinacea as topical treatment; when used topically Echinacea is an anesthetic, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic. In a laboratory studies, an ointment made from Echinacea and vitamin E even helps put an end to recurrent vaginal yeast.
• Echinacea is very effective when it comes to fast wound healing. This action is maybe due to a substance in the herb called caffeic acid glycoside that is known to aid wound healing.
• It is one of the most powerful and effective remedies against all kinds of bacterial and viral infections.
• Taken internally, Echinacea helps stimulates the immune system, helping to produce infection fighting cells.
• The herb may be useful to fight against cancer. Researchers have discovered that a constituent of Echinacea has the ability to inhibit tumors.

Recommended Dosage: Echinacea is available commercially in a liquid extract, tablets and tea. You can also make a decoction or infusion from the fresh root. If you are using it to strengthen your immune system, herbalists advice that you take it periodically; a few weeks on, and a few weeks off. Continuous use may actually stress some components of your immune system.

Caution: Echinacea doesn't appear to be toxic in large doses, but heavy use has been shown to induce temporary infertility in men. Individuals with anemia or vertigo should avoid using Echinacea.