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Echinachea
Find out all about this powerful herb.
Echin –what –ea? Huh?
Echinachea (pronounced ey chin ack ee a) is a herb made popular for use in preventing or treating colds. It is traditionally a Native American herb and it grows in the US and Canada.
It contains several chemicals that are supposed to aid in preventing or treating illnesses. In fact, In Germany, Echinacea is prescribed by doctors and is available on their national health service. Doctors there prescribe it for colds, flu’s, urinary infections and even for wound healing. Quite the versatile little plant it is!
Most studies so far say it does not help to prevent colds/flu’s, though some users staunchly believe it does. However, some research has shown it can really help to reduce the length of a cold. It has been tested in well conducted trials against placebos and many times it has helped people get better quicker than they normally would. It has also helped reduce the severity of symptoms.
Where to get it:
You can buy it in chemists, health food shops and online. The herb is available in pill and tincture form. It is of course important to choose a well known reputable company when buying Echinacea. This is why el cheapo deals at the supermarket are not the best place to buy herbs or vitamin and mineral supplements at all. When it comes to supplements, it really is worth paying that little bit more.
Dosage:
The instructions will be on the label, but generally one takes Echinacea three times a day while battling with a cold/flu and once daily for prevention. As with all herbs, make sure to consult with a qualified person in the health food shop, a pharmacist or your doctor if you have any other health conditions or are taking any other medicines.
By: Lynn Dunning
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