The birthplace of Echinacea is America. This plant has long been cultivated with us. It is a perennial plant with erect stems more than a meter high, with lanceolate leaves. The flowers are beautiful, bright. The color of the flowers is dominated by purple. Echinacea purpurea, the use of which was found not only in folk, but also in traditional medicine is a real storehouse of medicinal substances.
As a valuable medicinal raw material, the roots of the flower are used, which are usually dug in the fall and spring. Dug roots are washed very carefully. They are crushed and dried in special dryers. During the flowering period, plants also collect Echinacea inflorescence baskets.
Echinacea, for human immunity, is quite suitable and relatively inexpensive. Its roots are rich in vegetable oil (about 1.5%), polysaccharides, phytosterol, echinacin, betaine, echinacosides, resins, which include linoleic, zirotinic and palmitic acids. Essential oil was also found in flowers. The roots and stems of the plant contain many trace elements, such as iron, magnesium, aluminum and potassium.
Despite the fact that some of the beneficial substances of Echinacea purpurea have been fully studied by traditional medicine, they are still more likely to use it in traditional medicine. Echinacea for immunity plays a significant role, since it has long been noted that it contributes to the healing of burns and wounds. It is also effective in the treatment of many inflammatory processes of the genital area and male impotence.
Effective use of this plant in septic and infectious diseases. As an external remedy, Echinacea infusions are used externally - for abscesses, carbuncles, infection of wounds, severe pressure sores and burns. With burns, the wonderful painkillers of Echinacea purpurea are clearly manifested .
Echinacea for immunity in our time is becoming an indispensable natural raw material. It has been proven by studies that Echinacea tincture has anti-inflammatory, fungicidal, bacteriostatic and antiviral effects. It significantly increases leukopoiesis, promotes the activation of macrophages, lymphocytes and granulocytes. By increasing immunity with its help, we also get the beneficial effect of the drug Echinacea purpurea on the nervous system, strengthening adaptogenic and anti-allergic properties.
Also, a stimulating effect on the immune system of echinacea preparations has been scientifically proven. Its effect is clearly manifested even in children who do not have a formed immunity, as well as in persons of retirement age, whose immune system functions are already significantly reduced due to wear and tear of the body.
Echinacea for immunity inhibits the reproduction and growth of E. coli, streptococcus, influenza virus, staphylococcus, herpes. It has a strong effect on various pathogenic flora in the human body.
Most often, as a medicine that improves immunity, tincture of Echinacea roots is used. It contains 70% ethyl alcohol. They drink it 15-30 drops 0.5 hours before meals in a spoon of water. Ready-made tincture can easily be purchased at the pharmacy. If you have the roots of this plant and alcohol, you can make an equally effective tincture on your own. Shredded rhizomes insist on alcohol in a dark place. The proportion of this drug is as follows: 1 part of rhizomes needs 10 parts of alcohol.
Echinacea, contraindications: not everyone can use this plant. It is strictly contraindicated in case of leukemia, tuberculosis, hypersensitivity, with collagenoses, multiple sclerosis. It should not be given to children under the age of 1 year.