Chinese Herb Echinacea - Information and Benefits

Chinese Tradition and Medicines

Chinese herbal medicines have become a rage all over the world because it helps appease the body and soul of the living things this convention of using chinese herbs as a medicine could be found in ancient scriptures. It were the Western scientists who were fascinated by these chinese herbs, and approached Chinese herbalists to know the secrets of using these herbs in their formulas of making beneficial Chinese medicines.

Echinacea or echinacea augustifolia is classified as a Western herb which was first used by Native American tribes for fighting certain ailments like coughs, colds, sore throats and other infections. It is also known with names like coneflower, purple coneflower, and American coneflower. The herb got popularity during the year 1887 and during the twentieth century Echinacea was the top selling herb in the United States. Echinaceas is administered orally which stimulate the immune system of our body. The herb is also helpful in treating wounds and burns. In Europe it is grown for commercial use and is sold to fight as frequent cold, flu and other lung problems.

Benefits of this herb

Like other chinese herbs, there are several benefits of using Echinacea herb, the western origin herb, which motivate our immune system and a person can become healthy. Echinacea is beneficial in the following cases : -

• It invigorate immune system.
• Is good enough in colds, coughs, flu, sore throats and erstwhile upper respiratory tract.
• Is effective in bloated lymph glands, sore throat.
• Urinary tract virus.
• Other minor diseases.
• Helps fight herpes and Candida.
• Externally it is used to heal wounds, skin regeneration, Psoriasis, eczema, varicose ulcers of the leg and inflammatory skin conditions and skin infections.
• Insect bites, bee stings and snakebites and also as a blood purifier.
• Its tincture can be used as a mouth rinse for treating gingivitis or pyorrhoea.
• It is also used for a external lotion to assist with cuts or septic sores.

Skin ailments

As is the case with other chinese herbs, Echinacea is also offered in the form of capsules, pills, medication, lozenges, or liquids having powder of dried plants and roots. It is also available as alcohol based tincture. To fight various skins related diseases herbalists often suggest people to drink the pressed juice from its fresh plants. Scientists have cautioned to avoid its longer use because it can have a side effect on the immune system. Herbalists recommend, like some chinese herbs are taken, Echinacea should be taken on an empty stomach along with vitamin C. All and above it should be taken continuously for more than one to two weeks time under the supervision of a herbalist. As precautionary measures people take this herb all through the cold and flu season. Some people do this as a deterrent strategy throughout the cold and flu season.

In the case of gingivitis, the herb is taken after brushing; the mouth is rinsed with Echinacea tea at least three times a day. While brushing Echinacea liquid extract could be put on toothbrush and brush into the gum line.