Herbalists consider Echinacea one of the best blood purifiers and an effective antibiotic. It activates the body's immune system increasing the chances of fighting off disease.
This popular herb has been used to help ward off the common cold and to relieve the symptoms of hay fever for hundreds of years.
The Plains Indians used various species of echinacea to treat poisonous insect and snake bites, toothaches, sore throat, wounds, as well as mumps, smallpox, and measles.
It's anti-inflammatory properties may relieve arthritis and lymphatic swelling.
The constituents of echinacea include essential oil, polysaccharides, polyacetylenes, betain, glycoside, sesquiterpenes and caryophylene. It also contains copper, iron, tannins, protein, fatty acids and vitamins A, C, and E.
The most important immune-stimulating components are the large polysaccharides, such as inulin, that increase the production of T-cells.
