Echinacea - Powerful Herbal Supplement

Echinacea is a herbal supplement which is extremely well known for it benefits for the immune system. There are a number of varieties, but the most commonly used are E. angustifolia, E. pallida, E. purpurea. Many herbalists believe that the E. angustifolia variety is the best; however, it is also the most rare, and so the most expensive. However, it is worth hunting for it.

Many people take Echinacea herbal supplements every day to prevent colds, flu, and other infections. Some people also use Echinacea supplements for treating skin problems such as acne and boils. The whole Echinacea herb - plant and root - can be used for herbal purposes.

While many swear by the power and strength of Echinacea herbal supplements the scientific evidence is mixed. This, however, is the same for most herbs and is due to the lack of research which has been undertaken.

The use of Echinacea as a herbal supplement derives from the American Indian tradition. These people used Echinacea for many different purposes including the treatment of poisonous snake bites and insect bites. Back in the 1800's Echinacea played a very large part of United States medicine and then spread to Germany where they too used it for many medical purposes.

Echinacea has always been primarily known in the West for its treatment of colds and flu and other infections.

Echinacea can be administered in many different ways such as in a tablets, capsules, juice, tea, extracts and tinctures. Some are made from the flower in full bloom and others are made from the root itself. Echinacea is also available in a topical solution or cream that many use for creams, lotions, mouthwashes, ointments, skin washes, and toothpastes. Further it is becoming quite common to add Echinacea to particular cosmetics as an anti aging remedy but there is no proof of these claims.

Echinacea is an extremely beneficial herb for helping the body rid itself of microbial infections. When combined with other herbs such as Yarrow and Bearberry it is said to work great combating cystitis. Those who use Echinacea for the common cold swear by it and it is recommended that for the most effectiveness you should begin taking Echinacea when you notice the very first symptoms of a cold and then stay on it for about three weeks.

Echinacea is a very safe herbal supplement; though some say to be careful if you have multiple sclerosis, white blood cell disorders, collagen disorders, HIV/AIDS, autoimmune disorders, or tuberculosis. Some also recommend that children and pregnant women avoid echinacea; but there is not evidence why this should be so.

However if taking steroid medicine it might be wise to err on the safe side and avoid Echinacea. Such medicines include betamethasone, cortisone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, triamcinolone, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, azathioprine and any other immune system suppressants.

Generally, Echinacea is a wonderfully safe herb which has a strong reputation of long standing for boosting the immune system.