Echinacea for improved health

One supplement that many use when they feel a cold coming on is Echinacea. While this is one use for it, Echinacea can also be used to treat a wide variety of other health conditions and diseases. Some of which include:

• cancer
• the enhancement of the immune system
• acne
• attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
• bee stings
• boils
• burn wounds
• cold sores
• dizziness
• eczema
• gingivitis
• haemorrhoids
• migraine headache
• nasal congestion
• pain
• skin ulcers
• snake bites

Not all of the above have been backed by clear scientific evidence, so it is advised that you take it at your own risk; however, reports have shown it to be beneficial.

There are a variety of different ways in which you can take Echinacea, and the dose you are to take will vary depending on the form.

For those taking capsules, they should be aiming for about 500 to 1000 mg, three times a day for five to seven days. If you are taking it in extract form, then you should aim for 300 mg, three times per day.

Some choose to take it by drinking tea, and if this is your choice, two teaspoons of coarsely powdered herb will equate to about 4 grams. This should be mixed in one cup of boiling water for 10 minutes and taken daily for five to seven days.

Those who do use it in tea form do significantly show improved symptoms of respiratory tract infection, if you increase the dose to five or six cups per day initially, and then one cup per day thereafter (for the five day period).