10) Echinacea Flower
Echinace a is a native American plant, occupying the number one spot as the most popular herb in the United States with an almost 10% market share. This herb has a reputed ability to increase the immune system response and thereby ward off colds, flu and other infectious respiratory problems.
Official Latin Name: Echinacea purpurea
Echinacea, also known as Purple Coneflower, Coneflower, Black Sampson, and Snakeroot, is native to North America, and is one of the most popular herbs today in both North America and Europe.
The name Echinacea is derived from the Greek meaning "hedgehog", referring to the sharp pointed bracts of the receptacles.
Echinacea purpurea has been used for hundreds of years. Echinacea was first used in Native American sweat lodges to help the participants endure extreme temperatures. It was a popular medicine in America during the 1920's, but fell into disuse with the introduction of sulfa drugs.
With natural antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, Echinacea purpurea is best know for its ability to kick-start the immune system, stimulating the production of white blood cells.
Echinacea purpurea contains:
- iron
- iodine
- copper
- potassium
- sulphur
- vitamins A, E and C
- polysaccharides, resembling bacteria, which motivate the healthy white blood cells attack bacterial invaders.
Echinacea offers the body an overall feeling of well being, and for this reason studies of Echinacea continue today.
Contributing to the bodies natural ability to fight infection, Echinacea is commonly referred to as the natural antibiotic and commonly used to fight infection caused by common colds and flu.
Echinacea may also be used for reducing inflammation caused by respiratory problems, bronchitis, strep throat and enlarged prostate glands.
Echinacea also has fat-soluble flavonoids, luteolin, Quercetin, and Rutin.
Also present are the potent free radical scavengers safely derivatives which are said to protect the skin from sun damage.
The high molecular weight polysaccharide fractions are surely involved in stimulating the immune response.
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