Supplement of the Month – Echinacea

Echinacea is an herb that is used to make medicine from its flowers, leaves, and root. However, Echinacea has long been considered as one of the best natural remedies to the common cold and other infections. Some people strongly believe that if taken at the first sign of a cold it can help to keep the cold from developing all together. Research has shown that using Echinacea to fight a cold is viable, however preventing one may not work. Echinacea can also be a great benefit for those fighting the flu as well. Some other uses include aiding with chronic fatigue syndrome, rheumatism, migraines, acid indigestion, pain, dizziness, and ADHD. Though how it works exactly is still up for debate. Echinacea possibly activates chemicals in the body that help decrease inflammation, which helps reduce cold and flu symptoms. Research suggests that Echinacea can in fact stimulate the body’s immune system, but there is no hard evidence that this actually occurs in people. Either way, it is considered by many people to be a great, safe alternative to traditional medicine for when you are under the weather.