Echinacea:الإشنسا

Echinacea is a very effective herb with multiple purposes. There are nine different species of Echinacea, but the most common and widely used is Echinacea purpurea. Many people take Echinacea daily to prevent colds, flu, and any other infections that may come quickly at the time, as Echinacea is known for strengthening the immune system. Some people also use Echinacea to treat acne and boils. The entire Echinacea plant, including the roots, is dried and made into teas, juices, and tonics. While many swear by the power and potency of Echinacea, there is no scientific backing to give these claims any validity whatsoever. Native Americans used Echinacea for many different things, including treating poisonous snake bites and insect stings. Back in the 1800s, Echinacea played a very large part in medicine in the United States and then spread to Germany, where it was also used for many medicinal purposes. It was then used as an antibiotic and continued until better antibiotics became available. For years, Echinacea lost some of its appeal but has recently regained its popularity. Many believe this is because there is currently no cure for the common cold. There are many different parts of the Echinacea plant used in medicine, but the roots are often the most valuable. Echinacea can be administered in several different ways, such as tablets, capsules, juice, tea, extracts,   and tinctures. Some are made from the whole flower, while others are made from the roots themselves. Echinacea is also available in a topical solution or cream, which many use in creams, lotions, mouthwashes, ointments, skin washes, and toothpastes. Furthermore, it has become very popular to add Echinacea to certain cosmetic products as an anti-aging treatment, but this claim is completely invalid, as there is no connection between anti-aging and Echinacea. Echinacea is a very beneficial herb that helps the body eliminate microbial infections. When combined with other herbs such as Yarrow and Bearberry, it is said to be highly effective in combating cystitis, but Echinacea has not yet been approved by the FDA for safety or effectiveness. Those who use echinacea for colds swear by it, and it's recommended to start taking echinacea for maximum effectiveness when you notice the first symptoms of a cold, then continue taking it for three weeks and stop for one week. There are certain people who are at risk if they take echinacea, such as those with multiple sclerosis, white blood cell disorders, collagen disorders, HIV/AIDS, autoimmune disorders, or tuberculosis. Also, be careful if you have any plant allergies, take other medications, or have herbal remedies. Children should not take echinacea, nor should pregnant or breastfeeding women. Also, people taking steroid medications including betamethasone, cortisone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, triamcinolone, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, azathioprine, or other immune system suppressants should avoid using echinacea.