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Echinacea Angustifolia and the common coldEchinacea angustifolia, commonly known as the purple coneflower, is only native to eastern and central North America. This plant is also known as the narrow-leaf coneflower. The root of the flower is thought to prevent, lessen the effects, and shorten the length of the common cold. The use of this herb began with the North American Plains Indians. History of the Uses of Echinacea angustifoliaThe Plains Indians used the rhizome of E. angustifolia for various herbal remedies. This plant was used more than any other plant available to them. Some tribes used it to treat venereal diseases, help with colds, cure snake bites, and to treat wounds. It was one of the basic anti-microbial herbs used in the Eclectic medicine movement of the 1800's and early 1900's. It was also used to treat anthrax.Popular UsesThis herb is popularly believed to stimulate the immune system and prevent infections. Studies have been conducted to test this theory. They used all parts of the plant in low doses. The studies showed no benefit from the plant in relation to the length and severity of cold and flu symptoms. The biggest issue with the studies is that they used about one-third of the dose recommended by herbalists. Herbal remedies only use the above ground parts of the plant, in the belief that they are the one useful part of the plant. Most experts agree that the most beneficial way to use the herb is as a tincture so that it can go directly to the lymphatic system through your tongue. It should also be noted that most people who have allergic reactions to E. augustifolia usually have allergies to similar plants such as ragweed, daisies, and other related plants. The most commonly suffered side effects are gastrointestinal in nature.SummaryEchinacea angustifolia is one of the most commonly taken herbal supplements. It is also one of the most studied by contemporary medicine. The sale of this herb accounts for large percent of the total sales of herbs in the world. Although the studies conclude there is no real benefit from this herb, they have been shown to be flawed in the dosage, parts of the plant used, and the method of delivery. Because of their flaws, these studies should be taken with a grain of salt. The plant has been used for centuries by American Indians and Europeans to treat a variety of illnesses and afflictions. Despite what some studies have shown, the effects of this herb have been proven where it matters...with the people who take the herb.Return to Natural Herbal Remedies Home Page from this Echinacea angustifolia page
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