It is traditionally used for infections, skin wounds and snake bites. It works by increasing the activity of macrophages, a type of white blood cell, part of the body's defense against micro-organisms that cause infection.

Echinacea boosts your immune system.

What does echinacea contain?

Echinacea contains polysaccharides which increase the body's production of white blood cells. These white blood cells help the body fight infection.

Echinacea also contains fat soluble alklamides, betain, caryophylene, echinacoside, glycosides, polyacetylenes and sesquiterpenes which help boost your immune system.

Echinacea contains copper, fatty acids, iron, protein, tannins, vitamins A, C and E

How to use Echinacea

When you have an infection (flu, cold, etc). Take about 2 ml Echinacea as a herbal extract in liquid form 3 times daily for 7 to 10 days. (It works better if you take vitamin C Supplements with it. That would boost your immunity and help you recover more quickly.

For sore throats, gargle 3 times daily with echinacea tea as well as taking the extract and vitamin C supplements.

Echinacea is also anti inflammatory. It can be used as a poultice for skin inflammations. To do that, put the dried root in a pot, add a little water. Boil it. Cool, strain and apply on the affected area.

Herbal medicines containing Echinacea

Esberitox

Contains Echinacea, wild indigo and thuja. It stimulates your immunity. As it contains Thuja, it should be avoided during pregnancy.

Immunol

Contains Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea Angustifolia, Baptisia tinctoria and Thuja occidentalis. As it contains Thuja, it should be avoided during pregnancy.