Natural remedies have become increasingly popular in recent years. People are now more aware of plants and herbs that have been around for a long time but have only recently started to be sold in main-stream stores.

 

One of these is Echinacea. This plant is believed to assist the human immune system in fighting infection by stimulating a specific portion of the immune system that attacks infection. Echinacea is native to North America and is commonly found throughout the central United States in prairie areas. It is known as coneflower and grows wild. It is also used in gardens in its ornamental form to attract butterflies.

 

It is usually an attractive purple and can also be used in flower arrangements. American Indians have known about the medicinal value of the flower for years. They called the plant snake root, since Echinacea has a thick, black root that resembles a snake. The root was also used by the Indians to treat snake bites as well as toothaches.

 

Once they had been exposed to European diseases such as smallpox and measles, Indians started using Echinacea to treat those afflictions as well. Scientists have not conclusively proven there are benefits to Echinacea. Research is still ongoing in the scientific community. Herbalists have their own studies that show the herb has a number of benefits with little side effects. The most likely side effect would be in the digestive tract. Any effect here is usually mild and temporary.

 

Some people might experience some slight upset when taking the herb, but this is very short-lived. Some people are allergic to Echinacea, so it is best to do a small test if you have not taken it before. It can be taken in pill form or as a tea. To increase the effectiveness, it is recommended that the supplement chosen be made from the whole plant rather than just the stems and leaves.