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Echinacea? Not for me!

© Traute Klein, biogardener

People with damaged immune system might be better off staying away from herbs which rev up the immune system and stick to those which strengthen it instead. Learn to use echinacea correctly.

Disclaimer

I am not trying to take the place of any health care provider. I merely want to share my personal experience with you.

Caution with Natural Remedies

Many natural remedies need to be taken with caution, because they contain very powerful medicinal properties. Relaxant herbs, just like relaxant pharmaceuticals, should be restricted to emergencies. When taken regularly, they lose their effectiveness. Chamomile, for example, is supposed to induce relaxation or even sleep, but it has absolutely no effect on me. I am so fond of the taste that I drink it regularly, as many German people do, and I could swallow a galon without ever feeling drowsy. I have written about this effect in the article, "Catnip, not just for Cats" which is linked below.

The same rule applies to antiseptic herbs like echinacea.

Proper Use of Echinacea

Echinacea is probably today's best known anti-flu and anti-cold natural remedy. I have read repeatedly that it should not be taken on a regular basis, because it loses effectiveness when our system becomes accustomed to it. We therefore should look at is as a remedy and not as a precaution. Ten days in a row is considered the longest time for taking it.

I also want to warn people to check tonics with multiple herbal ingredients before taking them. Make sure that they do not contain either relaxant or antiseptic herbs, e.g. echinacea.

Parts of the Plant

All parts of the plant are effective. The fresher the herb, the higher the potency. Test it for freshness by chewing it. You can tell the antiseptic property in your mouth. It tightens the mucous membranes.

If you are growing the plant in your garden, you will want to protect the roots for future growth and use only the leaves and flowers for tea, unless you have more plants than you can accommodate.

Echinacea not for Everyone

Echinacea stimulates the immune system. People with allergies and other immune system weaknesses are usually disappointed with it. Their system is working at capacity most of the time, and further stimulation has no effect. It may even be counterproductive.

I have repeatedly noticed that echinacea does nothing for me. I always figured that my immune system is already on high alert because of my allergies. Further stimulation accomplishes nothing. Last year, a TV discussion by lupus experts confirmed my belief. They stated that echinacea is harmful to people with a damaged immune system. Lupus sufferers, in fact, can get quite sick from it.

The copyright of the article Echinacea? Not for me! in Natural Health is owned by Traute Klein, biogardener. Permission to republish Echinacea? Not for me! in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.