With the change of seasons the weather can be cool one day and hot the next. This confuses the immune system. During this time of the year the immune system often needs a boost to prevent colds and other immune related viral and bacterial illnesses. Echinacea is a perfect herb for strengthening the immune system.

Purple coneflower or Echinacea is indigenous to North America. Well known and extensively used by the Native Americans of the Great Plains, Echinacea became one of the most important medicinal healing plants for all tribes in the areas where various species flourished. Today Echinacea is grown in many countries and found in liquid or capsule form in most Health Food Stores.

Hundreds of journal articles have been published describing research on the chemistry, pharmacology and clinical uses of Echinacea. The overwhelming majority of these articles validate the effectiveness of the herb in the treatment of viral and bacterial infections

Echinacea is considered beneficial for almost all infectious conditions, including upper respiratory infections, common cold, flu, and staph and strep infections. Herbalists regard Echinacea as one of the best antibiotics and blood purifiers. It assists in resistance to disease by activating the immune system.

For a daily immune tonic, Echinacea can be found on its own or in combination with Astragalus and other immune herbs. Ginseng, garlic, ginger, turmeric and ganoderma (rishi mushroom) are all considered excellent as immune strengthening herbs. Add turmeric, ginger and garlic to all your recipes.

Use Echinacea according to directions. It will bring back your usual resilience more quickly and kick-start your immune system again.