One of the benefits of echinacea is how it helps the body during and after a detox.
When detoxifying, the body can have a pretty tough time trying to get rid of all the toxins in the body.
During this time, the body can undergo a healing reaction that makes us potentially feel much worse before the benefits of detox really kick in. During the final stages of a detox or just after, there can be great benefits to taking Echinacea both as an immune builder and for the removal of any residual toxins. In this article, you will discover what a super herb this is and the many benefits of using Echinacea, both after a detox and in general for immune and system support.
Introduction to Echinacea
Echinacea (or Echinacea Angustifolia/Echinacea Purpurea) is a pretty fabulous plant. As a sacred plant to Native Americans, Echinacea is considered the most beautiful of all North American wildflowers. It was brought to the West nearly 200 years ago to treat cancer, colds, smallpox, etc. It has been depicted in Wild West movies as “snake medicine”, capable of curing rattlesnake bites! Although it is native to North America, it can be grown in many climates, including Great Britain, although it does not like heavy, moist soils and does best in light, free-draining ones!
what echinacea does
If the immune system has been down or has undergone some pretty major changes in the past few months, then it’s a good idea to help rebuild it. Echinacea works as a modulator or stimulator of the immune response, rather than a stimulant (as previously thought!). Echinacea works by preparing monocytes (a type of white blood cell that removes bad things from the body!) for a faster immune response.
Echinacea benefits, especially after detoxification
1) It can really help inflammatory skin conditions that can usually be made temporarily worse with a detox. Skin problems often have toxicity at their root. Both contact dermatitis and psoriasis can respond to topical ointments containing echinacea root.
2) It can really help reduce sore throats and raised lymph nodes. When the body is detoxified, the immune response is overworked and often the lymph nodes may become temporarily swollen. It can also help with general symptoms of sore throat and tonsillitis etc. It does this because of Echinacea’s ability to mobilize immune components in the area.
3) It can be of great help in Urethritis and Cystitis. Anything with the word ‘itis’ at the end means ‘inflammation’ and for these conditions the conditions of infection and inflammation can be reduced.
4) Colds, coughs and flu can also be relieved by taking Echinacea as it reduces the accompanying inflammation.
5) Thrush: One of the great benefits of Echinacea is that it is very helpful with fungal overgrowth (Candida, etc.). This is great if you are doing a short-term detox and yet also suspect you have a Candida overgrowth.
6) It can be used safely during pregnancy at a time when antibiotics are not recommended. It is safe for toddlers, babies and children.
7) It is good for any time you may have post viral fatigue or your immune system is depressed as it is able to protect cells from invasion, damage, bacteria, viruses or pathogens.
8) During a detox it is excellent as it increases the body’s overall ability to eliminate bacteria, infected and damaged cells, toxins and other harmful chemicals.
9) Great as a quick help for food poisoning, reducing severity and relieving symptoms.
10) Excellent for preventing the ‘aging’ of the immune system
Most people understand the benefits of echinacea for almost any condition where the immune system is needed to aid recovery, so the above is a very small cross section. It can also be used anywhere the skin is punctured or injured, eg small cuts, infected wounds, etc.
Energy Benefits of Echinacea
Good quality echinacea has the ability to stimulate the production of large amounts of saliva. This relieves fear and brings a sense of well-being and peace. Great during or after a detox as it helps calm the mind and provides a feeling of relaxation and renewal.
Note that the root is the best part to use and should ideally be listed in the ingredients. Echinacea can be safely used in conjunction with antibiotics, prescription medications, and the birth control pill.