Nutrition
Unlock the Secret Perks of Echinacea From Immune Support to Skin Care
Introducing the multifaceted supplement that’s been revered for centuries for its potential health benefits: Echinacea. Once employed as a versatile medicinal herb to fight off diseases like scarlet fever and diphtheria, echinacea is now classified as a dietary supplement meant to enhance your overall well-being, not cure ailments. Many tout echinacea as a formidable immune booster, but the benefits don’t stop there. So, let’s delve into six surprising health benefits that echinacea supplements can provide.
Potential Anti-Inflammatory Properties
“Echinacea’s potential to reduce inflammation in the body is intriguing. It could help with minor skin irritation or sore throats by calming the body’s inflammatory response,” shares Raj Dasgupta, MD, a medical reviewer for NCOA. While research is underway to confirm the extent of these benefits, the initial anecdotal evidence is promising.
Speeding Up Wound Recovery
Echinacea isn’t just potentially beneficial internally, but externally as well. A 2023 study in the Molecules journal revealed echinacea’s antimicrobial and aseptic effects, which can aid in faster wound healing by warding off infections.
“It works by stimulating the immune system to send healing cells to the injured area,” explains Dasgupta. Nonetheless, he emphasizes that further research is needed and that echinacea should not substitute proper medical treatment for wounds.
Dermatological Effects
Your skin might love echinacea, too! A 2010 study identified echinacea purpurea as beneficial for protecting skin from oxidative stress and improving its hydration.
“Studies suggest it may be helpful for chronic conditions like eczema,” Dasgupta adds. Still, a call for more research to confirm this has been echoed.
Immune System Booster
Perhaps the most well-known potential benefit of echinacea is an immune system boost. Despite traditional use, Dasgupta urges caution, saying, “While traditionally used for colds, the evidence for its effectiveness is mixed. Some studies show a slight reduction in cold duration.”
Anxiety Alleviation
Could echinacea play a role in managing anxiety? A 2021 study found anti-anxiety and anti-depressant effects in subjects who took echinacea supplements for six weeks. Chris Mohr, PhD, RD, a fitness and nutrition advisor, explains, “It has potential anti-inflammatory properties, and chronic inflammation is linked to anxiety.” He does stress that it shouldn’t be used as a first-line anxiety treatment, however.
Regulating Blood Sugar Levels
There’s preliminary research suggesting that echinacea might assist blood sugar regulation, although this data is based on animal studies and has not been replicated in humans yet.
“If data do emerge to support the animal studies, this could be beneficial for those with prediabetes or those who need to manage blood sugar as part of a larger health plan,” proposes Mohr.
Echoing what might be the golden rule of dietary supplementation, our health journey is as unique as we are. What works for one may not work for all. So always be sure to consult with a healthcare provider, especially if you have chronic diseases or autoimmune conditions, before incorporating echinacea or any new supplement into your diet. From potentially reducing inflammation to possibly boosting your immune system, the old yet new echinacea might just be the versatile dietary supplement your health routine needs.
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