Echinacea

Echinacea, also known as the purple coneflower indigenous to north America, is a very popular herb that has been used over the years mainly for cold and flu symptoms but contains a variety of healing properties. The flowers, upper part and roots of the plant can be used in various herbal supplements such as tinctures, herbal teas and many more. Echinacea plants contain an impressive variety of active compounds and antioxidants, such as caffeic acid, alkamides, phenolic acids, rosmarinic acid, polyacetylenes and many more which are very effective against inflammation and protect the cells from damages due to free radicals and prevent oxidative stress on cells. Alkamides in particular can renew worn-out antioxidants and help antioxidants better reach molecules that are prone to oxidative stress making Echinacea a superior herb for cell cleansing and detox. Echinacea is also highly effective for boosting immune system due to its ability to cleanse the lymphatic system, the system which allows your white blood cells to protect you from foreign invaders, viruses etc. In a test-tube study, an Echinacea purpurea extract was shown to suppress enzymes that digest carbohydrates. This would reduce the amount of sugar entering your blood if consumed making Echinacea very effective for controlling blood sugar levels and diabetes related symptoms.