Echinacea, a Natural Antibiotic

Echinacea is a beautiful flower and natural antibiotic native to the United States. Native Americans were familiar with it, and some say that they learned to use it by observing bears chew it.

Echinacea is also known as the purple cone flower, and makes a stunning addition to a flower bed. Although all parts of the plant have medicinal power, it is the root that is mainly used. It has become one of the best known and most frequently used herbs in other countries, and many tons of it are exported by the United States every year.

Like any antibiotic (prescription or otherwise), it should not be taken for the long term. I usually will take it for two weeks at a time, beginning with the first symptom of a cold, together with vitamin C. I have friends who say that it is helpful for some forms of arthritis, but not having arthritis myself, I cannot say.

Arthritis sufferers only take it for two weeks at a time. I don't know of any side effects, although as part of its effect, echinacea will elevate your temperature. You should not take aspirin while taking echinacea, simply because the two counteract each other, since aspirin lowers the body's temperature.

This information is for educational purposes and not as a recommendation as a cure for any disease. It is not intended as a replacement for the services of a qualified licensed health provider who understands your needs and individual condition.