Health Benefits of Echinacea Tea

Echinacea is a perennial herb that belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is also known as coneflower and is indigenous to the mid western region of North America. The plant grows up to a height of 2 to 3 feet, has long stems and yields beautiful pink or purple flowers having a large central cone which is normally purple or brown in color. There are basically nine species of echinacea, of which only three are used as a herbal medicine for different health problems, which are namely Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia, and Echinacea pallida.

Echinacea contains chemicals like polysaccharides, glycoproteins, alkamides, volatile oils and flavonoids which are well-known for their therapeutic properties. Hence, for centuries echinacea has been used as a traditional herbal treatment for problems related to the body's immune system and functioning like cold, respiratory infections, etc.

Basically concentrations of these chemicals vary in different portions of the plant like the roots have high concentrations of volatile oils whereas the upper region of the plant is more rich in polysaccharides (compounds known to trigger the activity of the immune system). Hence, combination of all these compounds especially those found in the portion of the plant which is above the ground, makes echinacea an effective herbal remedy.

Echinacea tea, unlike antibiotics or other medications, benefits by strengthening the body's immune system and naturally combating bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. The tea is an effective herbal remedy to cure common cold, coughs, sore throat, fever and influenza outbreaks. It also helps treating mild to moderate types of infections like ear infection, upper respiratory infections like asthma and even urinary tract infections.

Its antiseptic properties help treating septicemia (a type of blood poisoning) and other types of blood impurities. Also in times when you are stressed out, the tea acts as an energy booster and revitalizes the body. The tea is also helpful in curing skin disorders like eczema and boils and is also effective in relieving inflammation due to arthritis. Echinacea tea can also be used as a supplement to treat cancer, syphilis and even hemorrhoid or piles.

The making of echinacea tea involves a process wherein the leaves, stem, roots and flowers of the echinacea plant are inculcated in hot boiling water. During this process, the healthy compositions of the herb like polysaccharides, echinaceoside, etc., get transferred in to the tea, making it as beneficial as the herb itself. Hence, if you want to try making echinacea tea at home, here are simple instructions on how to do so.

Ingredients

• 1 tsp dried organic echinancea herb
• 1 cup fresh boiled water
• Lemon juice
• Ginger root
• Honey

Directions

Infuse the echinacea in hot water for 12 - 15 minutes and add a slice of ginger root for flavor. For proper infusion, reheat the herb in water and then filter the ginger root and echinacea. Heat the mixture again but don't boil. Add lemon and honey to it, if needed and your tea is ready.

Isn't it easy to prepare? Well, besides this the tea is highly effective in curing as well as preventing cold or flu. Hence if you feel like you are getting symptoms of cold or flu, drink echinacea tea before you go to bed and next morning you will wake up feeling better.

However, if you still find it difficult to make this tea at home, you can opt for echinacea goldenseal tea bags which are readily available in the market. On a daily basis, the recommended dosage of echniacea tea is one cup a day. After knowing how this tea benefits us, I am sure you will not forget to incorporate it in your daily diet.