As winter approaches, our bodies become more susceptible to viral and bacterial infections. It’s no surprise that during these cold months, the rates of flu and the common flu rise drastically. However, there are many things that you can do to help prevent such illness for you and your family. Echinacea, for example, is one of many safe, natural herbs that have been known to improve the immune system and help fight colds—especially during the winter months. After all, Echinacea is commonly believed to boost the immune system and reduce the length and severity of the common cold.
Echinacea is an herb native to the Midwest. It bears pink or purple flowers, has one primary cone and is found on tall stems. The active, natural chemicals found in Echinacea are: alkamides, glycoproteins, polysaccharides, flavonoids and volatile oils. It is currently distributed in three primary forms: Echinacea pallida, Echinacea angustifolia and Echinacea purpurea. Because these different products utilize various parts of the plant, the effectiveness of Echinacea may differ from one specific product to another. These forms are available in tablets, capsules, extracts and ointments.
Native Americans were thought to have used Echinacea to treat health issues more than 400 years ago. Today, herbalists recommend Echinacea for those wishing to boost their immune system and battle infections. Studies indicate that the herb is effective in relieving pain and reducing inflammation. The herb also contains properties similar to those of antioxidants. Other reports indicate that has antiviral effects. In fact, many individuals have used Echinacea to treat everything from vaginal yeast infections to athlete’s foot.
You’ll like find Echinacea as an ingredient in many natural supplements, herbs and other medications. This is why anyone taking Echinacea—or any medication—should talk to their doctor about potential side effects. It should be noted that Echinacea is considered natural and safe.
During the winter, or for anyone with a compromised immune system, it’s important to take precautionary steps to ensure that you remain safe and healthy this winter. In addition to proper medication and herbal care, consider other health tips to stay healthy this winter and keep your immune system strong:
- Eat well. Make sure you are eating nutrient-rich foods. Doing so will help the body naturally fight off infection. Consult your doctor before making any drastic changes to your diet. However, consider vegetables, fruit, whole grains and lean protein as part of your overall balanced diet.
- Get plenty of rest. Sleep is your body’s natural way of rebooting itself. Make sure that you go to bed around the same time. Doing so will have positive effects on your immune system.
- Wash your hands. Bacteria and viruses can be found anywhere. Make sure you use soap and water before every meal and each time after you use the restroom.
- Consider a flu shot. Many clinics and even grocery stores offer free flu shots for the season.
- Drink plenty of fluids. Make sure you are drinking water and natural juices to help ward off infection. Your body requires water and other fluids to naturally boost your immune system and work properly.
As you can see, there are many considerations to get ready for this winter. It’s important that we each do our part to reduce the spread of disease. Make sure that when possible, you avoid contact with others if you do become sick. Keep in mind that even after an infection presents itself, it’s important to still take precautions to help your immune system. Doing so will not only help you heal faster, it will make you less likely to contact another illness. Echinacea is one of the best kept secrets for helping fight illness and keeping our immune systems strong during the winter months. Are you interested in helping others maintain healthy lives?
This guest post is brought to you by Kara Taylor, who is a freelance writer who obtained her health care degree online


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