How to Use Echinacea to Fight Infection
Echinacea can boost the body's immune system to ward off invading microbes, and has been clinically proven to fight bacterial and viral infections. This popular herb also delays the absorption of other herbs and medications, thus prolonging their therapeutic actions in the body. Echinacea can be taken to strengthen the immune system as a preventative measure, or to fight off an infection at the early onset of cold or flu symptoms.
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Things You'll Need
- 2 teaspoons dried echinacea
- 1 cup water
- 2 teaspoons dried echinacea root
- Warm water
- 3ml Echinacea tincture
Instructions
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Use an Echinacea Infusion to Fight Infection
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1
Place the echinacea in a warmed mug. Bring the water to a boil and pour it over the echinacea.
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2
Let steep for 15 to 20 minutes. Strain the tea and discard the echinacea herb.
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3
Drink a cup three times a day, over a 6- to 8-week period. Take it for 10 days, stop taking it for a week and then take it again for another 10-day period.
Use an Echinacea Decoction to Fight Infection
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4
Place the echinacea and water into a saucepan. Cover and bring it to a boil.
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5
Lower the heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Strain the tea and discard the echinacea root.
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6
Drink a cup three times a day, over a 6- to 8-week period. Take it for 10 days, stop taking it for a week, and then take it again for another 10-day period.
Use an Echinacea Tincture to Fight Infection
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7
Pour 2 inches of warm water into a glass. This will dilute the strong medicinal taste of the tincture while improving absorption.
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8
Stir in the echinacea tincture.
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9
Drink a cup three times a day, over a 6- to 8-week period. Take it for 10 days, stop taking it for a week and then take it again for another 10-day period.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Substitute 4 teaspoons of fresh herb for the dried herb.
Echinacea is most effective in fighting colds when it is taken as the earliest onset of your cold or flu symptoms.
You may experience a brief tingling or numbness on your tongue when you take echinacea by mouth.
Echinacea shouldn't be used longer than 1-2 weeks, as it loses its impact with time an may overstimulate your immune system.
Don't take echinacea if you have an autoimmune disease or if you are on immuno-suppressive medication.
