Health Benefits of Echinacea Tea

1. Boosts Immunity. Echinacea tea has long been used as a staple in improving the immune system and fending off infections. Echinacea offers antibacterial properties that prevent pathogens from making you sick. Echinacea tea can also soothe a sore throat and minimize aches and pains caused by the common cold and flu. A meta-analysis in The Lancet Infectious Diseases Journal investigated the role of echinacea on the immune system. Researchers combed through 14 studies and found that echinacea lowered the risk of common cold by 58 percent. Echinacea consumption also shortened recovery time by one and a half days. Drinking echinacea tea can help prevent illness and get you back on your feet faster even if you do catch a cold. Echinacea tea also helps to eliminate free radicals that cause oxidative stress and cell damage. This helps to improve overall health by preventing early onset of aging and neurological degeneration.

2. Prevents Infection Echinacea contains antibacterial powers that can fight off yeast infections and urinary tract infections. Most research shows these health benefits can be attributed to compounds found in echinacea leaves. In particular, caffeic acid and other tea polyphenols demonstrate antiviral activities that prevent infection. Some research shows that echinacea may boost white blood cell counts, although the research is still ongoing. Other studies including one published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition show that polysaccharides in echinacea tea may be effective in the treatment of infections such as HIV. These chemical compounds work by preventing the replication of damaged cells thus preventing infections from taking hold.

3. Relieves Pain. Native Americans first used echinacea to treat pain. Today, the herb is used to treat pain from toothaches to rheumatoid arthritis. Echinacea tea can be used to treat digestive pain including cramps and irritable bowel syndrome. A randomized, double-blind study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine examined the effect of echinacea on pain. Researchers found that people who consumed echinacea used fewer pain medications to treat symptoms of the cold.

4. Improves Mood. The aromatic fragrance of echinacea can help to decrease feelings of sadness and stress. The scent of echinacea triggers the release of dopamine, which is known as a hormone that controls happiness. Echinacea may also decrease levels of cortisol, which is commonly known as the stress hormone. A study published in Phytotherapy Research investigated the effects of echinacea on anxiety. Researchers found that echinacea significantly suppressed the excitatory synapses. This means that individuals felt fewer emotions of fear and anxiety when taking echinacea extract. While the echinacea was shown to regulate the synapses, it did not inhibit the transmissions entirely.

5. Soothes Respiratory Ailments. Echinacea tea may help treat asthma symptoms and upper respiratory tract infections. Often times, these infections are caused by allergies or the common cold. Echinacea tea improves air flow in the throat and lungs by relaxing inflamed muscles. Echinacea also suppresses histamine, which is the body’s overreaction to normal stimuli that results in allergic responses. Research published in 2015 found that echinacea has bronchodilatory and anti-inflammatory effects. These properties are similar to the ones found in synthetic drugs used in the treatment of asthma.

Side Effects of Echinacea Tea. Echinacea tea has few side effects when consumed in small amounts. The FDA has not approved medicinal use of echinacea. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using an herbal tea for medicinal purposes.

Keep these following things in mind before trying echinacea tea.

Allergies. If you are allergic to the echinacea plant or other plants in the same family, avoid consuming echinacea tea. This is particularly important for children under the age of 12. Many European organizations including some in Germany warn against the consumption of echinacea for young children. The concern is that children develop more serious allergic reactions to echinacea than adults.

Pregnant Women There is currently very little research on the effects of echinacea and pregnancy. Pregnant women and those who are nursing should seek medical advice before consuming echinacea tea or other herbal remedies.

Digestive Issues. Echinacea boasts a strong aromatic smell that can make some individuals feel nauseous. Chemical compounds in echinacea tea may also irritate the stomach lining and cause stomach cramps, stomach pain, or irritation. Limit consumption of echinacea tea to one to three cups per day to avoid negative side effects.