Traditionally, echinacea has been used to treat arthritis, colds, colic, infection, flu, wounds and snake bites. Echinacea has antibiotic, antiviral and anti-inflammatory characteristics. Echinacea is a plant with a single purple conelike flower. Nine varieties are grown in the United States, but echinacea purpurea is the most commonly sought for medicinal purposes. Echinacea is the most widely used herb in the United States. In Europe, it has been used to treat respiratory and urinary tract infections. Taken internally, it is used to increase resistance to illness, including the common cold and sore throat. Externally, echinacea ointment is a treatment for skin wounds. The herb also has been used to treat yeast infection, rheumatoid arthritis and cancer, but its effectiveness is unproven. Echinacea's beneficial effects in treating infections may result from stimulation of the immune system. Studies have shown that it increases the number of immune cells in the blood to fight colds and related ailments. It enhances the cells' ability to destroy harmful bacteria, inhibits viruses and activates other immune responses. In Germany, echinacea has been approved to treat colds, flu and upper respiratory infections. Because echinacea is anti-inflammatory, it has been used in ointments for hard-to-heal wounds. Although it can treat a wide range of illnesses, more human studies regarding effectiveness and safety are needed.
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