Immune boosting properties of Echinacea

Echinacea is well known for its anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, analgesic, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, digestive and tonic properties. It is commonly recommended by herbalists as an agent to lessen the symptoms and duration at the onset of a cold or the flu ,as it been found to be effective in strengthening the immune system.Many studies show that echinacea prevents the formation of an enzyme called hyaluronidase, which destroys a natural barrier between healthy tissue and unwanted pathogenic organisms. Therefore, echinacea helps the body maintain its line of defense against unwanted invaders, especially viruses.Echinacea also appears to be useful for other common ailments such as sore throat, lymph node inflammation, stomach cramps, and urinary tract infections.It is widely used as a general blood purifier. Externally, it can be used for treatment of insect bites, burns, measles, skin ulcers, herpes sores, cold sores, and yeast infections in women.