A SELECTION OF MEDICINAL HERBS – PURPLE CONEFLOWER (ECHINACEA PURPUREA AND ANGUSTIFOLIA) – REINFORCING THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
Researchers have been taking a keen interest in Echinacea, with the aim of isolating its medicinal properties. First they tried, without success, to find the substances that prevent the growth and development of pathogenic organisms, since it was thought that this is what happens.
It was much later, however, when they discovered that the effect of Echinacea is not attributable to some antibiotic property, but to its ability to reinforce the body’s own defence mechanism. Medical science began to realise then that here was a very remarkable plant indeed. After all, the immune system is one of the most important things in our body. Without its proper functioning, without a good defence mechanism, we could not survive. We are constantly subjected to the attacks of millions of germs. However, these agents can multiply and cause damage in the human body only if they find the breeding ground necessary for their survival and if the defence system is weak.
The immune system is weakened by our modern, unnatural way of life. It is therefore understandable that a herbal remedy such as Echinacea is gaining in stature.
*744/28/1*
