Echinacea is native coneflower to North America that has been used as herbal remedy for over 400 years by Great Plains Indian tribes. It is technically classified as herb, and several species of this plant flowers, leaves and roots are used in medicine. Before the advent of antibiotics, Echinacea was popular for its medicinal properties.
Echinacea has many medicinal properties, but the most appreciated ones are its effectiveness in combating cancer, pain reliever, use as a laxative for relieving constipation, anti-inflammatory, fighting skin problems related to spider bites, eczema, psoriasis, snake bite, skin infections, wound healing, relieving upper respiratory tract infection. It is also regarded as immune system modulator and tonic, and has been historically used as blood and lymph system cleanser. Echinacea has been found helpful in boosting immunity and reducing susceptibility to infections or conditions that increase the chance for new infection. It is also considered one of the natural remedies for mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression and social phobias particularly related to ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder). Echinacea is also known for its antimicrobial activity and fights blood borne infections, genital herpes, gingivitis, malaria, syphilis, typhoid, vaginal yeast infections, and urinary tract infections.
Side-Effects of Echinacea
There are certain side-effects related to high doses of Echinacea that mostly include nausea and dizziness, particularly in cases of allergies. Therefore, it is contraindicated in cases of seasonal allergies. It is also noted that IV Echinacea may cause symptoms of diarrhea, disorientation, dizziness, headache, dry mouth, insomnia, stomach pain, muscle aches, nausea and vomiting. It is safe to use in pregnant women, but there is still research required in this field and caution should be maintained when using it in pregnancy.
Echinacea Herb for Chlamydia
Chlamydia, as we all know, is a bacterial sexually transmitted disease caused by Chlamydia trachomatis bacterium. The bacterium remains viable in mucus membranes of vagina/vulva, penis, anus and throat in cases of oral sex. Chlamydia is one of the most common STD among individuals between the age of 15 to 25 in US, which is caused due to unsafe sexual practice and in high-risk sexual behavior when being engaged in multiple sexual partners. The most common symptoms of Chlamydia infection are abnormal discharge from vagina/penis, dysuria, rectal pain, bleeding from rectum, and inflammation of the genitals. It might even lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy and infertility in females. It is best prevented by regular STD screening of both the sexual partners, prevention of infection by using protection in the form of condom, being in a monogamous relationship and avoiding polygamy. It is a treatable infection and is best treated with antibiotics such as azithromycin, doxycycline and erythromycin for a course of 7 to 10 days depending upon the severity of the disease. Nowadays, ayurvedic and herbal treatment are gaining popularity due to their reduced side effects as compared to their counterpart allopathic medications.
Echinacea as herbal treatment has gained recognition in the treatment of Chlamydia infection. It is known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties along with immunity boosting property as well. It has been known to combat Chlamydia infection and as it is an immunity booster, it increases the production of white blood cells to prevent further infection in future. Echinacea is available in tea, creams, tincture as well as capsule form. It is best to drink Echinacea tea without any sugar or milk twice daily for maximum health benefits; sugar will worsen the infection so it is best to avoid it. It can also be consumed in capsule or tincture form. The recommended dose of Echinacea is 200 to 500 mg or 30 drops of tincture at least thrice daily for a period of minimum 10 days. Echinacea is a very popular herbal medicine and hence, can be found in any health and drug store or ayurvedic store.
When using Echinacea as the treatment for Chlamydia infection, it is best to discuss the option with a health care professional and then only continue with further treatment.
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