I don’t think anyone dreads an itchy throat as much as I do. Why? Because it’s the trailer to a movie I have no interest in watching AKA it most likely leads to a flu or full blown seasonal bronchitis (yes, there is such a thing. An I’m a testimony to this fact) that lasts for roughly 2 weeks. So, in my quest to boost my immunity and avoid the dreaded F(lu) and B(ronchitis), I went to the holy grail of herbs i.e. iherb.com and browsed through dozen of cures and people’s reviews on each of them. That is till I came across one herbal cure that was child-safe. I mean if it’s good for a kid, I’m sure as hell it is good for me.
What’s the magical cure?
Echinacea.
It comes in various forms – liquid tincture, pills and spray. My preferred form is a liquid dropper. s soon as flu season hits or if people around me are sniffling away I take 2 full droppers of the liquid which is around 30-40 single drops as a preventive measure. If I’m feeling extra cautious then I repeat the dosage every 2 hours. \
What is Echinacea and why does it work?
According to webmd.com,
It’s a flowering plant that grows in the U.S. and Canada, and it’s been used as medicine for centuries. There are nine species. Some of its common names are the purple coneflower or black-eyed Susan. The leaves, stems, flower, and roots are used to make supplements, liquid extracts, and teas.
Extracts of echinacea do seem to have an effect on the immune system, your body’s defense against germs. Research shows it increases the number of white blood cells, which fight infections.
Are there side effects?
Again according to webmd.com, the side effects are pretty low and include: – Upset Stomach (most common) – Allergic reactions like worsening of asthma symptoms – Anaphylaxis (a life-threatening emergency that can cause trouble breathing) – You might be at higher risk of having a reaction to echinacea if you’re allergic to other plants in the daisy family. This includes ragweed, chrysanthemums, and marigolds. – Echinacea might also not be safe for people who use certain drugs. Examples are some medicationsfor heart problems — like amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone) — and some anti-fungal treatments. The combination of echinacea and these medicines could cause liver damage.
Bottom Line?
Echinacea works for me but all of us are built differently. So if you’re interested in trying out echinacea, please consult your doctor first. Herbal remedies like any other remedy have side effects and may interfere with your regular medication. I usually buy it from here for AED 22 ($ 6.12) or locally from here for AED 79 ($ 21.5) if I need it urgently.
What are your natural go-to treatments for an itchy throat and common cold? Let me know in the comments below.