E is for Echinacea #AtoZChallenge

This year my A to Z Challenge is all about wellbeing - something I'm particularly passionate about. Whether it's physical, emotional, mental, spiritual or even the wellbeing of my business, I'm passionate about it! Today it's all about Echinacea :D

In my book, Echinacea is a must-have for all households. Whenever you feel like you have a cold coming, add a few drops of the tincture to a glass of water and get it down you. If you continue to do this for a few days, that cold may well disappear altogether. However, if the infection has already taken hold, it will help reduce the length of time that you're sick. Yes, it's that good.
But what is it?

photo credit: Fivefolding via photopin (license)

Echinacea Purpurea is a flowering plant native to many parts of the US and other warm climates. Its leaves and root are used in herbal medicine to help boost the immune system.
Compared with antibiotics, Echinacea works by stimulating the immune system as opposed to antibiotics which destroy both harmful and beneficial bacteria. If you use Echinacea instead of antibiotics your immune system with thank you for it because it becomes better able to deal with infections and viruses as they happen.
Great stuff, huh? We wouldn't be without it!