Appetite Increasing Properties of Echinacea
I think anyone who has ever used Echinacea to treat an oncoming cold would definitely agree that it has magical powers. Echinacea’s popularity has grown tremendously in the last 5 years, however it is not a new discovery by any means. The herbal remedy is a native plant of North America and has been recommended by herbalists for many years. The Native Americans used the roots as the primary remedy for snakebites, venomous insect bites, and burns. Native people also used echinacea in ceremonies; specifically they put the fresh juice from the roots on their feet to desensitize them before their ritual firewalks.
Today the more mainstream population uses the dried herb or fresh flower primarily for medicinal purposes. The modern use of echinacea is to stimulate the immune system, hence its prevalent use by those with colds and flu.
The juice from the root is extracted and sold in the form of a tincture. This liquid magic is said to increase the phagocytes in the body. Phagocytes are white blood cells that can destroy bacteria and other harmful substances in the body.
Echinacea’s appetite increasing benefits also can’t be ignored either. The herb contains compounds knows as alkylamides that interact with cannabinoid receptors which are responsible for appetite control. Akylamides’ from echinacea are a new class of cannabinomimetics that boost hunger similar to the way marijuana can give you the munchies, but of course this is a legal appetite increasing alternative.
Like mentioned already, besides increasing hunger, this herb can help keep your immune system running well. Nothing stalls those muscle-building goals like being bedridden with a severe cold or the flu.
When taking echinacea, it is important to not take it more than 10-14 days in a row. Refrain from taking it for an equal number of days to allow for its wonders to work. It is said that a good quality tincture will make your mouth and tongue tingle. For specific dosage and recommendations for your situation, I suggest you seek out the assistance of a naturopathic doctor or qualified herbalist. People with autoimmune disorders should seek medical advice before taking echinacea.
So whether you are warding off a cold, wanting to speed up the healing of an existing condition, or wanting to improve appetite so you can gain weight, be sure to use some echinacea. We all need a little magic in our lives!
For more tips on increasing your appetite, check out these simple tips.
