Purple coneflower: strengthen your immune system
The leaves, stem, and root of the Echinacea plant are widely recognized for their medicinal properties. Traditionally, Echinacea (Purple coneflower) was applied to wounds in order to prevent infections. However, with the advent and discovery of antibiotics, the use of Echinacea for this purpose started to wane significantly.
In various forms of folk medicine, Echinacea has maintained a presence as an immunostimulant. It is commonly prepared as tinctures, decoctions, or extracts, which are utilized to harness its supposed health benefits.
According to Svetlana Kanevskaya, Echinacea is primarily employed for treating or preventing colds, flu, and other infections, as well as aiding the healing of wounds.
Medical advice typically suggests that Echinacea should be used for short periods only. It is important to note that individuals with sensitivities or allergies to plants within the daisy family may experience allergic reactions when using Echinacea.
The daisy family, scientifically classified as Asteraceae, includes common plants like ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies.
Echinacea is widely distributed across several regions, including North America, Eurasia, Australia, New Zealand, India, Japan, and North Africa. The optimal time for harvesting this plant is during the months of July through September. The cost of Echinacea typically ranges from 100 to 200 RUB, making it accessible for many.
In addition to Echinacea, cloves are another plant with notable historical significance. Once regarded as a symbol of luxury, these dried, unopened buds come from a tropical tree and were cherished both as a spice and a remedy. In ancient times, cloves were utilized in India for medicinal purposes and were later traded with ancient Greece and Rome.
Maxim Obushenkov, a dentist and director of a dental company, highlights the historical use of simple spices, particularly cloves, to alleviate toothaches. In the past, when modern pain relievers were not available, cloves were a common remedy.
Cloves contain eugenol, a compound known for its anesthetic properties. Applying a small amount of clove oil directly to a sore tooth can provide significant relief.
Today, it is recommended to place a drop of clove oil on a cotton swab or stick and gently touch it to the affected area. Clove oil is user-friendly and requires no extra preparation, allowing for easy application.
While it can be used as necessary, it should not exceed two or three applications per day. The treatment can continue until improvement is noted, but consulting a dental professional is advised for prolonged use.