Brought to you by our resident food finder Krissy Billiczky

Today’s herb / plant is Echinacea

Echinacea is a plant whose roots and leaves have been traditionally used for medicinal purposes.

Echinacea plants are also called “purple coneflower,” and three species of plants in the Echinacea classification are used as herbal supplements.

Echinacea plants can be found in eastern and central North America as well as Europe.

Echinacea has been identified as having anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral properties and as an immune-strengthening agent.

One of the common ways to use Echinacea is to drink it in a tea.

Scientific research is limited but studies suggest that echinacea has the following benefits:

  • can help you fight the flu – taking it can reduce the chances of catching flu and can also reduce the time it takes to recover from a flu
  • can help control blood sugar due to its anti-oxidant properties
  • supports healthy cell growth and recovery due to anti-oxidant properties
  • good supplement for those on cancer treatment as those treatments weaken the immune system, taking echinacea can help counter side effects and keep immune system stronger
  • echinacea extract helps regulate the synapses that aid communication between your body and brain – it can limit the physical effects of your fears and help you to feel calmer
  • lowers blood pressure due to high anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties
  • can be used a an effective treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, ulcers, Crohn’s disease, and other conditions that are caused or worsened by inflammation – due to its clinically tested anti-inflammatory properties

Echinacea is available in tablets, tinctures, ointments, capsules, extracts, and, of course, tea.

Echinacea is safe for most people but there are people that are allergic to Echinacea. People with autoimmune diseases should not avoid Echinacea, as it has such a strong effect on immune reactions.

As there aren’t really any spices with E we thought we look into the popular Earl Grey Tea instead

Bergamot tea or commonly known as Earl Grey tea is made by combining black tea and bergamot orange extract. Earl Grey tea has been enjoyed worldwide for hundreds of years.

The black tea leaves are either sprayed with bergamot extract or essential oil, or mixed with dried bergamot rinds, giving the tea a mild citrus-like taste.

Earl Grey or bergamot tea is often considered English, even though it’s native to Southeast Asia and widely cultivated in Southern Italy today.

Some of the claimed health benefits of bergamot tea include improved heart health and digestion, but research is limited.

Scientific research is limited but Earl Grey tea is thought to have the following benefits:

  • may improve certain risk factors to heart disease – In particular, bergamot contains flavanones, which may inhibit enzymes that produce cholesterol in your body
  • may aid digestion – the flavonoids in bergamot tea may fight inflammation associated with digestive issues
  • may have beneficial effects on fighting cancer – High in antioxidants so helps body fight off free radicals
  • may help fight anxiety and depression as bergamot has calming effects and boosts mood
  • unlike other teas and coffees, earl grey can keep you hydrated and helps maintain the body’s fluid balance because of its high potassium content

While bergamot tea is generally considered safe for healthy people, there may be some risks associated with overconsumption such as muscle cramps and blurred vision.

Earl grey contains tannins which can interfere with the absorption of iron in your body and also due to caffeine content, over consumption can lead to jitters and anxiety.

If in doubt, as ever, please seek advice from a healthcare or medical professional.