Among the many supplements available for alternative and supplementary therapies, echinacea and flaxseed are two popular ones used today. Despite the disbelief of some in the use of alternative medicine, research shows that it does have effects on the body and it is important for healthcare workers to be aware of these effects to ensure the best care for their patients. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the therapeutic effects, indications, contraindications, side effects, cost, and availability of both echinacea and flaxseed.
Echinacea
Echinacea is a North American herbaceous flowering plant that belongs to the genus of the daisy family. It was first used by Native Americans. It comes in liquid, capsule, ointment and tablet forms. (Echinacea metabolism and drug interactions: The case for standardization of a complementary medicine). Echinacea is known for its use as an immunostimulant. It is indicated for treatment and prevention of upper respiratory infections such as influenza and the common cold. It also enhances and boosts the immune system by increasing phagocytosis. However, many of its beneficial effects are still unknown.
Evidence from …show more content…
Flaxseed can be taken in a number of different ways. Chaey states, “The key thing to know about eating flaxseed is you need to grind it before you eat it” (Chaey, 2015). Our bodies are unable to break down flaxseed very well- if it is not ground up the available nutrients are not taken into the body. Flaxseed has a short shelf life; therefore it spoils days after the package is opened. Flaxseed can be added to just about any food. Some of the more popular foods include muffins, bread dough, smoothies, juices, pancakes, waffles, hot or cold cereal. It is not good to use as a cooking oil because of its low smoke point. Alternatively, one might mix it in after veggies have been cooked or add it to a salad dressing. To maximize the use of flaxseed, store it in the fridge opposed to the
Echinacea
Echinacea is a North American herbaceous flowering plant that belongs to the genus of the daisy family. It was first used by Native Americans. It comes in liquid, capsule, ointment and tablet forms. (Echinacea metabolism and drug interactions: The case for standardization of a complementary medicine). Echinacea is known for its use as an immunostimulant. It is indicated for treatment and prevention of upper respiratory infections such as influenza and the common cold. It also enhances and boosts the immune system by increasing phagocytosis. However, many of its beneficial effects are still unknown.
Evidence from …show more content…
Flaxseed can be taken in a number of different ways. Chaey states, “The key thing to know about eating flaxseed is you need to grind it before you eat it” (Chaey, 2015). Our bodies are unable to break down flaxseed very well- if it is not ground up the available nutrients are not taken into the body. Flaxseed has a short shelf life; therefore it spoils days after the package is opened. Flaxseed can be added to just about any food. Some of the more popular foods include muffins, bread dough, smoothies, juices, pancakes, waffles, hot or cold cereal. It is not good to use as a cooking oil because of its low smoke point. Alternatively, one might mix it in after veggies have been cooked or add it to a salad dressing. To maximize the use of flaxseed, store it in the fridge opposed to the