Monday, July 14, 2008

Echinaecia

Here is a macro shot of an echinaecia flower from the City Hall garden. Echinaecia (I don't know which part of the plant though) is frequently used/consumed as an alternative medicine to help the body to fight an infection.

When I first moved to NYC about10 years ago (August 1998), I was constantly sick from "absorbing" every one's germs in the subway train. A friend suggested I take a dietary supplement of echinaecia and golden seal root to boost my body's immunity to fight the NYC germs. I took his advice and it worked. Now, whenever I feel a little tired or a scratch throat coming, I start popping those supplements like candy.

So do you use alternative medicine?

Disclaimer: This blog DOES NOT promote the use of any product for medicinal purpose or make any medicinal claims.

15 comments:

Shantaram said...

Though I'd rather suffer through a sore throat than pop pills, I've been used to both ayurvedic and allopathic medication since as far back as I can remember; the former more as preventive and the latter when I break a bone or something! So I'm always confused about which is the 'alternative'! ;)

MJ said...

The flower certainly put a smile on my face.

I take supplements regularly. As for alternative medicine, well, basically just those herbal tea that mum make whenever we have sore throat.

Anonymous said...

I used to go crazy over garlic whenever a cold would be knocking at my door. My dance lesson buddies told me one day to cut down though. They said that me running around with my killer breath was like hell on earth.

Anonymous said...

It is what we call a Purple Cone Flower and I have many plants in bloom like this one. I also have one with yellow petals.

I know the insects love them and collect the pollen. Which I don't see on this flower.

Gecko said...

Haha susu, that cracked me up. =P

That's a beautiful macro photo, so many bright colours.

I take supplements in winter, at school I used to get sick all the time, everyone thought I was putting it on. I didn't eat much either so that brought my immune system down. But it's halfway through winter and *touch wood* I don't feel ill.

I've given my horse Rosehips for her hooves, it was hard to know if it helped because we were going through such a tough season. I didn't get anymore because I couldn't afford it...I only tried it because I did a favour for a herbalist...but I think I'll get some more in spring when I bring her back into work, just for the extra help. I've also tried Comfrey Oil on her too, on a lump of scar tissue in her flank, but I didn't see any difference, and she even started loosing hair in the spot!

PeterParis said...

A really different look of NYC!

Shammickite said...

Great picture, Ming!
I take calcium, multi vitamins and Vit C tablets, that's enough to keep me going through just about anything.

Virginia said...

Would wine fit in that category?

Dorothy said...

Hi Ming...nice photo...I've heard of Echinaecia before...I use Zicam Swabs, if I feel a cold coming on...it doesn't stop it but the cold is slight and never travels further than my nose :)

marley said...

Great macro shot. Come over to Cheltenham to see my offering today.

I like the disclaimer too!

Jane Hards Photography said...

Everyone's looking for a lawsuit, so yes tongue in cheek disclaimer. Gorgeous flower. Lavender is my cure all, for burns, cold sores, headaches
insomnia, and gnat bites, and a blocked nose. Unfortunately it doesn't cure a hangover!

alice said...

Thank you for the advice! It's a perfect flower to play "je t'aime, un peu, beaucoup, à la folie, pas du tout!"

Missy,Mrs and Mum said...

What would we do without Echinaecia! That flower gave me energy!
Hope your well xxx

Neva said...

My daughter thinks this stuff is awesome as do a few friends....I love the shot you took of the flower.

NormanTheDoxie said...

I take 6 vitamins daily.