|
Echinacea |
| Common
Name Purple Coneflower |
|
| Parts Used
A juice is made from the above ground part
of the plant. The root is commonly dried and available in capsule
form. |
|
| Common Uses |
 |
Prevention and
treatment of colds and flu. |
|
Helps boost sluggish
immune system. |
|
Aids treatments of
recurrent infections of the ears, respiratory tract and
urinary tract. |
|
Reduces recurrence of
vaginal yeast
infections | |
|
How Echinacea
works
In a nutshell, Echinacea
helps stimulate the immune system into action. |
| To do this it helps activate white blood
cells and supports the production of interferon, an important part
of our defense against viral infections which cause colds and flu.
|
| As a result our immune system is
stronger and we have a better defense against
infections. |
|
Suggested
Use
Short term - As soon as
you notice symptoms take 40 drops of juice or 2 capsules. Then 40
drops of juice or 1 capsule every 2 hours until you feel symptoms
are lessening. |
| Long term (perhaps to boost immune
system before the flu season begins)– Take 40 drops of juice or one
capsule 3 or 4 times each day. |
| Echinacea should not be taken
continuously for more than 8 weeks, as after this time it’s immune
boosting powers may lessen. A two week break is recommended before
you start taking the herb again. |
|
| Side
Effects There are no known side
effects. |
|
Safety
Concerns
Echinacea should not be used by people with
auto-immune illnesses, or systemic diseases such as tuberculosis and
multiple sclerosis. |
| The current European monograph on herbs
lists no contraindications for taking the expressed juice of
Echinacea purpurea during pregnancy or lactation. |
| If you are allergic to flowers in the
daisy family you should not take Echinacea. |
|
The History of
Echinacea
Natives Americans
used Echinacea to treat snake bites, fevers and hard to heal wounds.
. |
| It was first used by a U.S. medical
practice in 1887 and quickly became very popular among the medical
professionals. However, in the early part of this century it lost
popularity and virtually disappeared from the U.S. medical
scene |
| Echinacea was rediscovered in the 1930’s
by Gerhard Madaus, a German doctor, and since then more than 200
journal articles have been written about this amazing purple
wildflower. |
| It is now among the most popular herbal
preparation in the United States and Europe. |
|
