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.
It has been shown in animal
and human studies to improve the migration of white blood cells to
attack foreign microorganisms and toxins in the bloodstream. Research
suggests that echinacea's activity in the blood may have value in the
defense of tumor cells.
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.
