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.
