Echinacea & Goldenseal Root - 100 Caps

Echinacea

Echinacea is one of the top selling natural health products. It is also one of the most well studied plants, with many scientific trials attesting to its efficacy as an immunostimulant.
Immunostimulants are products that increase the functioning of the immune system, the system of the body that is responsible for protecting us from infection. Immunostimulants can act on any number of immune cells and ward off infection in several ways.

In the case of echinacea it stimulates white blood cells that scavenge for bacteria and cellular waste. It also stimulates helper T cells, which mobilizes other immune cells to fight infection. Additionally echinacea has its own ability to kill viruses, fungi and bacteria (antimicrobial) when it comes into contact with them. Finally echinacea stimulates the production of collagen which rebuilds damaged tissue. Echinacea is recommended by natural health practitioners for a variety of conditions including prevention of colds and flus, treatment of infections, skin infections, skin ulcers, herpes, canker sores, eczema and wound cleansing.

Echinacea can be purchased as a loose herb, encapsulated herb, tablets, extract or tincture. In general liquid preparations of echinacea are stronger than dried preparations. Alcohol containing extracts tend to contain more medicinal ingredients than the alcohol-free formulas due to different processing methods. An important thing is to note what species of Echinacea is in a product. If Echinacea angustifolia is used check to make sure that root is in the formula. This is where the most beneficial medicinal properties are found. Echinacea angustifolia should make your tongue tingle when you taste liquid preparation. For Echinacea purpurea and pallida the whole plant contains significant amounts of medicinal ingredients. Echinacea is found in formulas for colds and flus.

Echinacea is in the same plant family as ragweed therefore individuals with ragweed allergies should not use echinacea. Due to Echinacea's immunostimulating action those on immunosuppressive or immunoglobulin therapies, such as transplant recipients, should not use it. Those with renal disease should not use Echinacea because it may lead to electrolyte imbalances. Prolonged use of Echinacea is not recommended because the body appears to become resistant to its immunostimulating properties.

Goldenseal

Goldenseal is most commonly known as a partner to echinacea for the treatment of common cold and respiratory infections. It was originally used by native North Americans for a variety if infectious complaints. Berberine is the component of goldenseal that makes it an infection fighter. It has anti-microbial activity against viruses, fungi, parasites and bacteria. Hydrastine is the component of goldenseal that relaxes smooth muscles.

This is helpful to relieve coughs, intestinal and stomach spasms and decrease blood pressure. Additionally goldenseal decreases secretions and inflammation in mucus membranes. Thus goldenseal can be used for gastritis, inflammatory bowel problems, cystitis (bladder inflammation), sinusitis, bronchitis and rhinitis (nasal inflammation). There are some claims that goldenseal can mask urine drug screening but there is no clinical study to prove this effect.

Goldenseal can be purchased as a loose herb, encapsulated herb, tablets, extract or tincture. In general liquid preparations of goldenseal are stronger than dried preparations. Formulas often contain the whole plant but the root is where the most beneficial medicinal properties are found. Goldenseal is found in formulas for colds and flus, gastrointestinal infections, urinary tract infections and healing mucus membranes.

Goldenseal kills beneficial intestinal bacteria therefore probiotic supplements should be used during and after treatment with goldenseal. Goldenseal's active components are uterine stimulants and should not be used by pregnant women. Goldenseal's components transfer into breast milk and should not be used by nursing women. Overdose of goldenseal can lead to hypotension, slowed heart rate, gastrointestinal problems, hallucinations, delirium and respiratory collapse.

Cold & Flu

Colds and flus are a part of everyday life. They are usually caused by viruses, although if left untreated, bacteria can move in and cause infection as well. Colds and flus can be treated effectively with natural therapies that both kill the infecting organism and support the immune system. Lingering or recurrent infection is a signal of an immune system that is overwhelmed. Natural therapies are also helpful in these cases, to restore disease resistance.

Cold symptoms include congestion, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, dry cough, swollen glands and a low fever. As the cold progresses discharges may increase and become green or yellow in colour. The duration of a cold is usually 7 10 days. Flus usually have the same symptoms as a cold but are more severe. High fever, chills and body ache also occur. Flus can also attack the gastrointestinal system and cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The duration of a flu is usually one week, but full recovery can take longer.

Conventional treatment involves the use of antibiotics if the cold has become bacterial. This usually takes care of the current infection. However, the body becomes susceptible to subsequent infections if the friendly bacteria are not replaced. The overuse of antibiotics has also lead to antibiotic resistant strains of various organisms. Individuals can help to minimize resistance by using antibiotics sparingly and always taking recommendations until they are finished.

Dietary approaches to colds and flus are as follows. Increase fluid intake to decrease the viscosity of mucous secretions. A diet high in raw fruits and vegetables provides a good source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Onions and garlic are good sources of substances that make up anti-inflammatory compounds and help to kill microbes. Flaxseed and fish oils contain essential fatty acids that are anti-inflammatory. Avoid animal products because they contain inflammatory precursors. Avoid dairy products, processed foods, white flour and sugar products all of which increase mucous production.