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Home >
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Supplement Articles
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Supplement Articles |
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ECHINACEA
Articles by a Naturopathic
Doctor ( N.D.)
Most commonly used to
fend off colds and flus, but
has many other health
benefits ... |
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Echinacea |
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Echinacea boosts
immune system
activity |
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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. |
Echinacea–
QUICK FACTS
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PARTS USED
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·
Angustifolia
– roots,
Purpurea and
Pallida –
whole plant. |
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APPLICATIONS |
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Colds and
flus,
infections,
arthritis,
skin ulcers,
boils,
abscesses.
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OPTIMUM
DOSAGE
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Topically
apply tea or
juice to
area as
needed.
Capsule
1000-1500mg
daily
(standardized
to 4%
echinosides
for
angustifolia
or 4%
sesquiterpene
esters for
purpurea).
(Clinical
doses may be
higher as
recommended
by your
practitioner). |
WORKS WELL
WITH
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·
Colloidal
silver,
vitamin C,
bioflavinoids,
goldenseal. |
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IMPORTANT
INFORMATION
click for
products |
·
Do not use
echinacea if
you are
allergic to
ragweed or
have renal
disease.
·
Individuals
whose
condition is
dependent on
immune
system
depression
should not
use
echinacea.
·
Cycle
Echinacea
for 3 weeks
on and one
week off for
preventative
use. |
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For
informational
purposes only.
Please consult your
health care
practitioner before
taking natural
health care
products. Click here
for full disclaimer. |
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All articles
copyright National Nutrition
2001 - 2011. For educational
purposes only. Please note
that while National Nutrition
supports your right to use
natural health care products for
any therapeutic purpose that you
see fit, that the information on
this website should not be
considered as a claim or as a
substitute for medical advice. |
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