Nutridom Echinacea - 60 V-Caps

ECHINACEA

By: Articles by a Naturopathic Doctor and a Holistic Nutritionist

Although echinacea is commonly used to fend off colds and flu, don't let that fool you; it has many other health benefits too...

Echinacea is one of the most popular natural health products sold today, and for one good reason; it's an immune powerhouse! If we take a historic look back at the roots of ancient medicine, Echinacea has an impressive resume- especially when we associate it with our bounce back time needed to recover from sickness. If that doesn't convince you, it was even in Dr. Oz's Top 3 Supplements for fighting against cold and flu.

What Does It Do?

Echinacea has a number of immune specific actions in the body, including antibacterial, antimicrobial, anti-viral, anti-protozoal and anti-parasitic. It’s also a decongestant, lymphatic (meaning it helps to tonify the lymphatic system), anti-inflammatory, and effective immunostimulant. Immunostimulants are products that increase the functions of the immune system, which as we know, is 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.

Immune System Support Extraordinaire

Echinacea stimulates white blood cells, which scavenge for bacteria and cellular waste. It also stimulates our helper 'T cells', which mobilizes other immune cells to fight infection. Finally, if that weren't enough, echinacea stimulates the production of collagen which rebuilds damaged tissue. So for those of us who aren't Doctors, what does all this mean? It means that it can cut an individual’s chances of catching a cold or flu, as well as shorten the duration of these infections once caught. Echinacea is recommended by natural health practitioners for a variety of conditions including prevention and early treatment of colds and flu, as well as skin infections and ulcers, herpes, canker sores, eczema and wound cleansing. Before echinacea was used to fight against the dreaded cold and flu, it was used in part, to help with snakebites – this was before it was used as a herbal medicine.

Anything Else?

Although there has been no scientific evidence to show this, some therapists claim that echinacea can help relieve side effects from cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Echinacea is also a potent antioxidant and free radical scavenger!

The Details

There are a few species of Echinacea, including the more commonly known and used angustifolia, purpurea, and pallida. Look for root extracts, as studies show the root to be more the source of medicinal content and responsible for its medicinal action. Echinacea can be purchased as a loose herb, encapsulated herb, tablets, extract or tincture. It is very often paired with goldenseal and other immune specific herbs, for cold and flu support and prevention.

Give Me The Best Echinacea You Have!

Fortunately for us, Dr. Oz did his homework. Echinaforce, by A.Vogel is one of the strongest lines of defence – Dr. Oz name A.Voge,l and this product line specifically, as one of the Top 3 supplements to take at the on-sites of cold and flu. A. Vogel makes their herbal remedy using fresh, organically grown plants. Tinctures are carefully concentrated under a vacuum and used for the production of their tablets, such as Echinaforce Extra, as well as their toothpaste and cream. A.Vogel's products are sugar and gluten-free, and certified by Bio Suisse. It is best to take them at the first sign of infection. Along with echinacea, this tablet also contains organically grown dried root. Echinaforce can also be purchased in liquid or lozenges.

Interactions, Warnings And Side Effects

Echinacea is in the same plant family as ragweed, therefore it is not recommended that individuals with ragweed allergies use echinacea. Due to Echinacea’s immunostimulating action, those on immunosuppressive or immunoglobulin therapies, such as transplant recipients, should not use it. Also, those with auto-immune conditions, such as lupus, RA, and diabetes, should use with caution and only under the supervision of a health care professional. Those with renal disease should not use Echinacea because it may lead to electrolyte imbalances. It's wise to remember that prolonged use of Echinacea is not recommended, as the body appears to become resistant to its immunostimulating properties. Long term use of greater than 8 weeks is not advised.

What Else Did Dr. Oz Have To Say?

Along with Echinacea as being one of the Top 3 supplements for fighting off a cold and flu, Zinc and Vitamin D were also on the list.

Echinacea– Quick Facts

Parts Used

· Angustifolia – Roots, Purpurea And Pallida – Whole Plant.

Applications

· Colds And Flus, Infections, Arthritis, Skin Ulcers, Boils, Abscesses

Optimum Dosage

· 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

· Colloidal Silver, Vitamin C, Bioflavinoids, Goldenseal

Important Information

· 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.