St. Francis Echinacea Goldenseal - 250ml

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 used in combination with Echinacea for the treatment of common cold and respiratory infections. This herb was originally used by native North Americans for a variety of infectious complaints including those of the respiratory, urinary, and gastrointestinal tracts. In the herbal medicine community Goldenseal is known as the "king of the mucous membranes".

Berberine
The major constituent of Goldenseal is berberine, and it is the source of Goldenseal's infection-fighting ability. Berberine has anti-microbial activity against viruses, fungi, parasites and bacteria.

Hydrastine
Another constituent of Goldenseal is called hydrastine and is the component that relaxes smooth muscles. This is helpful to relieve coughs, intestinal and stomach spasms and decrease blood pressure. This makes Goldenseal useful in the treatment of the common cold, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), irritable bowel disease (IBD), and hypertension.

Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Mucous
Additionally, goldenseal has been found to decrease secretions and inflammation in mucous membranes. Thus it can be used for the treatment of: gastritis, inflammatory bowel problems, cystitis (bladder inflammation), sinusitis, bronchitis and rhinitis (nasal inflammation).

Common Cold
Because it reduces secretions from mucous membranes, and relaxes the muscles of the airway, Goldenseal can help to reduce the symptoms of the common cold. It is also rich in antimicrobial berberines, thus it can help to treat the cause of the cold at the same time.

Bitter
Because of its strong taste and effects on mucous membranes, Goldenseal can also be used as a digestive bitter. Digestive bitters are herbal preparations that help to stimulate the digestive system and promote increase secretion of saliva, stomach acid, bile, and digestive enzymes.

How can I take Goldenseal?
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. It can be taken orally or applied topically for skin infections.