October 28th, 2009Echinacea
Echinacea (eke-nay-shuh) is an herb that can be used by practically everyone. The quick action effectiveness of this member of the daisy family simply amazes all from the novice to the licensed professional. Simply stated - Echinacea stimulates the immune system. Because of this stimulating effect Echinacea is touted for a myriad of uses.
Principle among these uses is its wonderful effect on colds and flu. One of the active compounds of this plant (which is only indigenous to the United States and bordering Canada), are polysaccharides (large sugar molecules). These water soluble compounds need to be taken orally for full effect, because they may be broken down in the digestive process. An extract, tea or chewing the root will stimulate immune receptor cells located in the mouth. In that the cell structure of these compounds is structurally similar to invading micro-organisms and poisonous compounds, exposure to these immune receptor cells sends an alarm to the immune system and the immune cells respond through increased mobility and increased numbers. There are other immune stimulating compounds found in Echinacea that are fat soluble and would bypass the first stages of digestion thus stimulating immune cells located in the intestinal tract. However, these fat soluble compounds would allow encapsulated Echinacea to also be effective.
Because colds and flus are caused by viruses, antibiotics not only will not work but become very contra indicated because they compromise the immune system – which is the only thing that can protect the body.
For best results start taking Echinacea at the first signs of illness. However, if you wait too long, not even Echinacea can help your immune system catch up. At this point you will need the added remedy of garlic – 16 fresh crushed cloves per day.
When others around you are sick start taking a protective dose, which is 1 dropperful 2-3 times a day for 10 days, then go 4 days off for up to 3 cycles. If you start experiencing symptoms take 1-2 dropperfuls every 2 hours for up to 10 days then go back to the protective dose.
Printable Version: www.herballegacy.com/EchinaceaHerb.pdf
October 29th, 2009 at 2:19 am
I’m loving your newsletter thank you. I would like to ask a
question or two about the article on echinacea. Firstly if someone has been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease (RA) are they still OK to take echinacea? She is not taking prescription drugs although they were initially prescribed, but is taking naturopathically recommended herbs. Wondering about taking echinacea if flu is suspected.
Secondly, can you build up a tolerance to echinacea over time so that you need to take more of it, or so that it becomes less beneficial?
October 29th, 2009 at 4:12 am
Thank you, David for the article on Echinacea. It will be handy to keep with my cold and flu remedies/herbal first aid kit. Also knowing the dosages and length of time to take is very helpful. I enjoy and look forward to the Herbal Legacy newsletter each week.