Echinacea has historically been widely revered and used
for its immune-stimulating, anti-bacterial, and
antiviral activity. It enhances resistance
to colds and flu, it is useful for septicemia and skin complaints (such as boils, abscesses, or carbuncles, and is used as a mouthwash for gum problems. It is also used locally as an antiseptic for burns, wounds, bites, and skin ulcers, infections and to purify the blood and lymph systems. Recent studies have shown that Echinacea can increase white blood cell counts and thus support our immune system in fighting bacteria and viruses.
Common Uses :
- Improve immune system function
- Fight the common cold
- Fight Viral infections like the Flu
- antiseptic for burns, wounds, bites, and skin ulcers
Echinacea is an herb native to the United States that has been highly valued for centuries by Native Americans. Today there are over 200 medical studies reporting on Echinacea's special immune stimulant capabilities.
This research reveals that the phenolic compounds found in Echinacea can increase white blood cell count and their cellular defense fighting ability.
Several different mechanisms have been proposed to explain Echinacea's immune-boosting properties, including stimulation of phagocytosis, increased mobility of leukocytes, and increased T-lymphocyte and interferon production.
[1] Echinacea has no direct bactericidal or bacteriostatic properties; instead, it is an immunostimulant.
Contraindications: Do not take Echinacea if any of the following conditions applies to you: Not to be used when progressive systemic diseases such as the following exist: Tuberculosis, leukosis, collagenosis, mutiple sclerosis, AIDS, HIV infection, and other autommune diseases. Do not use during pregnancy or lactation
Cautions: Long-term use in people who have chronically weakened immune systems may lead to further immune suppression. Commission E, an official body which has evaluated commonly-used herbs, has recommended that echinacea not be used in people with AIDS or chronic auto immune ailments, such as lupus.
