Echinacea

The information given here is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace or supersede medical advice. Those individuals with a medical problem need to seek medical attention when necessary. Do not use these herbs without the aid or supervision of a well-trained and clinically knowledgeable herbalist.

ECHINACEA

(Echinacea Purpura)

PARTS USED: Root

ACTIONS: Alterative, antibiotic, carminative, stimulant, vulnerary, surface immune activator, stimulates phagocytes and T-cell formation.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES: Used for all types of infections. Antiseptic, alterative, antiviral. Best for early stages of infections. Blood poisoning, boils, abscesses, bites from snakes, tarantulas, spiders, wasps and bees. Chronic bronchitis. Chronic and seasonal hay fever, allergic reactions, indigestion. Fevers attributed to chicken pox, measles, and scarlet fever. Used topically for boils, mammitis, and oral herpes. Clinical trials are supporting effectiveness against step and staph, influenza viruses, and stomach viruses.

COMBINATIONS: Echinacea, goldenseal, yarrow, elder for colds, flues and infections.

GROWTH PATTERN: Everywhere

COUNTERINDICATIONS: Use 5 days on, 2 days off or 3 weeks on, 1
week off. Commission E (German FDA) should not be used in systemic diseases such as TB, MS, AIDS, HIV, and other auto immune disorders.

DOSAGE: Is best used in tinctures. Standard dosages in chronic conditions or every hour in acute conditions until symptoms begin to respond.