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Potential applications
of Echinacea:
Viral infections (e.g. colds, influenza, herpes, etc.)
Bacterial infections
Candida albicans
infections
Arthritis and other
inflammatory conditions
Eczema, acne and
other bacterially-related and/or inflammatory skin conditions
Wound healing
More About Echinacea
Immune stimulant
A number of immuno-stimulatory
compounds have been isolated from echinacea. Echinacea elevates white
blood cell count and activity, enhances antibody activity, speeds migration
of white blood cells to areas of infection, boosts interferon activity
and inhibits hyaluronidase (an enzyme that allows pathogenic organisms
to become more invasive).
Anti-bacterial
Echinacea exerts
a mild anti-bacterial effect on the body. For example, two compounds
found in echinacea, echinacoside and caffeic acid, inhibit the growth
of staphylococcus aureas, corynebacterium diptheria, and proteus vulgaris.
Anti-viral
The various components
of echinacea appear to block viral receptor sites on cell surfaces as
well as having an inhibiting effect on hyaluronidase, which increases
connective tissue permeability and allows the organism to become more
invasive.
Anti-fungal
Studies have shown
that echinacea specifically enhances the ability of macrophages (white
blood cells which 'eat' pathogens) to destroy fungal organisms such
as candida albicans.
Anti-inflammatory
Studies suggest that
polysaccharides in echinacea exert anti-inflammatory activity, primarily
due to what has been reported as a 'cortisone-like' effect.
Wound healing
It has been reported
that echinacea speeds up the healing of damaged tissue - an action that
appears to be associated with an ability to promote connective tissue
regeneration and the herb's anti-inflammatory properties.
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Directions for Use:
As a herbal food supplement for adults,
1-3 Solgar Echinacea 520mg vegicaps daily, preferably at mealtime, or
as directed by a healthcare practitioner.
Contra-indications
Echinacea is best avoided in those suffering with
an auto-immune disease (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, etc.) It has
been reported that in terms of immune boosting effects long term use
at high doses may become less effective over time. This may warrant
taking short breaks, or rotating the use of echinacea with other immune
stimulents if the duration of treatment requires more than a few weeks
in a row.
This information is not intended to
replace the personal recommendations of your own qualified healthcare
professional
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