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. | 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 |
