Commonly used by American Native people for a wide range of illnesses, including burns, wounds, abscesses, insect bites, infections, toothache, joint pain and also snake bite. It was listed in the U.S. National Formulary from 1916 to 1950. Echinacea is considered the most effective detoxicant in Western medicine for the circulatory, respiratory and lymphatic systems and has been adopted by Ayurvedic practitioners. The name comes from the Greek “echinos” which means hedge hog and refers to the prickly scales of the flowers central cone.
CONSTITUENTS: Both water and fat soluble components are needed for maximum effect. Polysaccharides-significant immune enhancing properties
Flavonoids-Improve circulation and have diuretic, antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effects.
Caffeic Acid derivatives-mainly in roots
Essential Oil-small amount
Alkylamides-tingling of tongue, mildly anesthetic
Other -alkaloids, resins, glycoproteins, sterols
VITAMINS & MINERALS: High in iron, selenium, zinc, manganese and silicon
Moderate in magnesium, potassium, niacin, Vit. C and E and some B complex vitamins
Small amount of calcium, posphorus, sodium and Vit. A
PROPERTIES: A bitter, slightly aromatic, alterative herb that stimulates the immune system, promotes healing
(vulnerary), and
has antiviral and antibacterial properties.
INDICATIONS: infections-colds, flu,upper respiratory tract infections, uro-genital infections particularly candidiasis
snake bite-inhibits hyaluronidase
wound healing-anti-inflammatory and vulnerary for burns,abscesses, wounds, eczema, herpes, varicose ulcers
arthritis-for its anti-inflammatory effects
allergies-used as a tonic for food allergies, environmental sensitivities, hay fever and any other allergy not
related to long-term immune deficiency.
cancer-with or without chemotherapy, as it raises levels of white blood cells
CONTRAINDICATIONS: Not recommended during pregnancy. Conflicting reports of appropriateness in HIV and AID because of stimulation of T cell replication and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) may support virus replication. Any individual with an immune related problem should consult a qualified health care practitioner before using any herb for medicinal purposes.
There
are many ways to use Echinacea tincture depending on the purpose.
This
table of the “Suggested Dose Schedule” is from “Echinacea- The Immune Herb” by
Christopher Hobbs (June 1996)
TYPE OF DOSE QUANTITY DURATION
Tonic
Dose 10
drops/day of tincture up
to 9 months, as needed
Maintenance
Dose 20 drops 2x/day up to 2 months
Protective
Dose 1
dropperful 2-3x/day 10
days on, 4 days off
for
up to 3 cycles
Full
Course 1-2
dropperfull every 2 hrs 10
days maximum, then
use
protective dose
Childrens
Dose under
6:10drop max/dose same
as above depending on
7-10:20
drops max/dose severity
of the condition
11-13:30
drops max/dose
14-16:
1 dropperfull max/dose
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