Echinacea Echinacea
Echinacea angustifolia
We owe Native Americans a debt of gratitude for introducing the settlers to the wonders of this purple cone-flower plant. Indians of the Great Plains first used this herb as a remedy for snakebites and other skin wounds. They also applied the root of this plant directly to the mouth for toothaches and sore throats. Word of echinacea's healing properties traveled back to Europe where it is one of the most sough-after herbs and one of the better researched as well. There is renewed interest in echinacea today in the United States because of this herb's positive effect on the immune system. Many studies have shown that echinacea prevents the formation of an enzyme called hyaluronidase, which destroys a natural barrier between healthy tissue and unwanted pathogenic organisms. Thus, echinacea helps the body maintain its line of defense against unwanted invaders, especially viruses. In 1972, a study appeared in the Journal of the Medical Chemistry showing that an echinacea extract inhibited tumor growth in rats. Echinacea function in patients receiving chemotherapy. In 1978, a study in Planta Medica showed that a root extract destroyed both herpes and influenza viruses. Several European studies show that echinacea appears to lessen the severity of colds and flu, and helps speed recovery. Echinacea has also been used successfully to treat candida, an annoying and persistent fungal infection. Infact, patients treated with an antifungal cream and echinacea extract were less likely to suffer a recurrence than those treated soley with the antifungal cream. Other studies show that echinacea has been used successfully to treat psoriasis and eczemza. Many of the active compounds in echinacea can be destroyed during processing. Freeze drying is the most effective way to preserve this herb's healing properties. A fully potent echinacea preparation will create a tingling sensation on the tongue. If yours dosen't, you're missing out on some important compounds.
Action -
Antibacterial - Antibiotic - Antiviral - .

Use For -
Colds & Flu - Infections - Immune System

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