There are several kinds of Echinacea, e.g. Echinecea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) and Echinacea angustifolia (Narrow leaf Echinacea).
Echinacea comes in many different variants: Freeze-dried, in an alcohol extract, as a tea, in capsules, tablets, tincture, as an extract, a lotion, and an ointment. Alcohol breaks down some parts of the effective components in the plant, and therefore we recommend the freeze-dried or the non-alcoholic extract.
Keywords
Echinacea is beneficial to the immune system, the lymphatic system and swollen glands - broadly speaking; any kind of inflammation or infection where the immune system needs help solving the problem.
Echinacea also works locally in the gastrointestinal area in case of acute or chronic illnesses by e.g. inhibiting bacteria that can cause ulcers.
Acute or chronic infections of the respiratory passages with catarrh. Inhibits inflammation of the bladder and the prostate. Due to its blood purifying effect, Echinacea is effective against pimples, psoriasis, eczema, boils, and fungus infections.
Precautions
Never use herbal medicine if you suspect symptoms that should be clarified by a doctor. If you do not feel any improvement within a month, contact a phytotherapist or a naturopath.
Contraindications
Should not be used during pregnancy or while breast-feeding.
Side effects
No known side effects when RDA is not exceeded.
Dosage
1:2 extract: 3 ml. or a spoonful a day. To be taken with some water. The herbs are strong - you might want to rinse with a tasty beverage.
Dried herb: 3 g. a day.
Further fortification
In case of repeated infections: Supplement with the herbs that fit your needs.
- In case of bladder infections: Echinacea purpurea root, Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis), Dandilion Leaves (Taraxacum officinalis).
- In case of oedema: Bearberry (Uva ursi), Common Couch (Agropyron repens), Dandilion Leaves (Taraxacum officinalis) and Golden Rod (Solidago virgaurea).
- In case of gastro-intestinal infections: Althea (Althea officinalis), Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) andLong-leaved Plantain (Plantago lanceolata).
- In case of infection or other skin problems: Marigold (Calendula officinalis), Burdock (Arctium lappa), Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus castus), Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis), Heartease (Viola tricolor) and Balm (Melissa officinalis).
Further information
www.phytotherapies.org
