Echinacea - What Infections Respond to Echinacea?
Echinacea extracts are excellent when used for various kinds of
acute infections. Colds and throat infections seem particularly
vulnerable to the immunostimulant action of echinacea. Infections
such as influenza and strep are also affected by the herb.
Again, taking echinacea on a regular basis does not guarantee that
the body will not develop an infection, howe ve r, the duration and
seriousness of the infection should be decreased.
Antibacterial Action of Echinacea: It is interesting to note that
echinacea renders a mild effect on bacteria. It must be remembered,
however, that the ability of echinacea to stimulate the immune
system may explain its long historical use for bacterial infections. The
echinacoside and caffeic acid content of echinacea have been found
to inhibit the growth of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus,
Corynebacterium diphtheria and Proteus vulgaris. 13
Viral Infections and Echinacea : Viral infections are notoriously
difficult to treat. Even with all the strides that medical technology has
made, finding a cure for viral disease has remained elusive. Echinacea
stands out as one of the more effective antiviral herbals. The plant
has undergone several studies to determine what exactly makes it an
effective virus fighter. Se veral studies have confirmed that when
certain laboratory samples were pre-treated with echinacea
compounds, they became protected against exposure to several
viruses including: influenza, herpes and vesicular stomatitis (canker
sores).
Scientists believe that the polysaccharides contained in echinacea
called inulin are primarily responsible for the immuno-stimulant
effect of this herb. The following listed actions make echinacea
especially effective in fighting viral infections and cancero u s
conditions.
•. Promotes macrophage activity
•. Stimulates T-cell production
•. Stimulates interferon production
•. Increases phagocytosis 14
It is e ...
Cancer and Echinacea
Some experts believe that over the last 40 years, science has lost its
battle with cancer. Progress has been slow and cancer mortality rates
continue to rise despite the enormous amount of money spent on
research. While most of us are aware of potential carcinogens which
surround us at every turn, most of us do not take a preventative
approach.
In other words, even if we eat nutritiously and try to protect
ourselves from toxin exposure, cancers still develop. The role of the
immune system in cancer pre vention is significant to say the least.
Why some people develop cancerous tumors and others do not may
be linked to immune function.
We’re all aware of the new emphasis on antioxidants today.
Likewise, stimulating and strengthening the immune system may also
provide significant protection against certain types of malignancy. It’s
time to concentrate on why some of us don’t get cancer instead of
focusing all our attention on why some of us do.
In addition to boosting the immune system, echinacea has been
shown to increase pro p e rdin levels in the body which may be
responsible for its anti-cancer activity. By increasing the production
and secretion of interferon, echinacea may help enable the body to
neutralize carcinogens.15
USDA researchers have found that echinacea contains a tumor
inhibiting compound. This compound is an oncolytic lipid-soluble
hydrocarbon. This particular substance which is found in the
essential oil of echinacea, has shown its ability to inhibit lymphocytic
leukemia and other types of cancers.
One theory concerning this activity is that it probably does not
involve creating a cytotoxic effect directly on cancer cells, but rather
stimulates the action of anti-cancer cells such as natrual killer cells
already present in the body.
The fact that echinacea inhibits the enzyme, hyaluronidase may
also be a factor. The same type of mechanism that breaks down the protective barrier aroun ...SUMMARY
Echinacea can be used for a number of different disorders,
h owe ve r, its primary strength is its ability to pre vent and treat
infections. It can be considered a blood purifier which helps to
neutralize the effects of venoms and chemical toxins in the blood and
as a vital immune system booster. It has been used for everything
from yeast infections to ulcers, to tuberculosis and gangrene.
Echinacea can be thought of as a natural antibiotic and is
especially beneficial for colds, flu, and sore throats. Combining
echinacea with Myrrh is thought to potentiate its action.
Echinacea can actually suppress immune function when that
function is not desireable as seen in allergies and arthritis. In these
conditions, it acts as a natural anti-inflammatory. The safety of
echinacea has been shown in a number of laboratory tests using oral
or intravenous applications of the herb. It has been proven to be
virtually non-toxic in doses amounting to many times the human
therapeutic dose.27 Echinacea is one of the most useable plants in the
herb kingdom and is applicable in the fields of both homeopathy and
allopathic medicine.
Whether you pronounce echinacea with a soft or hard “ch” sound,
it should be considered a powerful immune system booster.
...SPECIFIC ACTIONS ASSOCIATED WITH ECHINACEA
• Echinacea works like an antibiotic by simulating the immune
system and has none of the side effects of antibiotics.
• This herb is especially effective in treating sore throat, earaches,
colds, and viral and glandular infections.
• The action of echinacea blocks the receptor site of viruses on the
surface of cell membranes which prevents the cell from becoming
infected.
• Echinacea helps the body rid itself of waste material and toxins. It can help reduce edema and water retention.
• By activating and potentiating the immune system, echinacea can help treat infectious disease through its natural anti-viral, and antibiotic properties.
• Studies suggest that echinacea may help to prevent certain types of cancer.
• Echinacea has the ability to suppress the immune system when desireable. This makes it valuable in the t reatment of inflammatory diseases and allergic reactions.
• Echinacea is an effective blood cleanser.
• It can help relieve pain and swelling.
• As a wash, it can treat skin disorders such as eczema, burns, psoriasis, herpes, canker sores and abscesses.
• Echinacea stimulates the adrenal cortex, which naturally stimulates the release of cortisol, an anti-inflammatory agent.
Combinations that Enhance Echinacea
• Echinacea, Alfalfa, Bayberry, Capsicum. Comfrey, Ginger, Ginseng, Lobelia and Myrrh
• Echinacea Poke Root, Golden Seal and Capsicum
• Echinacea and Elcampane
• Echinacea and Myrrh
• Echinacea and Yarrow
• Echinacea and Golden Seal
• Echinacea and Ginseng
• Echinacea and Licorice
• Echinacea and Astragalus
• Echinacea, Lapachok, Comfrey and Horsetail Primary Applications of Echinacea
• Acne
• Arthritis
• Bites/Stings
• Blood Disorders
• Boils
• Burns
• Bronchitis
• Canker Sores
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Colds
• Congestion
• Contagious Diseases
• Diptheria
• Ear Infections
• Eczema
• Fevers
• Herpes
• Gangrene
• Glandular Disorders
• Gums
• Infections ...References
1Claire Kowalchik and William H. Hylton, Editors, Rodale’s
Illustrated Encyclopedia. (Emmaus, Pennsylvania: Rodale Press, 1987),
176.
2Louise Tenney, “Echinacea”, To day’s Herbs. ( Provo, Utah:
Woodland Publishing, Vol. XIII, Number 1, 1993), 1.
3Family Guide to Na t u ral Medicine. ( Pleasantville, New Yo rk :
Reader’s Digest, 1993), 303.
4Andrew Weil, MD, Natural Health, Natural Medicine. (Boston:
Houghton Mifflin Company, 1990) 236.
5Gary Gillum, Editor, “Echinacea” To day’s Herbs. ( Provo, Utah :
Woodland Books, Vol. I Issue 11, July, 1981), 1.
6PenelopeOdy, The Complete Medicinal Herbal. ( New York :
Dorling-Kindersley, 1993), 53.
7Michael Murray, ND and Joseph Pizzorno, ND, Encyclopedia of
Natural Medicine. (Rocklin, California: Prima Publishing, 1991), 58.
8V.H. Wagner and A. Proksch., “Immunostimulatory Drugs of
Fungi and Higher Plants”, Economic Medicinal Plant Research .
(1985), 1, 113-53.
9Louise Tenney, The Encyclopedia of Natural Remedies. ( Pleasant
Grove, Utah: Woodland Publishing, 1995), 50.
10Ibid.
1 1Daniel B. Mowre y, The Scientific Validation of Herbs. ( New
Canaan, Connecticut: Keats Publishing, 1986), 119.
12Murray, 59.
13Michael T. Murray, N.D.. The Healing Power of Herbs. (Rocklin,
California: Prima Publishing, 1995), 100.
14J. Mose, “Effect of Echinacin on Phagocytosis and Natural
Killer Cells”, Med. Welt. (1983), 34, 1,463-7.
1 5M. Stimple, A. Proksch, H. Wagner, etal., “Macrophage
Activation and Induction of Macrophage Cytotoxicity by Purified
Polysaccharide Fractions From the Plant Echinacea Purpurea”,
Infection Immunity. (1984), 46, 845-9.
16Mowrey, 119.
17Ibid., 250
18Ibid., 119
19Ibid.
20Ody, 176
21Velma J. Keith and Monteen Gordon, The How To Herb Book.
(Pleasant Grove, Utah: Mayfield Publishing, 1983), 29.
2 2Louise Tenney, To day’s Herbal Health. ( Pleasant Grove, Utah:
Woodland Publishing, 1992), 60.
2 3Daniel B. Mow re y, Ph.D., Echinacea. ( New Canaan,
Connecticut: Keats Pub ...ECHINACEA (Echinacea angustifolia)
Common Names: Black Sampson, Purple Coneflower, Rud beckia ,
Missouri Snakeroot, Red Sunflower
Plant Parts: roots, rhizome
Active Compounds: echinacoside, polysaccharides (echinacin),
antibiotic polyacetylenes, betaine, caffeic acid glycosides,
inulin, isobutyl amides, ess ential oil (humulene,
caryophylene), isobutyl-alkylamines, resin, flavonoids (in
leaves and stems), sesquiterpene esters (echinadiole, epoxy -
echinadiole, echinax-anthole, and dihydor-xynardole).
Pharmacology: Echinacea contains a variety of chemical compounds
which have significant pharmacological functions. It has been
the subject of hundreds of clinical and scientific studies
which have primarily used an extract of the plant portion of
the botanical. The rich content of polysaccharides and
phytosterols in echinacea are what make it a strong immune
system stimulant. The sesquiterpene esters also have
immunostimulatory effects. Glycoside echinacoside is found
in the roots of the plant. Echinacin has also been found to
possess anti-fungal and antibiotic properties. This component
of echinacea also has cortisone-like actions which can help
promote the healing of wounds and helps to control the
inflammatory reactions of allergies.
Vitamin and Mineral Content: vitamins A, E, C, iron, iodine, copper,
sulphur and potassium
Regulatory Status
US: None
UK: General Sales List
CANADA: Over-the-Counter drug status
FRANCE: None
GERMANY: Commission E approved as drug
Recommended Usage: Echinacea works best if it is taken right at the
onset of an infection in substantial doses and then tapere d
off. It can be used in higher quantities as a preventative
during winter months when colds and flu are prevalent. If
using it to maintain the immune system, periodic use is
believed to be more effective than continual usage. Typically,
one should use echinacea for seven to eight weeks on
followed by one week off. Guaranteed potency ec ...HISTORY
Because 20th century medical practices have routinely over -
prescribed antibiotics, the notion of a natural antibiotic with virtually
no side-effects is intriguing to say the least. Echinacea is one of
several herbs which possesses antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal
properties. In a time when new life-threatening microbes are evolving
and pose the threat of modern-day plagues, herbs such as echinacea
are particularly valuable. More and more health practitioners are
focusing on fortifying the immune system to fight off potential
infections rather than just treating infection after it has developed.
Echinacea is enjoying a renaissance today. During the late 1980’s,
echinacea re-emerged as a remarkable medicinal plant. In addition to
its infection fighting properties, echinacea is known for its healing
properties as well. As was the case with so many herbs, echinacea lost
its prestige as a medicinal treatment with the advent of antibiotics. It
has experienced a resurgence over the last two decades.
Echinacea has several other much more romantic names including
Purple Coneflower, Black Sampson and Red Sunflower. It has also
become the common name for a number of echinacea species like E.
angustifolia, E. purpurea, and E. pallida. The genus derives its name
from the Greek word echinos which refers to sea urchin. This
particular association evolved from the prickly spiny scales of the seed
head section of the flower. Historically, echinacea has sometimes
become confused with Parthenium integrifolium.
The word echinacea is actually apart of the scientific latin term,
echinacea angustifolia, which literally translated means a narrow -
leafed sucker. The plant grows wild as a perennial exclusively in the
midwestern plains states, but can be cultivated almost anywhere .
Echinacea leaves are pale to dark green, coarse and pointy. Its florets
are purple and its roots, black and long.
Echinacea has a strong Native American li ...FUNCTIONS
Echinacea increases the body’s ability to resist and fight infection,
clears the blood of impurities and has been used for fevers, venereal
diseases, hemorrhoids and as an aphrodisiac. Unquestionably, its
most important function as a botanical is as an immune system
booster and blood purifier. For this reason, it has recently been
considered for AIDS therapy.
Echinacea is one of the most useful herbs available to practitioners
because it functions to simultaneously stimulate the immune system,
while it expedites the removal of toxins from the body.
Echinacea is recommended for common infections and can be
tried in lieu of or in combination with conventional antibiotics.4 It is
better to take the herb for two weeks at a time alternating with two
weeks off to ensure its efficacy.
It is an effective therapeutic agent for healing wounds, treating
abscesses, carbuncles, eczema, burns, psoriasis, herpes, canker sores,
typhoid fever, viral and bacterial infections and tumors.
Blood Purifier
Echinacea is considered one of the best blood purifiers found in
nature. It has been scientifically researched for its chemical ability to
neutralize harmful venom from poisonous snakes, scorpions, insects
and other toxic substances. Laboratory tests have found that certain
complex chemicals found in echinacea have the ability to rearrange
and recognize enzyme patterns in the body.5 It also improve s
lymphatic filtration and drainage and assists in clearing the blood
f rom damaging toxins. It has traditionally been referred to as the
King of the Blood Purifiers.
Any condition which is believed to be caused by an accumulation
of toxins in the body can benefit from echinacea.
Immune System Booster
In 1885, Rudolf Weiss recorded, “It (Echinacea) has proved a
useful drug in improving the body’s own resistance in infectious
conditions of all kind.”6 Clearly, echinacea has potent immune
system actions and impacts the thymus gland, the ...Echinacea, Radiation and Chemotherapy
For anyone who has to undergo radiation treatments, echinacea
can also be beneficial. One of the drawbacks of both radiation and
chemotherapy is that white blood cells are destroyed by the
treatments. The particular therapeutic action of echinacea discussed
above shows that it can stimulate an increase in white blood cells
following radiation treatments. These findings also suggest that
echinacea works best to combat infection if taken early, before the
infection spreads. In light of these studies, taking echinacea is highly
recommended for anyone undergoing radiation or chemotherapy for
cancer.
The Dual Immune Function of Echinacea
What is fascinating about echinacea is that while it can raise white
blood cell activity it can also lower it when appropriate. This plant
has the ability to affect opposite reactions in the body, and it is the
body’s condition which determines they type of action initiated.
There are no known synthetic drugs which have this dualism to both
augment and suppress the immune response according to need.
Laboratory tests have shown that echinacea does, in fact, boost
the production of antibodies and T-cells. In the case of any infection,
the sooner treatment is started, the better the results will be.
Interferon Production, T-Lymphocytes, and Echinacea
Interferon is produced in the body primarily by T-cells. The
chemical components of interf e ron are extremely important in
activating white blood cells to destroy cancer cells and viruses. Several
nutrients can help boost the production of interferon but none seem
to have the potency of echinacea. The effect of echinacea is
considered remarkable in its ability to stimulate the production and
action of interferon.8 It is this effect which results in significant
antiviral actions
T-Lymphocytes are responsible for what is called cell-mediated
immunity. In other words, immune functions that are not controlled
by anti ...
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