Condition
Treatment Support
immune stimulant
Application
apply cotton pad soaked with tincture; take internally
Echinacea is a popular, non-toxic herb widely revered and used for its immune-stimulating, anti-bacterial, and antiviral activity. Its main use as a cure for colds is well known, having been studied repeatedly. It enhances one’s resistance to both colds and flu (particularly when taken at the onset). Its popularity is because it does what no pharmaceutical drug can yet do: help reduce the severity and duration of the unpleasant symptoms of colds and flu. Many hundreds of studies have been performed since the first commercial product came on the German market in the 1930s. Recent studies show that echinacea works best when taken at the first sign of symptoms. Our experience shows that substantial and frequent doses are more likely to provide benefits. The strongest immune stimulation does not last more than 3-4 hours, so taking 2 droppersful of the tincture in water or tea every few hours will provide the strongest benefits. Clinical studies vary in results, which points to the fact that the dose, freshness of the herb, quality of the product, and dosing, along with one’s immune status, diet, and quality of sleep all play crucial roles in its effectiveness.
Echinacea preparations have also been widely recommended for treating skin complaints and infections of all kinds. They are also used for spider bites; wasp, bee, and ant stings; animal bites; viral infections, including the prevention and shortening of herpes outbreaks; and skin infections like boils and carbuncles. Be sure to use echinacea to treat and prevent infections from wounds, applying it externally as a compress or in a salve or cream, and take the tincture or tea internally at the same time. Use the tincture in sprays for sore throats. Mouthwashes, toothpastes, and soaps that contain echinacea may be worth a try as well.
Echinacea has a taste of SPICY and a temperature of COOL, WARM.
The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.
The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.
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