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What
is Echinacea?
Echinacea is a wildflower native to North
America. While echinacea continues to grow and is harvested
from the wild, the majority used for herbal supplements
comes from cultivated plants. The root and/or the above-ground
part of the plant during the flowering growth phase are
used in herbal medicine.
Echinacea was used by Native Americans
for a variety of conditions, including venomous bites and
other external wounds. It was introduced into U.S. medical
practice in 1887 and was touted for use in conditions ranging
from colds to syphilis. Modern research started in the 1930s
in Germany.
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Why
Echinacea? Echinacea Benefits
Echinacea has been used in connection
with the following conditions (refer to the individual health
concern for complete information):
- Common cold/sore throat (for symptoms)
- Gingivitis (periodontal disease) (as
mouthwash, in combination with sage, peppermint oil, menthol,
chamomile tincture, myrrh tincture, clove oil, and caraway
oil)Immune function, Infection, Influenza
- Bronchitis, Canker sores, Chronic candidiasis,
Cold soresEar infections (recurrent), Gingivitis (periodontal
disease)HIV support, Pap smear (abnormal), Vaginitis, Wound
healing (topical), Yeast infection
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Echinacea
Supplements (Echinacea Ingredients)
Echinacea is thought to support the immune
system by activating white blood cells. Three major groups
of constituents may work together to increase the production
and activity of white blood cells (lymphocytes and macrophages),
including alkylamides/polyacetylenes, caffeic acid derivatives,
and polysaccharides. More studies are needed to determine
if and how echinacea stimulates the immune system in humans.
Echinacea may also increase production
of interferon, an important part of the body's response
to viral infections. Several double-blind studies have confirmed
the benefit of echinacea for treating colds and flu. Recent
studies have suggested that echinacea may not be effective
for the prevention of colds and flu and should be reserved
for use at the onset of these conditions.In terms of other
types of infections, research in Germany using injectable
forms or an oral preparation of the herb along with a medicated
cream (econazole nitrate) reduced the recurrence of vaginal
yeast infections as compared to women given the cream alone.
Nature's Way Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia)
extract is the best known Echinacea supplement on the market
today. Several constituents in Echinacea work together to
support the body's natural defense system. Nature's Way
Standardized Extracts are technically and scientifically
advanced herbal products. In this particular product, each
specially formulated, highly concentrated capsule contains
the highest quality ingredients.
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Click here for Nature's Way Echinacea extract
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What
To Know Before Taking Echinacea Supplements?
How much is usually taken?
At the onset of a cold or flu, 3-4 ml
of echinacea in a liquid preparation or 300 mg of a powdered
form in capsule or tablet, can be taken every two hours
for the first day of illness, then three times per day for
a total of 7 to 10 days.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Echinacea is rarely associated with side
effects when taken orally. According to the German Commission
E monograph, people should not take echinacea if they have
an autoimmune illness, such as lupus, or other progressive
diseases, such as tuberculosis, multiple sclerosis, or HIV
infection. However, the concern about echinacea use for
those with autoimmune illness is not based on clinical research
and some herbalists question the potential connection. Those
who are allergic to flowers of the daisy family should not
take echinacea. Cases of allergic responses to echinacea
(e.g., wheezing, skin rash, diarrhea) have been reported
in medical literature. In the first study to look at echinacea's
possible effect on fetal development and pregnancy outcome,
women taking echinacea during pregnancy were found to have
no greater incidence of miscarriage or birth defects than
women not taking the herb.
Echinacea root contains approximately
20% insulin,15 a fiber widely distributed in fruits, vegetables,
and plants. Insulin is classified as a food ingredient (not
as an additive) and is considered safe to eat.16 In fact,
Insulin is a significant part of the daily diet of most
of the world's population. However, there is a report of
a 39-year-old man having a life-threatening allergic reaction
after consuming high amounts of Insulin from multiple sources.
Allergy to Insulin in this individual was confirmed by laboratory
tests. Such sensitivities are exceedingly rare. Moreover,
this man did not take echinacea. Nevertheless, people with
a confirmed sensitivity to Insulin should avoid echinacea.
Are there any drug interactions?
Certain medications may interact with
echinacea. Refer to the drug interactions safety check for
a list of those medications.
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