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THE HERBAL CORNER - "Echinacea"
(purple coneflower)
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One of the most exciting therapeutic herbs available today, ECHINACEA was among the herbs frequently used by Native Americans of the southwest plains in poultices, mouthwashes, and teas. Now a popular garden perennial, related to the sunflower, the plant displays purple blossoms and grows as high as five feet. Herbalists value the dried root of echinacea for its broad-based action against many types of viral and bacterial illnesses such as colds, bronchitis, ear infections, influenza, yeast infections, and cystitis, among others.

Laboratory testing shows that it contains echinacoside, an ingredient that may have antibiotic effects. Another ingredient, echinacein, is believed to block some mechanisms that enable infectious viruses or bacteria to invade body tissue. In the laboratory, echinacea seems to bolster the immune system's white blood cells in their battle against foreign microorganisms; it may increase the production of T-cells, which join other white blood cells in the fight against infectious agents. Echinacea can also be effective as a topical medicine for the following: eczema, hives, and other skin problems; snake and insect bites and stings; boils, cysts, and abscesses; burns, cuts and wounds.

Echinacea should not be used by individuals who are allergic to plants in the sunflower or daisy families. Effectiveness may diminish over time if echinacea is used continually. Pregnant or nursing women, and persons with autoimmune disorders, should consult their health care provider before using pure echinacea.

Herb Listing - Index

Please note: the information contained herein has been compiled from various sources. The above statements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. We make no claims, either expressed or implied, that any treatments mentioned in this newsletter will cure disease, replace prescription medication, or supersede sound medical advice.

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