Friday, October 30, 2009

Echinacea

If you are a new reader/follower...I'm currently doing a series of posts on natural remedies I use during the winter. I try to keep the information easy to use and easy to understand. Please feel free to comment on how you may have used this remedy and the results you experienced. :)

ECHINACEA



Echinacea is used to treat and prevent colds, flu, and other infections.
Echinacea stimulates the immune system to help fight infections.
Promotes T-cell activation while it increases the activity of the immune system. It helps white blood cells attack germs
Echinacea has also been used for wounds and skin problems, such as acne or boils, and eczema, burns, and inflammatory skin conditions
Enlarged lymph glands, sore throat
Urinary tract infections


HOW IT IS USED:

The aboveground parts of the plant and roots of echinacea are used fresh or dried to make teas, squeezed (expressed) juice, extracts, or preparations for external use.

I buy the echinacea tincture and administer the drops under the tongue. Sometimes, I put the drops in juice and let my kids take it that way.

If you don't like the tincture, you can buy Echinacea-Goldenseal tablets!

I buy the organic cold teas with Echinacea also which are very good. Sweeten with honey not sugar!

Also, I'm sure you've noticed you can even buy cough drops with echinacea! Buy sugar-free and organic if possible.

You will also find echincea in juice too.

DOSAGE

Dosage
Some sources suggest the following doses:

Capsules containing the powdered herb: equivalent to 900 mg to 1 g P.O. t.i.d.; doses can vary.

Expressed juice: 6 to 9 ml P.O. daily.

Tea: Echinacea Throat Coat is a good one. Drink 2-3 times a day.

Tincture: 0.75 to 1.5 ml (15 to 30 gtt) P.O. two to five times daily. The tincture has been given as 60 gtt P.O. t.i.d. (by mouth, three times a day):)


Special Consideration: You should only take Echinacea for up to 6 weeks, no longer! Consistent therapy will be sufficient actually within a 10 to 14 day period. Taking it longer than 6 weeks will be of no effect. You need to take a rest period! Personally, I would do a 2 week on 1 week rest for the flu season...unless your immune system is shot! ;)

The primary reason my family takes Echinacea is to build a strong immune system to fight flu and cold viruses!


Contraindications And Precautions
Echinacea is contraindicated in patients with severe illnesses, including autoimmune diseases, collagen diseases, HIV infection, leukemia, multiple sclerosis, or tuberculosis, and in those who are hypersensitive to plants belonging to the daisy family. Avoid use in pregnant or breast­feeding patients; effects are unknown

(I do suffer a bit from seasonal allergies, but echinacea doesn't bother me):) If you are allergic to echinacea, you may experience some dizziness or a rash.

Where to buy:

The cheapest and reliable place I use is vitacost !!! They ship fast too:)

Hope you are staying well and practicing your natural remedies!

2 comments:

Ayesha said...

I've used Echinacea root and Goldenseal root extract in place of amoxicillin for years. Mostly, for my kids ear infections when they were younger--etc....You must use similar directions in that you continue to take it even after symptoms lessen or the fever will return. Its great and a lot cheaper than copays and pharmacy visits --also doesn't have the side effects of longterm antibiotic use. I would only use it for minor routine illness--not anything serious--by all means go to the doctor for the serious stuff. I'm not sure how well echinacea works alone-but together with Goldenseal its great. I always make sure the extract says "root" --there are different varieties but thats whats worked for me--never had a problem.

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Aubrey, I use a variety of things that are prescribed by my naturopath, but the cold teas when you have a cold (and are trying to get rid of it) really help. I also use Nature's Sunshine products which I find online and order from them. She feels that this is one of the best sources of truly good, strong herbs around. I take a lot of Slippery Elm, too, because it is great in helping to boost the immune system. But I only take what she prescribes for me. I'm blessed to have a wonderful naturopath.

XO,

Sheila :-)