The Wonders of Echinacea

Echinacea article continued from previous page

Since it enhances immune response, echinacea can be helpful in conditions that include impaired immune response. Such conditions include chronic fatigue syndrome, AIDS and depression. In these cases it is beneficial to take one to three doses a day for extended periods of time. Take echinacea daily for two weeks and then take a week off, and repeat the cycle, for the greatest benefit. This "pulsing" of the herb allows it to stimulate your immune system without your body becoming resistant to its effects. Native American tradition cautions that, like our modern antibiotics, echinacea can lose its effectiveness if taken frequently when your body is not experiencing an acute illness.

Echinacea has been widely tested, both in the U.S. and in Europe, and is clearly effective at shortening the duration of the common cold and increasing the body's immune response to infection. Numerous case-controlled double-blind studies have shown echinacea to be effective against the common cold, reporting fewer "full blown" colds, milder symptoms, and colds of shorter duration.

Echinacea may have a greater effect on the immune system when taken at the very beginning of an acute illness rather than daily as a preventive. But taken at the first onset of symptoms, echinacea is a highly effective, safe herbal treatment for colds, flu-type viruses and respiratory illnesses.

Echinacea is commonly available as a tincture, in capsules and as a tea. Each has different characteristics and dosages, but they work equally well for fending off illness and helping your body heal. All herbs should be stored at room temperature (75 degrees F) or cooler, since heat degrades the active principles in the herbs.

The label on your herbs will include a recommended adult dose (two capsules or 20-40 drops of tincture, for instance). If you feel an illness coming on or are already sick, take frequent doses throughout the day (as often as every hour if you like) until you feel your symptoms beginning to abate. Then take three to five doses a day until you are over the illness.

If you are using an echinacea tincture and you take it directly in your mouth, it should cause your tongue to tingle and go numb for a minute or two. This is normal and lets you know that your tincture is potent and was made properly.

Echinacea is a useful herbal ally, one that is safe and effective. Use this native North American plant to help your body combat illness and improve your overall health.

Rev. Laura Perry, MSNH, is a Holistic Health Consultant residing in Woodstock,
Georgia. Contact her at mamalaura@earthlink.net or at 678-445-0357.