Post by Rik Wallin on Apr 6, 2007 9:45:08 GMT -6
Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)
dried root, leaves of the purple cornflower
Used for:
· Common colds, flu, sore throat and other common infections; it's a natural antibiotic
· Episodes of low resistance to sickness; it enhances the immune system
Available in: Tincture, capsule, tablet and extract form
Herb/drug interactions: No known interactions
When buying: Look for echinacea products with 15.0% standardization of echinacasides (echinacea polysaccharides). Also, echinacea root produces a distinctive numbing sensation when held in the mouth for a few minutes. Always test echinacea products by putting a bit on the tongue; return any that fail to cause numbness.
Warning: Echinacea should not be used long-term by persons with severe systemic illnesses such as tuberculosis, collagen (autoimmune) diseases or multiple sclerosis. Allergic reactions are infrequent.
DOSAGES
Adults:
One dropperful of tincture in water four times a day, or two capsules of freeze-dried extract four times a day
Children under 10:
Half of the adult dosage
dried root, leaves of the purple cornflower
Used for:
· Common colds, flu, sore throat and other common infections; it's a natural antibiotic
· Episodes of low resistance to sickness; it enhances the immune system
Available in: Tincture, capsule, tablet and extract form
Herb/drug interactions: No known interactions
When buying: Look for echinacea products with 15.0% standardization of echinacasides (echinacea polysaccharides). Also, echinacea root produces a distinctive numbing sensation when held in the mouth for a few minutes. Always test echinacea products by putting a bit on the tongue; return any that fail to cause numbness.
Warning: Echinacea should not be used long-term by persons with severe systemic illnesses such as tuberculosis, collagen (autoimmune) diseases or multiple sclerosis. Allergic reactions are infrequent.
DOSAGES
Adults:
One dropperful of tincture in water four times a day, or two capsules of freeze-dried extract four times a day
Children under 10:
Half of the adult dosage