Echinacea and goldenseal are two of the most popular herbs in the West used to support the immune system – It Helps to Fight against cancer and infections - Anti-inflammatory & swellings of the breasts - immune system stimulant in the cold and flu season - treatment of chronic recurring vaginal yeast infections

Echinacea & Goldenseal:

* Traditionally used as a broad-spectrum immune system
* Fight against Aging
* Fight against Cancer
* Fight infections
* Against swellings of the breasts
* Anti-catarrhal
* Anti-inflammatory
* Antiseptic & astringent
* Bitter tonic, laxative, and muscular stimulant
* Stimulant in the cold and flu season and in the treatment of chronic
* Recurring vaginal yeast infections.

What is Echinacea?

The extract of Echinacea purpurea or Echinacea angustifolia--whole plant; the above ground extract of Echinacea purpurea is preferred because it has been better studied (with over 300 studies to its credit!). It is commonly called "purple coneflower", and is related to the sunflower.

Echinacea purpurea or Echinacea angustifolia--whole plant; the above ground extract of Echinacea purpurea is traditionally used as a broad-spectrum immune system stimulant and as a natural remedy for chronic recurring vaginal yeast infections.The primary constituents responsible for echinacea's immunity activity are large sugar molecules called polysaccharides. Two in particular have been identified as beneficial: inulin and arabinogalactin. This formula has Echinacea purpurea combined with Golden Seal to enhance the potency of the Echinacea.

What's in Echinacea and how does it work?

The ability of Echinacea to stimulate the immune system is extremely well documented. The primary constituent responsible for its activity are large sugar molecules called polysaccharides. Two in particular have been identified as beneficial: inulin and arabinogalactin. These polysaccharides activate the immune system in so many ways that a thorough discussion of them would quickly lose the reader in a sea of medical terms. For example, Echinacea has been shown to increase production of T cells, increase levels of circulating neutrophils, improve leukocyte phagocytosis, assist antibody binding and natural killer cell activity. It also has direct antibacterial properties. In general, Echinacea has been thoroughly demonstrated to reduce the duration and severity of common cold and flu symptoms. This is an herb that deserves a space in your medicine cabinet.

How should I use Echinacea?

One recent study3 showed that a daily intake of 450mg had no value over that of a placebo, but 900mg daily was quite effective in staving off cold and flu symptoms. This being the case, it is recommended that 1g (1000mg) be taken 3 times daily at the onset of cold or flu symptoms. It works wonders in combination with Goldenseal and Zinc lozenges, particularly at the onset of symptoms.

Echinacea can help relieve Candidiasis!

We know of at least two studies that have shown Echinacea to be effective in helping women with chronic vaginal yeast infection. This is not all that surprising when taken in light of the fact that recurrence of Candida albicans infection takes place in just over 60% of sufferers treated with econozole nitrate alone5, implying that the underlying cause (i.e., poor immune response) is not treated with such topical medicines.4 Combined use of Echinacea and econozole nitrate lowered the incidence of recurrence to under 17%!5 According to another study11, Echinacea increased phagocytosis (phagocytosis is the process whereby immune cells consume and destroy foreign infectious cells) of Candida albicans by a whopping 30 to 40%.

Side Effects

Echinacea is among the safest of herbal preparations and certainly among the most popular; it is prescribed in Germany millions of times every year! Much has been made of the following concerns, neither of which has been supported by any evidence. 1) There is a long-standing proscription against taking Echinacea for more than 8 weeks in a row. On the contrary, long term use is well tolerated and does not seem to be harmful.1 2) There is a theoretical concern about people with progressive systemic diseases taking Echinacea. This is a theoretical consideration; no evidence has shown this concern to be valid. The most common time to take Echinacea is at the start of the cold and flu season and right at the onset of illness. By itself, and especially, combined with Goldenseal, it is an excellent cold remedy.

Goldenseal References / Additional Resources

1. Gruenwald, Joerg, PhD; Brendler, Thomas, BA; Jaenicke, Christof, MD. PDR for Herbal Medicines. Medical Economics Company, 1998.
2. Murray, Michael, ND; Pizzorno, Joseph, ND. Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, second ed. Prima Publishing, Rocklin. 1999.
3. Pizzorno, Joseph, ND; Murray, Michael T, Eds. Textbook of Natural Medicine, second ed. Churchill Livingstone, 1999.
4. Hwang, B. Y., S. K. Roberts, et al. (2003). "Antimicrobial constituents from goldenseal (the Rhizomes of Hydrastis canadensis) against selected oral pathogens." Planta Med 69(7): 623-7.
5. Scazzocchio, F., M. F. Cometa, et al. (2001). "Antibacterial activity of Hydrastis canadensis extract and its major isolated alkaloids." Planta Med 67(6): 561-4. 6. (2000). "Berberine." Altern Med Rev 5(2): 175-7. Echinacea References / Additional Resources
1. Blumenthal, Mark; Goldberg, Alicia; Brinckmann, Josef, Eds,; Tyler, VarroE, PhD, ScD. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. American Botanical Council, 2000.
2. Blumenthal, Mark; Busse, Werner R; Goldberg, Alicia; Gruenwald, Joerg, PhD; Hall, Tara; Riggins, Chance W.; Rister, Robert S., Eds, Klein, Sigrid, PhD; Rister, Robert S, Trans, Tyler, VarroE, PhD, ScD. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council, 1998.
3. Braunig, B., Dorn, M., et.al. "Echinacea Purpurea Root for Strengthening the Immune Response in Flu-like Infections". Zeitschrift Phytother 13: 7-13, 1992.
4. Brown, Donald J., N.D. Herbal Prescriptions for Better Health: Your Up-To-Date Guide to the Most Effective Herbal Treatments. Rocklin: Prima Publishing, 1996.