Thought to be nature's best immune system enhancer, Echinacea Angustifolia is believed to be the most powerful natural antibiotic. Echinacea’s antiseptic, antiviral and antifungal qualities help to stimulate the body's resistance to infection, diseases, fever, blood poisoning, common colds and flu. Echinacea Angustifolia is the "must-have" herb in your herbal medicine cabinet.
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The information presented herein by Vitamin Depot Online.com isintended for educational purposes only. These statements have not beenevaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat orprevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using anysupplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own healthcare provider.
History:
Echinacea Angustifolia is an herbaceous, perennial plant that is nativeto the plains of the American West and has been widely cultivated inEurope, where it is thought to be perhaps the most powerful naturalantibiotic. The hairy plant bears narrow, lance-shaped leaves andlong-stalked, purple, rose or white flowers with drooping petals. Thetwo-foot plant may be found growing in barrens, prairies and other dry,open places, thriving in rich, well-drained soil in sun.Echinacea's name is derived from the Greek, echinos, meaning"hedgehog" or "sea urchin," referring to the sharp pointed bracts ofthe receptacles, giving the herb one of its many common names,"Hedgehog." There are three species of this genus that includemany of the same applications and properties (E. purpurea, E. angustifolia and E. pallida),and they are frequently used interchangeably. Native Americans,however, particularly favored Echinacea Angustifolia as a cure-all andused it more than any other plant for the treatment of illness andinjury, including snakebites, fevers, wounds, burns, toothaches,enlarged glands and infections. The early colonists adoptedEchinacea as a home remedy for colds and flu, and the herb becamepopular in American herbal and traditional medicine. It wasincluded in the National Formulary, the pharmacists'reference book, from 1915 through 1950, and although interest inEchinacea declined in America after the 1930s, it was "rediscovered" inthe 1980s, owing to the increased interest in immune system disorders,chronic fatigue syndrome, cancer, candidiasis, etc. Word of its healingproperties traveled back to Europe, where it remains one of the mostsought-after herbs, and it has been noted that German doctors prescribeEchinacea as often as they prescribe antibiotics. There is nowgreatly renewed interest in the United States, because of the herb'spositive effect on the immune system, and the herb has achievedworldwide fame for its antiviral, antifungal and antibacterialproperties. Based up on recent scientific documentation, thisNorth American plant will serve mankind well into the future.Echinacea contains a natural antibiotic called echinacoside (aglycoside) and a compound called echinacein (an amide). Bothcomponents neutralize enzymes produced by germs that attack healthytissue and invade cells. Other constituents include fatty acids,essential oils, chlorogenic acid, germacrene, humulene, limonene,myrcene, flavonoids, alpha pinene, beta-pinene, palmitic acid,kaempferol, rutin, rutoside, polysaccharides, quercetin, alkaloids,carbohydrates, terpenoids, vitamin B1, B2, B3 and vitamin C, iron,calcium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc,flavonoids, beta-carotene and other important nutrients.
Beneficial Uses:
Echinacea Angustifolia is believed to work by cranking-up the immunesystem to ward off disease and infection. There is evidence thatit may mimic the action of interferon, a natural chemical in the bodythat is capable of shielding cells from viral invasion. As anantiviral and antibacterial, Echinacea not only works to destroybacteria and viruses but also actually strengthens immunity byincreasing the number of white blood cells in the blood stream.According to German researchers, the herb is said to increase thelevels of infection-fighting T-cells by thirty percent, therebybuilding immune strength.
Echinaceais now considered one of the most effective detoxicants in Westernmedicine for circulatory, lymphatic and respiratory systems. Itis thought to be an excellent lymphatic tonic that cleanses the systemof toxic materials. Echinacea is also called a depurative, oragent that tends to cleanse and purify the blood by killingcontaminants in the blood, and this action has made it useful in thearea of blood poisoning and septicemia. Echinacea is said tocleanse morbid matter from the stomach and help to expel poisons,toxins, pus and abscess formations in the body. As asweat-producing agent, Echinacea further cleanses and detoxifies thebody through the skin.
Considered an antifungal, Echinacea Angustifolia is said to be effective against vaginal yeast infections, such as Candida,and other fungal infections. This species of Echinacea isspecifically thought to be effective against trichomoniasis, thevaginal infection caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, a single-cell protozoan parasite.
EchinaceaAngustifolia may possess indirect anticancer activity, via its generalimmune-enhancing effects. The stimulation of the herb's polysaccharidesand phytosterols are particularly important, because they are theingredients that are thought to activate macrophages, the agents thatengulf and digest tumor cells and destroy bacteria, viruses andinfectious agents. According to Loyola University Health System,some malignant diseases have been treated with Echinacea and the effectof chemotherapy may be improved with its use.
Atthe first sign of a cold, flu, fever, earache or whenever antibioticaction is required, take Echinacea. The herb is believed tocombat infections or at least diminish their length and severity.
Echinaceais regarded as an antiseptic and antibiotic that is thought to fightany type of infection, bacteria, viruses and germs like no other andhas been found to be effective in some cases of urinary tractinfection, staph infection, recurring kidney infection, food poisoning,poisonous bites (snakes and insects), syphilis, diphtheria and otherputrid fevers. In Germany, it is used to fight bronchitis andabscesses.
Echinacea is considered ananti-inflammatory and an effective agent that works to reduce the painand swelling from injury. The herb is believed to combat alltypes of inflammation and to ease swollen glands, hemorrhoids,tonsillitis, sore throat and enlarged prostate.
EchinaceaAngustifolia is said to promote tissue regeneration. It isconsidered an "alterative," an herb that gradually converts anunhealthy organ condition to a healthy organ and gradually facilitatesbeneficial changes in body.
Used bothinternally and externally, Echinacea's effects as a healing herb forall types of skin problems and infections are said to be legendary,helping to relieve cuts, cold sores, boils, carbuncles, acne, herpesand gangrene. One of its chemical properties, called echinacein,is not only thought to repel germs but also stimulate skin cellrepair. Topically, it has been used to ease sunburned skin,infected or weeping eczema, plant poisoning (ivy, etc.), herpeslesions, wounds and other infected skin conditions.
Echinacea Angustifolia is said to promote good digestion and help ease flatulence.
Recommended Dosage:
Take one (1) to two (2) capsules, three (3) times each day with water at mealtimes.
Contraindications:
Echinacea Angustifolia is not recommended for pregnant women,individuals suffering from autoimmune disorders, those with allergiesto daisies/ragweed/sunflowers or those receiving organtransplants. If taking prescription drugs, it is always wise tospeak with a physician, as Echinacea may counter the effects of certainmedications. Echinacea should not be given to children under twoyears, nor should it be used orally in long term diseases, such asmultiple sclerosis, tuberculosis, collagenosis, HIV or AIDS andautoimmune disorders (like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis).
Capsule Size:
We use only 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, , size "00" capsules for all of our encapsulated products.(click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 600 mgs of powdered herb material.
- Echinacea Angustifolia - Standardized Extract -- Approximately 600 mgs each
