Boost your Immune System with Echinacea

Echinacea is commonly used for immune related problems - colds, flu's and other respiratory infections. It is used by many herbalists in chronic inflammatory conditions, particularly of the skin. So this would include eczma, abscesses, herpes, wounds and boils. Inflammatory problems affecting other connective tissue, like joints (arthritis) and the musculoskeketal system can also be treated with echinacea.

Allergies are another condition traditionally treated with this popular herb, as herbalists consider them a result of toxic overload. The allergen then acts as a 'trigger' to the underlying condition which is one of a body's elimination channels pushed to the limit.

Echinacea is classed as an alterative. These are so named because they have a detoxifying or eliminative effect but without obviously favouring one method of elimination. For example, these herbs are not cholagogues (which support the liver), or laxatives (bowels), or expectorants (respiratory), or diaphoretics (causing sweating). Echinacea does in fact increase blood flow to the tissues, which is how diaphoretics work, but because it works in other ways also, it is not classed primarily as a diaphoretic.

Research has shown that part of its immune support stems from the way it reduces the ability of pathogens to enter tissue by inhibiting hyaluronidase. Hyaluronidase is an enzyme used by pathogens to break down tissue to allow them to enter and spread through the host.

The body's immune response is also strengthened by stimulating lymphocytes and macrophages. The polysaccharides have also been shown to stimulate the body's production of interferon, but not when taken orally (the digestive process neutralises this effect). For this purpose, injections are given (but not from an oral preparation).

Echinacea is best used as soon as symptoms are noticed, and then quite regularly - every couple of hours. Good quality liquid echinacea leaves a 'buzz' effect on the tongue/throat. Large amounts don't need to be taken - just smaller doses every few hours.

There are two varieties used as remedies - echinacea augustifolia and echinacea purpurea. They are both equally effective. Nutritionally, the ecinacea plants contain vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E, as well as the minerals iron, iodine, copper, potassium and sulpher.

Other Echinacea and Immune Related Articles

• Echinacea goldenseal and pregnancy issues explained
  Do you want to know about echinacea goldenseal and pregnancy? Read on to find out the evidence for and against, and what may really be causing that runny nose.

   

• Understanding echinacea and warnings
  Responsible use of echinacea takes into account echinacea and warnings. Here, echinacea and pregnancy, adverse effects, and drug interactions are covered

   

• Echinacea and Alkylamider Information (nee echinacea and alkylamides)
  Echinacea and alkylamide (misspelt as Echinacea and alkylamide) information on pharmacological actions and various studies done

   

• Echinacea and traditional Uses, drug interactions, more
  Echinacea and traditional uses, preparations, and echinacea and drug interactions and warnings.

   

• Echinacea pallida uses examined
  How are echinacea pallida uses different to echinacea augustifolia and purpurea?

   

• Echinacea and thc - does it work?
  Regarding echinacea and thc metabolites, you might want to read this before you waste your money on buying supplements that don't work for this purpose

   

• What is the echinacea effect on birth control pills?
  Find out about the echinacea effect on birth control pills - should you avoid it? What herb will reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives?

   

• What are possible echinacea reactions?
  Describes possible echinacea reactions, and puts them in the context of overall safety

   

• Discover the beauty of echinacea sundown plants
  Where to buy echinacea sundown plants, and links to articles on these beautiful plants

   

• Find out about echinacea when to take it
  Article describes echinacea when to take from a modern herbalist perspective, and taking into account scientific studies.

   

• Echinacea and Side Effects Examined

   

• Echinacea Purpurea Magna/Magma - Additives and More Cautions

   

• Effervescent echinacea 1000mg - Is it Right For You?
  Effervescent echinacea 1000mg guide - whats in it that may cause side effects in some, who shouldn't use it, and how long you should use it for

   

   

   

• Immune System Supplement Herbs - Beyond Symptom Relief To True Healing
  Immune system supplement herbs support our immune system in times of crisis a little differently than medicine. Learn how herbailsts approach the issue, and how the immune system works, as well as suggested herbs.