* Please Note: This information is based partly on Traditional Medicine which uses natural materials to support health. This information has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
Description
Echinacea, a native of the central Great Plains of the United States and a member of the daisy family, has become an herbal best-seller, thanks to its reputation for knocking out colds and flu; this reputation is verified by Commission E. Three of the nine species of echinacea are used medicinally, and two of those - E. pallida root and E. purpurea herb - were evaluated by the commission. Native Americans and others used the plant medicinally in the 19th century; but echinacea was eclipsed in North America until its popularity in Europe inspired a comeback on the cusp of the 21st century.
Potential Health Benefits
Clobbering colds and fighting flu. Anecdotal evidence that echinacea is effective in combating chronic fatigue syndrome, genital herpes, and even ear infections wasn't addressed by the commission. American health writers have assigned broader uses to the herb. Dr. Andrew Well, in his book Consumer Guide to Herbal Medicine, touts tincture of echinacea against sinusitis, tonsillitis, and ear infections and recommends using it the day before and day after major dental work to prevent bacterial infections. Well also recommends echinacea for travelers facing long airplane flights, with their germ-laden, recycled air. Recent research in Germany suggests that echinacea may be an effective fighter against yeast infections.
Scientific Evidence
Echinacea is so highly regarded that James A. Duke, Ph.D., a respected herbal researcher and writer, suggests that it could be use ful for patients with HIV/AIDS. Commission E disagrees, saying HIV/AIDS patients should not use echinacea. Since the herb stimulates the autoimmune system, it could make things worse for people whose immune systems are attacking the body, among them people with AIDS. Echinacea's wound-healing properties come from the fact that it has, natural antibiotic properties; in fact, it was used as an antibiotic until sulfa and tother new drugs came on the market in the 1930s. Researchers believe the herb stimulates production of interferon and disease-fighting T-cells. A 1984 study published in the Journal of Infection and Immunology concluded that echinacea produces formidable white blood cells (macrophages) that destroy germs. In a University of Munich study, echinacea produced 30 percent more infection-fighting T-cells than other drugs under review. In another German study, echinacea reduced the recurrence of vaginal yeast infections in a group of 203 women from 60 percent to 16 percent. All told, the research on echinacea is solid, extensive, and encouraging.
How to Use the Herb
Commission E recommends daily doses of tincture of ethanol corresponding to 900 milligrams for E. pallida. For E. purpurea, the commission recommends a daily dose of 6-9 milliliters of expressed juice, taken internally at the: first signs of illness. For external use in a salve, Commission E recommends preparations with at least 15 percent expressed juice. Some health writers recommend echinacea tea, taken 3 to 4 times per day. Andrew Well advises taking a full dose the day before an airline flight, the day of the flight, and for one or two days afterward.
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Directions
Hot tea brewing method: Bring freshly drawn cold water to a rolling boil. Place 1 tea bag for each cup into the teapot. Pour the boiling water into the pot, cover and let steep for 2-4 minutes. Pour into your cup; add milk and sugar to taste.
Iced tea brewing method: (to make 1 liter/quart): Place 5 tea bags into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Pour 1 1/4 cups of freshly boiled water over the tea itself. Steep for 5 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Pour the tea into the serving pitcher straining the tea bags. Add ice and top-up with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste.
Cautions
No known toxicities.
If symptoms are severe or persist for more than two days, consult a physician.
Echinacea is contraindicated in those with an auto-immune disease (ie. Multiple Sclerosis, AIDS etc.) or allergies to plants in sunflower family.
Not recommended for pregnant or lactating women or those with allergies to soya.
Commission E found no major side effects or interference with other drugs. However, the commission did recommend using echinacea for short-term use (not more than eight weeks), discontinuing use when symptoms of illness go away. Some North American herbalists recommend daily dosages of echinacea as an immune system booster, but this is controversial; long-term use could cause the body to build up a tolerance to this useflul herb and render its therapeutic use ineffective. The commission recommends that people with AIDS/HIV stay away from echinacea. Many experts also warn against use of echinacea by persons with Type 1 diabetes, as well as those with multiple sclerosis. The injectable form of echinacea purpurea herb should not be used during pregnancy.
Additional Information
The TerraVita Premium Collection uses only the finest, purest and most potent plant extracts from around the world.
The TerraVita Premium Collection is hallmarked by the highest possible standards of purity, potency, stability and freshness. Our highest possible standards are certified by independent laboratories and backed by our personal guarantee.
ZooScape is proud to be the exclusive distributor of TerraVita teas, herbs and supplements in the United States, Canada and around the world. Please direct all wholesale and bulk inquiries to Simona Heather at 905-494-1785.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor. The essence of the current American rule on Traditional Uses is, as stated by FTC, "Claims based on historical or traditional use should be substantiated by confirming scientific evidence, or should be presented in such a way that consumers understand that the sole basis for the claim is a history of use of the product for a particular purpose."
