* 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
Nature's Antibiotic
One of the most popular uses of echinacea is in the treatment and prevention of the common cold and influenza. With its powerful anti-viral actions, echinacea will boost our natural defences over the winter months.
It was the Native American Indians that discovered the healing potential of Echinacea and used it to treat all kinds of injuries and illness. Over the years Echinacea has grown in popularity as an immune-boosting herb and is probably one of the most commonly taken medicinal herbs in modern society.
Health Benefits
Immune-Enhancing Properties: Echinacea is known to contain many active immune-stimulating agents and essential oils and to date there have been well over 350 scientific studies looking into its chemistry. Most have confirmed that echinacea can help regenerate damaged tissue, reduce inflammation and stimulate the body's defence mechanisms by acting directly on the white blood cells. The herb has been used successfully to treat many viral infections such as influenza, herpes and stomatitis virus.
One of the most popular uses of echinacea is in the treatment and prevention of the common cold and influenza. This is best achieved by using preparations made from the fresh pressed juice made from the leaves, combined with extracts obtained from the roots, since this has powerful anti-viral actions.
Controls Infection: Contrary to popular belief echinacea does not have a powerful antibacterial action when applied directly to an infected area. It would appear that its ability to control infections comes from its immune-stimulating action, not via a direct effect on the bacteria itself. However, by taking a preventative dose over the winter, echinacea appears to boost our natural defence mechanisms. This does not mean that you will be immune from all ills but you may get over them much faster.
Many people benefit from taking echinacea for a variety of medical reasons. Some claim that their arthritis is eased while others see their recurrent and persistent cold sores clear for the first time, however the overwhelming majority find it a great help for chest infections, colds and influenza.
How to Take Echinacea
The best form is a liquid extract preserved in 22 percent ethanol. Many brands are now standardized. For example, a product stating that it contains 2.4 percent of beta-1,2-fructofuranoside, is desirable when selecting an echinacea product.
In general 3/4 to 1 teaspoon (3 to 4 mL) of tincture or or 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon (1 to 2 mL) of a fluid extract should be taken 3 times daily.
For children, give half this dose and for the very young (the under fives) consult a naturopath or herbalist.
Tablet and capsule versions are also available - follow the manufacturers' instructions at all times.
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Directions
Take 1 capsule, 3 times daily, with meals.
Cautions
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 preqnant or lactating women or those with allergies to soya.
Toxicity
Echinacea has always been shown to be non-toxic at the recommended doses. There have been no reports of acute or long-term toxic reactions.
It is now generally accepted that echinacea works best when taken regularly for 8 weeks or so followed by 1 to 2 weeks off the remedy. Just like any therapeutic agent, natural or otherwise, the body can get used to the continued exposure and become tolerant to it. By giving the body a rest this problem can be avoided and the remedywill continue to work well.
Caution
Even though echinacea is essentially a non-toxic herb, those suffering from auto-immune illness such as multiple sclerosis, Lupus, AIDS or other severe progressive illness should consult a health professional before taking this or any other herbal remedy.
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.
The TerraVita Premium Collection is packed in child-proof, tamper-proof pharmaceutical-grade recyclable containers.
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."
