Echinacea to Strengthen the Immune System
November 20th, 2007 by MyYogaOnline
Ask Our Naturopathic Doctor
Q: How does Echinacea work to strengthen the immune system?
A: The most well- known herbal support for the immune system is Echinacea, yet it is both misunderstood and underestimated. There are many Echinacea products available which differ according to plant species. ( E. Angistifolia, E. Purpurea or E. Pallida or combinations of these), plants part ( roots, leaves or seeds or combination of these.), quality markers ( alkylamides, polysaccharides or caffeic acid conjugates such as cichoric acid) and dosage.
Information about the therapeutic value of Echinacea first came Native American Tribes. Their use of Echinacea was then adopted by the Eclectics, a group of doctors who were prominent around the late 19th centuries in the United States. By 1921 Echinacea ( especially the roots of Echinacea angustifolia) was by far the most popular treatment prescribed by Eclectic physicians.
The Native Americans mainly used Echinacea augustifolia and ONLY the root.
In Europe, during 1930’s , the German herbalist Madaus used e.purpurea as he was more successful at growing this species.
Later on it was discovered that echinacea contains echinosides, specific immuno-stimulant substances; they activate the immune system defenses against viruses and bacteria, making echinacea a broad-spectrum natural anti-biotic.
Like any other medical anti-biotics, Echinacea is often overused or mis-used, which leads people to believe it is not working.
Echinacea is worthy of its fame if used properly:
The typical application for Echinacea is short term only for winter infections. Another point I should make towards proper use is that once it is indicated, it needs to be taken every 3 hrs, not just 2-3X/day.
Dr.Anca Martalog,N.D., is a Richmond Hill European Canadian Naturopathic Doctor practicing since 1995 clinical nutrition, herbal medicine, homeopathy and acupuncture. A well known lecturer and TV and radio personality, Dr.Anca has authored many e books, articles, Special Health reports and Guides.
If you are interested in taking the natural path, or just a second opinion, sign up for our FREE E COURSE by visiting our website, www.doctoranca.com.
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November 21st, 2007 at 7:58 pm
This is very interesting. I’ve heard about Echinacea’s potential as a natural antibiotic but learning that the herb can likewise enhance immune system defenses only reinforces the ability of herbal supplement,products–such as natural remedies prepared for UTI that have been formulated with Echinacea extracts, to neutralize infections and restore the healthy functioning of the immune system.
November 28th, 2007 at 2:22 am
Echinacea is a popular herbal medicine but does it really live up to all the claims?
Choice magazine analysed the active ingredients of 10 popular Australian brands of Echinacea products. None of the products tested showed they contain enough active ingredients to have any effect on the immune system. According to Choice magazine you’d have to be an optimist to find any effects from Echinacea!
Published Australian University research has clearly shown that MC-S possesses powerful immune-stimulating properties that could be of benefit in restoring a suppressed immune system.
MC-S can significantly stimulate the activity of white blood cells. It increases the expression of T-cells, NK-cells, Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and Interferon (intracellular anti-viral activity). Its powerful anti-tumour activity has been shown to significantly inhibit the growth of breast, prostate, bowel and melanoma cancer cells. Human clinical trials have shown that MC-S can significantly reduced the adverse affects and incidents of colds, flu and secondary infections. MC-S is safe and exhibits a near-perfect benefit to risk profile for individuals afflicted with cancer or living with impaired immunity.