Usage
Echinacea is helpful in support of ear infections, vaginal yeast infections, colds, flu, and chronic infections. It helps boost T-cell production and raises white blood cell count.

History
A perennial herb native to the open woods and glades of central United States, this plant was the most widely used medicinal plant of the Central Plains for a broad spectrum of conditions. The Indians referred to this plant as the Purple Coneflower. At the turn of the century, eclectic medical doctors used a number of preparations made from Echinacea. The leaf and root were considered mildly antibacterial, antiviral, and were used for wound healing.

Additional Information
Echinacea helps support the body's defense mechanisms in cold and flu season. E. purpurea is comparable to Penicillin in broad spectrum abilities. It is reported to boosts T-cell production and raises white blood cell count. Echinacea is a general stimulant for the body's natural defense system. Echinacea used internally increases white blood cell count and stimulates activity against antigens. The healing properties of Echinacea also makes it an effective topical wound healing agent. Recently, Echinacea has undergone extensive studies in Europe in an attempt to isolate its body defense enhancing active ingredients. In numerous clinical studies, German research has confirmed the usefulness of E. purpurea in strengthening the body's defense system and support of treatment of colds and flu. The main claims for pharmacological activity of Echinacea used internally include an increase in granulocytes in the blood; increase of phagocytic performance by a granulocytes and macrophages; inhibition of virus production, activation of cytokins, such as interleukin 1; an increase of t-lymphocytes; and a shifting of the T4/T8-cell ratio in favor of T4 cells. (Foster 1991, 1993.)

Usage Warnings
Commission E reports for all Echinacea species that they are not to be used in systemic diseases such as tuberculosis, leukoses, collagenosis, multiple sclerosis, AIDS, HIV infections and other autoimmune diseases.

Recommended Dosage: 10 to 40 drops 3 times per day.

Medicinal Use*: Used to enhance the body’s natural defenses and has applications in fighting common colds, influenza and other infections. Echinacea has also been used externally for treatment of insect bites, burns, measles, skin ulcers, herpes sores, cold sores, and yeast infections in women, and is reported to have antibacterial and antifungal activity. May also be used to reduce symptoms of scratchy or sore throat, lymph node inflammation, stomach cramps, and urinary tract infections.  There is some indication that it is beneficial in cancer patients, helping to rejuvenate the system after chemotherapy, and it is widely used as a general blood purifier.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medication or have a medical condition, please consult your healthcare practitioner before taking any dietary supplement.