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Echinacea
fresh root
(E.
angustifolia, E. purpurea, E. pallida)* |
Indicated for
acute viral or bacterial infection (colds, flu, bronchitis,
septicemia, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus). Echinacea is also used
for acute prostatitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis, and
pyorrhea. Locally it is used for infections, inflammation and
abscesses. Rich in polyysaccharides, chicoric acid, isobutylamides,
polyacetylenes and caffeic acid, the various species of Echinacea
increase phagocytosis, the production of splenic cells such as
T-lymphocytes and granulocytes. Echinacea also possesses anti-hyaluronidase
activity which helps to prevent the spread of certain infections.
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Goldenseal
dried root
(Hydrastis canadensis) * |
A strong
antiseptic and antifungal. It has a strong effect on the liver,
stimulating bile formation and expulsion. Useful in cases of upper
respiratory infection including tonsillitis, strep throat, sore
throat, sinus infection, uvulitis where there is excess mucus and
post nasal drip. Goldenseal has a long tradition of use as a local
antibacterial, especially to the skin, throat, sinuses and urinary
tract. Rich in alkaloids, especially the intense yellow colored
berberine, this herb has shown activity against a wide range of
pathogens including Staphylococcus, Klebsiella pneumoniae,
Streptococcus pyogenes, E. coli, Chlamydia trachomatis, Candida
albicans, Leishmania donovanii, and Entamoeba histolytica. Because
it is bitter, Goldenseal will stimulate digestion and absorption,
but long term use will impair digestion by killing beneficial flora
in the gut. In clinical trials, Goldenseal benefitted
hypochlorhydria, chronic cholecystitis, acute gastroenteritis,
bacillary dysentery, cervical erosion and conjunctivitis. Overuse of
Goldenseal can also impair liver and kidney function, so it is best
used sparingly on a short term basis, combined with probiotics such
as FOS and acidophilus.
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Bibliography: |
Brown, D. and
Yarnell, E. Phytotherapy Research Compendium, NPRC, 1996
Lloyd, J. U., Palmer, C. et. al. A Treatise on Hydrastis
canadensis, Lloyd Brothers, 1908
Lloyd, J. U. Echinacea, Lloyd Brothers, 1923
Sherman,
ND, J. The Complete Botanical Prescriber, 1993
Shulz, V., Hansel, R. and
Tyler,
V. Rational Phytotherapy, Springer, 1988 |
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*Herbal
Therapeutics Research Library
Author: David Winston (RH) AHG
©2007
Herbal Therapeutics Research Library. All rights reserved |
Disclaimer: The information on
historical, ethnobotanical and phytotherapeutic uses of herbs and
traditional formulas contained herein is based on the experience and
research of the author. It is not intended as a substitute for
consulting with your physician or other health care provider. Any
attempt to diagnose and treat an illness should be done under the
direction of a health care professional. The publisher and author
are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences
resulting from the use of any of the information discussed. Should
you have any questions concerning the appropriateness of any
preparation mentioned, the author strongly suggests consulting a
professional health care advisor. |
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