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Echinacea
root
(Echinacea angustifolia)
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Originally
used by Native peoples in the Great Plains. It was used for
rattlesnake bites, sore throats, wounds, mouth sores, urinary tract
infections and upper respiratory tract infections. The Eclectics
introduced Echinacea into Western medicine; German research on
Echinacea purpurea began in 1920. Among its many actions, Echinacea
inhibits hyaluronadase, an enzyme secreted by viruses to break down
cell walls. Because of this activity, Echinacea prevents viruses
from spreading to uninfected cells, thus limiting the infection.
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Elderberry
fruit
(Sambucus canadensis) * |
Elderberries
and Elderflowers have long been used as remedies for treating colds
and flu. Elderberries contain vitamin C, proanthocyanadin flavonoids
and antiviral proteins. The flavonoids help to strengthen capillary
integrity especially in the eyes and reduce histamine production by
the sinus mast cells. This reduces allergic symptoms and sinus
irritation. |
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Lemon Balm
herb
(Melissa officinalis) * |
A lemony
smelling and pleasant tasting herb that is carminative,
antidepressant, nervine, mildly diaphoretic and antiviral. Lemon
balm is useful for treating herpetic lesions, mild depression,
insomnia, digestive upsets and the irritability associated with
attention deficit disorder in children. |
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Bibliography: |
Bergner, P.
Elderberry, Medical Herbalism, vol. 8, #4, pp. 1, 12
McIntyre, A. The Herbal for Mother and Child, 1992
Schilcher, H. Phytotherapy in Paediatrics, 1997
Weiss, R. Herbal Medicine, 1985
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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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