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Echinacea
angustifolia root * |
The favorite
species of the Eclectic physicians, E. angustifolia was indicated
for toxic or hot conditions of the blood with sallow skin, dark
tongue and a tendency to form boils. It was utilized for septicemia,
rattlesnake bites, cancer pain, dysentery, typhus, diptheria and
tuberculosis. Modern herbalists find it clinically effective for
otitis media, tonsillitis, colds and flu, cystitis, bronchitis and
prostatitis.
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Echinacea
purpurea root and flower * |
This species
of Echinacea is the most researched and has been studied in human
clinical trials. German practitioners use extracts of the root or
leaves for sinusitis and upper respiratory tract infections and
topically for psoriasis, candidiasis and eczema.
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Echinacea
pallida root * |
While not as
well researched as E. purpurea, Echinacea pallida has been given a
positive rating for use in influenza, colds and upper respiratory
tract infections by the German Commission E. Positive rating
indicates the Commission has found the herb safe and effective when
used properly for the indicated conditions.
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All species of
Echinacea were used by Native Americans as an antidote for venomous
bites and stings including snakebite, thus giving it the common name
of snakeroot. It was also used for toothaches, tonsillitis and
abdominal pain. Echinacea was introduced into Western medical
practice in the 1880s by Dr. John King and John Uri Lloyd. They were
introduced to it as a patent remedy called Myers Blood Purifier and
upon researching it were surprised to discover a truly active
medicine. By the early 1900s Echinacea was one of the most popular
medicines of the day.
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Bibliography: |
Bone, K.
Echinacea: What Makes It Work? Modern Phytotherapist, 3
(2):19-23, 1997
Mills, S., and Bone, K. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy,
Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh, 1999
Wagner, H. Immunomodulatory Agents from Plants,
Birkhauser-Verlag, Basel, 1999
Winston, D. Herbal Therapeutics: Specific Indications for
Herbs
&
Formulas,
Washington, NJ, 7th ed., 2000 |
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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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