Echinacea - a potent weapon against infection

Echinacea is an effective antibacterial, antiviral and immune system stimulant to help combat colds, flu, fever and glandular infections. It helps build up the supply of white blood cells in the body.

Use the product links to the right for information and purchases.

Echinacea - one of our best infection fighters

The North American Indians of the prairies have known for hundreds of years that Echinacea is a potent healer. They used to gather the wild purple coneflower that looks very much like an aster daisy and extract the beneficial properties of this herb. They used it in many of their traditional and ancient herbal remedies.

When the early colonists had no access to western medicine, they were grateful to have the healing balm of the Echinacea root applied in the ancient Indian tradition, to the many wounds they sustained breaking in the new land.

In 1871 Echinacea was introduced into medicine by a man in Nebraska USA, who learned of its value as a blood purifier from the Indians. As well as its blood purifying properties, Echinacea is an effective antibacterial, antiviral and immune system stimulant or infection fighter.

For over 100 years it has proven useful in most diseases that are due to impurities of the blood. It is excellent for treating the causes of fever, infection, colds and flu and is specific for all glandular infections.

What health problems can Echinacea help with?

Echinacea is one of the best researched immune stimulant and tonic herbs. Well over 100 scientific research studies illustrate Echinacea's broad-spectrum use for prevention and treatment. It is very effective at accelerating your body's healing capabilities during a cold and flu. It is one of the finest blood purifiers found in nature, having been scientifically studied for its chemical ability to neutralise harmful venom from poisonous snakes, scorpions, insects and other toxic substances.

The 1990s has seen an increasing number of people with diseases of the immune system. Scientific research on the uses of Echinacea has focused on its value as a stimulant to the immune system. It helps build up the supply of white blood cells in the body. Echinacea is probably one of the most potent weapons in any immune enhancing program. In stimulating the immune system, this valuable herb has been shown to be able to arrest the growth of bacteria and fungi, as well as having antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. It has the ability to inhibit the spread of infection and aids the healing process.

Echinacea protects the cells against viral-induced influenza and herpes, including cold sores. It is effective against both viral and bacterial attacks, not so much by killing these organisms, as by supporting the body's own immunity. Echinacea is especially useful as an influenza preventative and for infections of the upper respiratory tract, such as laryngitis, tonsillitis and for catarrhal conditions of the nose and sinuses. It is also important at the onset of colds or flu.

Echinacea is the king of blood purifiers. It is the most effective blood and lymphatic cleanser in the botanical kingdom. It may be a valuable alternative to antibiotics, when used properly.

What ways can you purchase Echinacea?

At Ideal Health we stock Echinacea in many different forms. Our favourite Echinacea range is sold under the name Relief. This consists of 7 different Echinacea products, including:

Relief Liquid Extract Child's Formula is a non-alcohol formula that is easy for children to take.

Relief Liquid Extract Adult Formula is in an alcohol base and is quickly absorbed into the body for quick relief.

Echinacea Triplex contains 3 different types of this herb.

Echinacea Biotic contains not only Echinacea, but also garlic, nasturtium and horseradish.

Relief Throat Lozenges are a convenient way to take a regular dosage of Echinacea and also contain eucalyptus and peppermint oil. They help to reduce soreness and are pleasant tasting.

Relief Cough Syrup eases coughing, decongests and soothes the throat.

Relief Capsules are a convenient way to take Echinacea and come in a soft gel capsule.

Relief + C Capsules contain Echinacea plus Vitamin C for that extra boost to the immune system.

Relief Rub is an herbal chest rub and inhalant, containing Echinacea and fragrant essential oils.

These are all grown on the Greenridge plantation on the unpolluted Darling Downs in Queensland, where strict quality control ensures that it contains no pollutant, chemicals or foreign matter.

These formulas all help the body rid itself of infections. Echinacea is effective against both bacterial and viral attacks, including conditions such as acne, as an antibiotic and antiseptic, as a blood purifier, for blood poisoning, for ear infections, eczema, fevers, gangrene, herpes and cold sores, as a gargle, for swollen glands, sore gums, infections, insect bites and stings, swollen lymph glands, cleansing the lymphatic system, mouth sores, mucous, for skin problems, sores, tonsillitis, strep throat and wounds - to name a few.

Liquid Echinacea is excellent for all problems relating to the throat and glands and is absorbed into the body fast.

What is the dosage of Echinacea?

Echinacea appears to be most effective when taken in small repeated doses over an extended period of time.

Using a liquid Echinacea is the best way to treat any cold or flu like symptoms. This is because it is absorbed into the body quickly, for faster results. After an initial intensive dosage, this should be taken until 3 days after all symptoms have gone, to help prevent it coming back.

Ask for the Cold and Flu Sheet, which explains the dosage of all the natural antibiotics we stock at Ideal Health.

Are there side effects of taking Echinacea?

There are no generally recognised side effects of over-dosage.

At the beginning of a cold or flu, Echinacea is best taken every 2 hours. For long-term use, Echinacea should be taken 3 times daily for 6 to 8 weeks, then discontinue for 2 to 4 weeks before repeating the cycle.

It is an excellent herb to use for children as well as adults and it comes in capsules as well as liquids.

As with all herbal products, please get the advice from a registered Medical Herbalist, such as Leanne James before self-prescribing.

Do not take this herb if you have an allergy to the Aster family.