Improve immune system with Canadian herbs
The beauty of Echinacea is equal its value medicinally. The
intense purple rosy and daisy-like flowers outshine most flowers
in the herb garden. Even the Monarch butterflies find it
attractive. This perennial plant's natural habitats are the
prairies and dry plains of North America, mainly in the U.S.A.,
from southern Saskatchewan and Manitoba, down into Texas.
The most common species of purple coneflowers are E.angustifolia,
E.purpurea and E.pallida. E.angustifolia is in most demand
medicinally though the other two mentioned species are just as
effective when properly prepared. Below is a brief botanical
description of the three common species:
E.angustifolia - is smaller and delicate, grows to 2 ft. Leaves
are lanceolate with smooth margins. Flower petals do not droop
but spread outward from the seed-head.
E.purpurea - grows to 5 ft. A robust plant with many ovate
leaves. Leaf margins are toothed. Flowers are large with petals
drooping towards the stem.
E.pallida - grows to 3 ft. Leaves are lanceolate with smooth
margins. The colour of the flowers vary from purple to white and
are drooping.
The part of the plant used in herbal preparations is
traditionally the root. When eating the fresh root an unusual
tingling, numbing sensation occurs in the mouth and increases
saliva flow. This anesthetic-like effect is also present in the
seeds when sprouted. It is a good indicator as to how fresh the
Echinacea preparation is.
With today' attention on immune deficiency diseases, this is one
herb we cannot overlook. Research in Europe indicates that
Echinacea does stimulate the immune system. This occurs when the
polysaccharides present in the plant, (complex carbohydrates
which convert into sugars), stimulate the T cell lymphocytes,
which in turn increases the production of interferon. This
interferon activity protects cells against viral and bacterial
infections. One polysaccharide named echinacin B has been
isolated from E.angustifolia & E.purpurea and its' effect is
healing for inflammations, wounds and swellings.
Echinacea also contains an essential oil which has been tested in
the treatment of tumors.One case history involves a strong
reaction to mosquito and black-fly bites. Symptoms are abnormal
skin swellings and swollen lymph nodes. Echinacea taken
internally reduced the swellings.
Another case history involves the Epstein-barr virus, (a herpes-
like virus). Ingestion of Echinacea over a period of time, along
with dietary changes, improved the vitality of the immune system.
Energy level increased along with an improved resistance to
minor colds and flu.
The Native Indians used Echinacea for snake bites. They were
aware of Echinacea's blood cleansing properties and also used the
plant for cancers and infections.
Echinacea is most effective when used in its' fresh state. If you
are buying dried roots chew a piece first, if there is no numbing
sensation in the mouth then the roots are old or improperly
dried. E.angustifolia dries well, though reports indicate that
this species is sometimes substituted with E.purpurea or
E.pallida and sold as E.angustifolia. The roots are best
harvested in fall. Being a native plant this is one instance
where we do not have to rely on importation and we should
encourage the local herb farming of this species, (although it
does take at least 3 years for the roots to mature and make it
worthwhile digging up the plant!).
Dosage of Echinacea tincture is up to 30 drops, 3 times a day for
adults depending on the seriousness of the ailment. The tincture
is usually taken for the duration of the illness, but of course
there is a saying that you can take too much of a good thing, and
this is true with Echinacea. For example if you drink coffee
every day the pick me up effect will eventually over stimulate
you or will cease to work. Do not ingest Echinacea continuously
over a long period of time, give your body a periodic rest from
the immune stimulation.
The only observed side effect from ingesting Echinacea is nausea,
although this is rare. It usually indicates that the body is full
of toxins, so decrease your intake of the herb.
Anyone who would like to obtain this or any other tincture can
leave me a personal message here in the Garden. Alternatively it
can be purchased from the Occult Store on Vaughn Rd.
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