Echinacea Purpurea (4% Phenolic Compounds)

History:

Echinacea Purpurea is an herbaceous, perennial plant that is native to the plains of the American West and has been widely cultivated in Europe, where it is thought to be perhaps the most powerful natural antibiotic. The hairy plant bears lance-shaped leaves and long-stalked, purple flowers with drooping petals. The two-foot plant can be found growing in barrens, on prairies and other dry, open places, thriving in rich, well-drained soil in sun. Echinacea's name is derived from the Greek, echinos, meaning "hedgehog" or "sea urchin," referring to the sharp pointed bracts of the receptacles, giving the herb one of its many common names, "Hedgehog." There are three species of this genus that include many of the same applications and properties (E. purpurea, E. angustifolia and E. pallida), and they are frequently used interchangeably. Native Americans used the purple coneflower more than any other plant in the treatment of illness and injury, including snakebites, fevers, wounds, burns, toothaches and infections. The early Colonists adopted Echinacea as a home remedy for colds and flu, and the herb became popular in American herbal and traditional medicine. The herb was included in the National Formulary, the pharmacists' reference book, from 1915 through 1950, and although interest in Echinacea declined in America after the 1930s, it was "rediscovered" in the 1980s, owing to the increased interest in immune system disorders, chronic fatigue syndrome, malignant diseases, candidiasis, etc. Word of its healing properties traveled back to Europe, where it remains one of the most sought-after herbs, and it has been noted that German doctors prescribe Echinacea as often as they prescribe antibiotics. It is generally believed that Echinacea Purpurea is the most potent of the three, and being more easily cultivated, is also most widely used. E. purpurea is also thought to be the most effective species as a detoxicant and immune system booster, particularly in respiratory situations, and Echinacea has even been adopted by Ayurvedic practitioners. There is now greatly renewed interest in the United States, because of the herb's positive effect on the immune system, and the herb has achieved worldwide fame for its antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial properties; and based upon recent scientific documentation, this plant of the Western Plains will serve mankind well into the future. Echinacea contains a natural antibiotic called echinacoside (a glycoside) and a compound called echinacein (an amide). Both components apparently neutralize enzymes produced by germs that attack healthy tissue and invade cells. Other constituents include fatty acids, essential oils, quercetin, alkaloids, polysaccharides, alkamides, fructans, carbohydrates, germacrene, humulene, limonene, myrcene, alpha pinene, beta-pinene, kaempferol, rutin, caffeic-, chlorogenic-, caftaric- and palmitic acids, terpenoids, vitamins B1, B2, B3 and vitamin C, iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, flavonoids, beta-carotene and other important nutrients.

Echinacea Purpurea works by supporting the body's own efforts to crank-up the immune system to ward off disease and infection. There is evidence that it may mimic the action of interferon, a natural chemical in the body that is capable of shielding cells from viral invasion. Considered a botanical antiviral and antibacterial, Echinacea not only helps to kill bacteria and viruses but also actually works with the body's own resources to strengthen immunity by increasing the number of white blood cells in the blood stream. According to German researchers, the herb is said to increase the levels of infection-fighting T-cells by thirty percent, thereby potentially helping to build and strengthen the immune system. The German Commission E reported that E. purpurea has shown immuno-stimulant effects in several ways: The number of white blood cells and spleen cells is increased, the capacity for phagocytosis by human granulocytes is activated, and the body temperature is elevated.

Echinacea is now regarded one of the most effective herbal detoxicants in Western medicine for circulatory, lymphatic and respiratory systems, and particularly E. purpurea, which is considered more potent than other species. It is reported to be an excellent lymphatic tonic, supporting the body's efforts to cleanse the system of toxic materials, and as such, it may be particularly helpful in cases of swollen glands and enlarged prostate.

Further supporting Echinacea's role as a botanical depurative, or agent that tends to cleanse and purify the blood by assisting the body's own resources to destroy contaminants in the blood, the herb is believed to support the body's own natural means to effectively treat blood poisoning and septicemia. Echinacea also assists the body's natural means to cleanse morbid matter from the stomach and help expel bodily poisons, toxins, pus and abscess formations. Moreover, as a plant-based sweat-producing agent, Echinacea may further work to cleanse and detoxify the body of wastes through the skin.

Regarded by herbalists as a fine natural antifungal, Echinacea Purpurea may be effective against vaginal yeast infections, such as Candida, and other fungal infections.

Echinacea Purpurea is being investigated for its potential ability to indirectly combat malignant disease via its general immune-enhancing effects. The stimulation of the herb's polysaccharides and phytosterols are particularly important, because they are compounds that appear to activate macrophages, the agents that engulf and digest tumor cells and destroy bacteria, viruses and infectious agents. According to Loyola University Health System information, some malignant diseases have been treated with Echinacea, and the effect of chemotherapy may be improved with its use.

At the first sign of a cold, flu, fever, earache or whenever antibiotic action is required, try some Echinacea. It is said to support the body's efforts to ward off and fight infections, or at least diminish their length and severity.  For helping to combat and support the relief of upper respiratory tract infections, E. purpurea is believed to be the most potent of the Echinacea species for this indication and has been reported as useful in cases of bronchitis.

Echinacea is considered a fine herbal antiseptic and antibiotic that has a reputation for supporting the body in its fight against any type of infection, bacteria, viruses and germs like no other; and has been reported to be effective in cases of urinary tract infection, staph infection, recurring kidney infection, food poisoning, poisonous bites (snakes and insects), syphilis, diphtheria and other putrid fevers. In Germany, it is used to fight bronchitis and abscesses.

Echinacea is called an herbal anti-inflammatory and regarded as an effective agent that supports the body's own healing properties to reduce the pain and swelling from injury and fight all types of inflammation, including sore throat, tonsillitis and hemorrhoids.

Echinacea Purpurea is believed to support and promote tissue regeneration. It is considered an "alterative," or botanical agent that helps the body to gradually convert an unhealthy organ or condition into a healthy state and facilitates a beneficial change in the body.

Used both internally and externally, Echinacea's reputation as a healing herb that can be effective for all types of skin problems and infections is said to be legendary, supporting the body's own healing qualities to ease cuts, cold sores, boils, carbuncles, acne, herpes and gangrene, and echoing its early use in Colonial America. One of its chemical properties, called echinacein, is not only thought to repel germs, but also may stimulate skin cell repair. Topically, it has been used to provide relief to sunburned skin, infected or weeping eczema, plant poisoning (ivy, etc.), herpes lesions, wounds and other infected skin conditions.

Echinacea Purpurea is said to support good digestion and help ease flatulence.

Recommended Dosage:
Take one (1) capsule, two (2) times each day with water at mealtimes.

Contraindications:
Echinacea Purpurea Herbal Supplement is not recommended for pregnant women, individuals suffering from autoimmune disorders, those with allergies to daisies/ragweed/sunflowers or those receiving organ transplants. If taking prescription drugs, it is always wise to speak with a physician, as Echinacea may counter the effects of certain medications. Echinacea should not be given to children under two years, nor should it be used orally in long-term diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, tuberculosis, collagenosis, HIV or AIDS and autoimmune disorders (like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis).

Capsule Information:
Our Echinacea Purpurea (4% Phenolic Compounds) supplements are encapsulated in 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, Certified Kosher, size "00" Capsules.(click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 600 mgs."

Special Note:
If any medical terms on our website are confusing or unknown, we have compiled a small dictionary of terms for you. Click here for our Definitions, and go directly to the word in question for further information.

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Herbal Extracts Plus is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.