ECHINACEA

Possible applications:

• Cancer
• Candidiasis
• Immunodepression
• Infection
• Wound Healing

This herb comes from North America where it has been used by the native Indian tribes for centuries as a botanical.  It is still one of the most widely used and its primary application is its capability for boosting the immune system.  These effects include enhanced T-cell mitogenesis, macrophage phagocytosis, antibody bonding, and natural killer cell activity, as well as increased levels of circulating neutrophils.

Root extracts exhibit interferon-like activity which acts as an antiviral medicine for influenza, herpes, and vesicular stomatitis viruses.  Among its 'active ingredients' are polysaccharides, flavonoids, alkamides, and essential oils.   It is regarded as safe and has no known toxicity.

ŠJamie Longstreet 1996-2004