Since the early 20th century, hundreds of scientific articles have been written about echinacea. For decades, herbalists have considered echinacea one of the best blood purifiers and an effective natural antibiotic. It activates the body's immune system increasing the chances of fighting off a variety of diseases. Most of the research during the past 10 years has focused on the “immuno-stimulant” properties of the plant. An immuno-stimulant is a substance that increases the ability of the immune system to fight infection and disease.

The constituents of echinacea include essential oil, polysaccharides, polyacetylenes, betain, glycoside, sesquiterpenes and caryophylene. It also contains copper, iron, tannins, protein, fatty acids and vitamins A, C, and E. The most important immune-stimulating components are the large polysaccharides, such as inulin, that increase the production of T-cells and increase other natural killer cell activity. Fat-soluble alkylamides and a caffeic acid glycoside called echinacoside also contribute to the herb's immune-empowering effects.

It has been shown in animal and human studies to improve the migration of white blood cells to attack foreign microorganisms and toxins in the bloodstream. Research suggests that echinacea's activity in the blood may have value in the defense of tumor cells.

Echinacea properties may offer benefit for nearly all infectious conditions. Numerous independent laboratory studies show echinacea prevents the formation of an enzyme which destroys a natural barrier between healthy tissue and damaging organisms. Echinacea is considered an effective therapeutic agent in many infectious conditions, including upper respiratory infections, the common cold and sinusitis. The herb is a mild antibiotic that is effective against staph and strep infections.

Echinacea aids in the production of interferon, the protein produced by cells when invaded by virus, that when released into the bloodstream, induces healthy cells to manufacture an enzyme that counters the infection. Echinacea is also known to increase antiviral activity against influenza (flu), herpes, and inflammation of the skin and mouth. It may reduce the severity of symptoms such as runny nose and sore throat and reduce the duration of illness.

Echinacea's antibacterial properties can stimulate wound healing and are of benefit to skin conditions such as burns, insect bites, ulcers, psoriasis, acne and eczema. It's anti-inflammatory properties may help relieve arthritis and lymphatic swelling. It has also been used in homeopathy treatments for chronic fatigue syndrome, indigestion, gastroenteritis, and weight loss.

Echinacea (450 mg)
BO20024-100_capsules
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