THE BENEFITS OF ECHINACEA-GOLDENSEAL

Echinacea-Goldenseal plays an important part in helping and maintaining one's health, especially during immune responses to external infections. 

Herbal and alternative medicine have gained popularity, mainly due to complications of traditional medicine and increased knowledge of many over-the counter (OTC) herbal supplements.  With the increased popularity, many supplements can be questioned on their legitimacy.  Echinacea-Goldenseal is not one of those questionable herbal supplements, with proven benefits in health.

Echinacea is a flowering plant and is one of the most commonly prescribed botanicals for the immune system.  Echinacea is considered a "blood purifier," primarily due to its anti-inflammatory and immune stimulating properties.  It was used by Native Americans for a wide range of aliments, including wounds and animal bites.  In 1887, it was introduced into US medical practice for conditions like the common cold to venereal diseases.  German researchers have found the extract of Echinacea to have anti-viral activity against the influenza pathogen.  It increases the number of phagocytes.

Echinacea may be taken for acute colds, flus, fevers, and infections.  Of most importance is the dosage and frequency.  It is most effective when taken every two hours until some symptoms are relieved.  The dose is then reduced to three times daily for a week to ensure complete recovery and optimal immune function.  A dose is two tablets or capsules (usually around 500-1000 mg of the ground herb), 40 drops of the extract, or 4 to 8 ounces of a strong tea made from the ground root. Often you will feel relief within hours.


Goldenseal is a perennial herb is also effective for infections.  It soothes the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract during the congestion and inflammation of colds and flus.  Its active component, berberine, has a broad spectrum of antibiotic and immune stimulating activity.  Combined with Echinacea, it has a potent immune enhancing and congestion reducing action.  Goldenseal may also be taken every two hours for acute cold symptoms.  If taken with Echinacea, use two parts Echinacea to one part Goldenseal in tablet, capsule, extract, or tea form.  After 72 hours, three times daily for two weeks will often clear up the case.



For prevention and to maintain optimal health, a combination of Echinacea and Goldenseal may be taken two to three times daily for one to two weeks per month, especially when the body is under extended stress.  For years now I have encouraged patients to use Echinacea-Goldenseal on a regular basis, with overwhelming positive results!!!