Drug Name

Echinacea

Drug Uses

Echinacea is popular as an immune stimulant to boost the immune system and help ward off many winter ailments.

How Taken

Taken 3 times daily at the onset of cold or flu symptoms. It works wonders in combination with Goldenseal and Zinc, particularly at the onset of symptoms.

Drug Class and Mechanism

As a broad-spectrum immune system stimulant Echinacea is most used to protect against, & to treat, common colds, flu, & sore throat. A natural antibiotic, echinacea is used to treat infections, to combat low resistance to sickness & to enhance the immune system. Echinacea has also used in the treatment of chronic recurring vaginal yeast infections. Echinacea purpurea, called King of the blood purifiers in some herbal manuscripts, has been traditionally used to help acne, boils and difficult skin conditions.

The ability of Echinacea to stimulate the immune system is extremely well documented. The primary constituent responsible for its activity are large sugar molecules called polysaccharides. Two in particular have been identified as beneficial: inulin and arabinogalactin. These polysaccharides activate the immune system in many ways. Echinacea has been shown to increase production of T cells, increase levels of circulating neutrophils, improve leukocyte phagocytosis, assist antibody binding and natural killer cell activity. Echinacea also has direct antibacterial properties. In general, Echinacea has been thoroughly demonstrated to reduce the duration and severity of common cold and flu symptoms. Echinacea is a herb that deserves its place in our medicine cabinet.

Missed Dose

: If you miss a dose of Echinacea, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Echinacea at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep Echinacea out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to Saw Palmetto, or have certain conditions. Be sure your doctor knows if you have:

• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder (such as hemophilia);
• stomach ulcer with active bleeding; or
• ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.

Before taking saw palmetto, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, herbalist, or other healthcare provider. You may not be able to use this product if you have:

• liver disease;
• heart disease;
• a heart rhythm disorder;
• a history of stomach ulcer; or
• asthma or other breathing disorder.

Do not take saw palmetto without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Saw palmetto may be harmful to an unborn baby. It is not known whether saw palmetto passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this product without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without the advice of a doctor.

Possible Side Effects

Because Echinacea is an all-natural nutritional supplement containing only the finest botanicals, there are no harmful side effects when taken as directed.

More Information

This product contains only 100% pure pharmaceutical grade ingredients and is regularly tested to ensure the safety and quality. Each ingredient has been approved as safe by the FDA and all appear on the FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) list. This product is manufactured in the USA under stringent GMP guidelines that have been set by the FDA. Each bottle comes with a 2 year expiration date and is double sealed to ensure freshness and potency.