By targeting viral, fungi and bacterial invaders, Echinacea can prevent and treat upper respiratory infections2, tuberculosis (2 capsules three times daily or 40 drops of tincture three times daily), vaginal yeast infections3 (take with antifungal cream to speed recovery), sinusitis, sties (infection of an eyelash follicle) and athlete's foot. It also speeds recovery time from an infection without causing any of the side effects typical of pharmaceutical antibiotics, especially the overgrowth of the intestinal yeast responsible for a great deal of chronic illness.

Echinacea treats tonsillitis by stimulating phagocytosis, the devouring of bacteria and viruses by certain types of white blood cells. Take along with Goldenseal, another potent antiseptic, antibiotic and immune stimulant.

Strengthens the body's tissues and protects you from the attacks of invasive germs. A wealth of studies shows that it helps the body fight off all sorts of bacteria, viruses and fungi. For pneumonia, try teas or one or two teaspoons tincture in juice or tea several times daily.

Contains a natural antibiotic that increases the level of a chemical called properdin which activates the part of the immune system responsible for increasing the defense mechanisms against viruses and bacteria--that makes it an effective, broad-based infection fighter--used to treat colds, flu, bronchitis, tonsillitis, tuberculosis, and meningitis. To ward off infections take Echinacea at the beginning of the season. The active constituents of Echinacea are caffeic acid, chicoric acid and echinacin--all of which have antiviral properties similar to those of interferon, the body's own antiviral compound. Recent evidence shows great promise for chicoric acid as a treatment for HIV. Mix an equal blend of both types of Echinacea (Angustifolia and Purpurea). Make a tea with five teaspoons of dried herb per cup of boiling water and drink it two or three daily. Or, add a dropperful of tincture to juice and drink a few times per day. Some herbalists advice against taking Echinacea continuously; instead take for one to two weeks, then stop for several days and then continue alternating the pattern. They maintain that the immune system eventually becomes accustomed to the herb.

In a study at the University of Munich, Echinacea extract increased production of infection-fighting T cells, fights influenza, herpes and other viruses. In a study of 180 people with flu, 900 mg. of Echinacea extract significantly reduced symptoms. Also, some preliminary research indicates that it has possibilities as a cancer fighter.

Lyme disease if left untreated causes bacterial invasions of the joints, notably the central nervous system, causing chronic arthritis. It can be treated by taking 6 capsules daily, along with 1200 mg of Garlic and Vitamin A.

The German government (Commission E) has approved Echinacea pallida root and Echinacea purpurea leaf for use against colds, flu, and chronic respiratory or urinary infections.

Other benefits include helping to heal wounds, treatment for cuts, burns, eczema, and psoriasis because of its blood-cleansing abilities.

Useful in treating mastitis and nipple fissures. Blend a dropperful of Echinacea tincture in juice along with a few cloves of garlic; drink it three or four times a day.

To treat  connective tissue injuries like tennis elbow, skier's knee, or jogger's ankle (all types of tendinitis) take up to a half- ounce of Echinacea tincture daily until the swelling and pain is reduced.

In assisting chronic fatigue syndrome, try a combination of these antiviral herbs: Echinacea, Goldenseal, Licorice, Lemon Balm, and Ginger. Make a blend of equal amounts adjusting to your personal taste. Make a tea using one or two teaspoons and drinking two or three cups daily. Such teas can be energizing.

To speed in healing gingivitis, add a dropperful or two of tincture to anti-gingivitis teas and mouthwashes.

Dry mouth, which is related to aging and is a side effect of more than 400 widely used medications--including many for high blood pressure and depression, can be relieved by the compound echinacein found in Echinacea. This is a proven saliva producer. Saliva helps control bacteria in the mouth and helps prevent tooth decay, gum disease and mouth infections. Just drink a glass of juice with a dropperful of tincture.

For serious staph infection on the feet, combine 1 teaspoon of powdered Myrrh, 1 teaspoon powdered Goldenseal and ½ Cayenne, make tea hot and soak for 15 minutes daily. Internally, drink three cups of tea consisting of 2 teaspoons of Echinacea, 2 teaspoons Burdock, and 1 teaspoon Sassafras which has been simmered in 4 cups of water for 20 minutes on low heat.

Try using a teaspoon of dried herb in tea or a dropperful of tincture in juice or tea to treat earaches. Drink either three times a day.

The liquid extract, Echinacea tea, and freshly pressed juice are fine, but freeze-dried Echinacea powder achieves the best results. It has a slightly warming quality and a small tingling sensation on your tongue.

•  Recommended Dosage

•  Safety: Allergic reactions appear to be the most common side effects, but some very serious side effects, including hepatitis and asthma, have been reported.

 Read More About It

• The Healing Power of Echinacea and Goldenseal and Other Immune System Herbs, by Paul Bergner.

• Echinacea: Nature's Immune Enhancer, by Steven Foster.

• Echinacea: The Immune Herb, by Christopher Hobbs.

• Secrets of Echinacea, by Winifred Conkling.

• Echinacea: A Step-By-Step Guide (In a Nutshell, Healing Herbs Series), by Jill Rosemary Davies (Compiler).

• Herbs to Boost Immunity: Herbal Tonics to Keep You Healthy and Strong Including Echinacea, Siberian Ginseng, Astragalus, and More (Keats), by Gail Ulrich.

• Natural Cold and Flu Defense: Using Echinacea, Zinc, Vitamin C and Other Supplements, by C. W. Hawken, Remi Cooper.

• HerbMed on Echinacea

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