ECHINACEA FOR ALLERGIES & CANDIDA

ECHINACEA FOR ALLERGIES & CANDIDA

In 1987, Humbart Santillo, MH, N.D. stated, “Echinacea is an herb that is a specific lymphatic cleanser.  It is an excellent herb to use to combat allergies in combination with enzymes because it stimulates the production of white blood cells, and is used to treat inflammations, lymphatic swellings and infections.”

Echinacea angustifolia is known to have been used by at least 14 North American Tribes for a variety of maladies, including coughs, colds, sore throats and infections.  Echinacea is reported to have been used by the Dakotas as a veterinary medicine for their horses. Archeology reports indicate that Native Americans may have used Echinacea for more than 400 years to treat infections and wounds and as a general "cure-all”

In 1887, doctors of allopathy began using the herb.  By the early 1900’s Echinacea was the most popular, top selling herb in America.  Throughout history, people have used Echinacea to treat scarlet fever, syphilis, malaria, blood poisoning and diphtheria. When penicillin came on the market Echinacea’s popularity waned.  In 1935, or there about, the newly formed American Medical Association (AMA) dismissed Echinacea as worthless.

During the 1930’s a German native, Dr Gerhard Madaus began researching and working with Echinacea purpurea.  By default, Echinacea purpurea became the subject of modern pharmacological studies by Madaus.  Some of the best scientific studies for Echinacea purpurea have taken place in Germany.  Because of Madaus’ studies, a product was developed called Echinacin.  This preparation is still available today in the United States.  Echinacin is a preparation of juice expressed from the flowers, leaves and stems of the Echinacea plant.

Today, people use Echinacea to shorten the duration of the common cold and flu and reduce symptoms, such as sore throat, cough and fever. Herbalists also recommend Echinacea to help boost the immune system and help the body fight infections.

Herbs contain active substances that may trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements or medications. For these reasons, people should take herbs under the supervision of a practitioner knowledgeable in the field of botanical medicine.  People with tuberculosis, leukemia, diabetes, connective tissue disorders, multiple sclerosis, HIV or AIDS, any autoimmune diseases, or, possibly, liver disorders should not take Echinacea. There is some concern that Echinacea may reduce the effectiveness of medications that suppress the immune system. For this reason, people receiving organ transplants who must take immunosuppressant medications should avoid this herb.

Antigens, bacteria, yeast, and other toxins enter the body through the digestive tract.  Allergens also enter the body simply through the air that we breathe.  Most antigens, bacteria, viruses and yeasts are proteins.  Often bacteria secrete toxins that also contain protein substances; these secretions often cause allergies and infections.  Digestion of protein is done by protease (protein digestive enzymes).  If digestion is not properly, accomplished, undigested substances can be absorbed thought the digestive tract.  Antigens that cause allergies attach themselves to these proteins in the blood, deposit in the walls of tiny capillaries and secrete substances that cause inflammations that result in swellings, sneezing, hay fever, hives, asthma, etc.

In order for the body to rid itself of the allergen, it must be separated from the protein molecule.  Enzymes that digest the protein and release the allergen so the body can eliminate it via the lymphatic system accomplish this.  This is why it is so important to keep the lymphatic system clean.  Eating larger amounts of raw foods that have the enzymes still present, taking supplemental enzymes and using Echinacea will cleanse the lymphatic system.

Echinacea purpurea is a perennial of gardens in Virginia to Iowa and south to Georgia and Louisiana.  Also called purple cone flower, it is drought tolerant, has daisy like flowers in pink or pink purple and blooms in early to late summer.  Echinacea angustifolia grows best in high elevations where the winters are cold.  This is probably why the Northern Native Tribes were more familiar with the latter Echinacea.

In the spring when the soil warms to 55-70 degrees F. sow seeds on the surface of the soil in part shade or full sun.  After the seeds begin to germinate, cover them with about 1/8 of an inch of soil.  Germination should occur within 10 to 20 days.  The plants grow quickly.  Thin the plants to grow 18 to 24 inches apart.

Echinacea Tea…Use 1 to 2 grams of dried root or herb to brew a cup of tea.  Boil water, cool slightly, pour water over herb, cover and let steep 3 minutes.  Sweeten tea with Stevia or use lemon juice if desired.  Drink a cup of Echinacea Tea 3 times daily for 7 to 10 days to shorten the duration of the common cold and flu…

ShebolithSays…offers this information for entertainment purposes only.  As always, use moderation in all things, do your own research and see your health care practitioner on the subjects of diagnoses and treatment of disease.

References:  FOOD ENZYMES The Missing Link To Radiant Health by Humbart Santillo, MH, N.D. A Practical and Concise Guide That Explains Why Food Enzymes From Fruit & Vegetable Sources Are Essential For Vitality And Immunity.  ISBN 0-934252-40-8 (pbk.)

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/echinacea-000239.htm

http://natsci.edgewood.edu/wingra/management/raingardens/Echinacea/History%20Page.htm