Echinacea is native to North America, and is one of the most popular herbs today in both North America and Europe. The name Echinacea is derived from the Greek meaning "hedgehog", referring to the sharp pointed bracts of the receptacles. Echinacea has been used for hundreds of years. Echinacea was first used in Native American sweat lodges to help participants endure extreme temperatures. It was a popular medicine in America during the 1920's, but fell into disuse with the introduction of sulfa drugs. With natural antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, Echinacea purpurea is best know for its ability to kick-start the immune system, stimulating the production of white blood cells. Echinacea contains iron, iodine, copper, potassium, sulphur, and Vitamins A, E and C. Echinacea also contains polysaccharides, resembling bacteria, which motivate the healthy white blood cells attack bacterial invaders. Echinacea offers the body an overall feeling of well being, and for this reason studies of Echinacea continue today. Contributing to the bodies natural ability to fight infection, Echinacea is commonly referred to as the natural antibiotic and commonly used to fight infection caused by common colds and flu. Echinacea may also be used for reducing inflammation caused by respiratory problems, bronchitis, strep throat and enlarged prostate glands. Echinacea also has fat-soluble flavonoids, luteolin, Quercetin, and Rutin. Also present are the potent free radical scavengers safely derivatives which are said to protect the skin from sun damage. The high molecular weight polysaccharide fractions are surely involved in stimulating the immune response.
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Goldenseal is a native North American herb that grows in the Appalachian Mountains and surrounding areas. The Cherokee Indians, who introduced it to early American settlers, not only valued the root of this plant for health purposes, but also for its yellow dye which was used as face paint, clothing dye, insect repellant and as an application to wounds. Once widely available in the wild, the plant has been largely over-harvested, and is now mostly available through commercial cultivation. The genus name, Hydrastis, is from the Greek meaning "water acting", due to the effect Goldenseal has upon mucus membrane secretions. Goldenseal contains calcium, iron, manganese, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, B-complex, and other nutrients and minerals. Considered to be a "broad-spectrum" herb, Goldenseal is extremely popular and very much in demand. Goldenseal's numerous uses are attributed to its antibiotic, anti-inflammatory and astringent properties. It soothes irritated mucus membranes aiding the eyes, ears, nose and throat. Taken at the first signs of respiratory problems, colds or flu, Goldenseal helps prevent further symptoms from developing. It has also been used to help reduce fevers, and relive congestion and excess mucous. Goldenseal cleanses and promotes healthy glandular functions by increasing bile flow and digestive enzymes, therefore, regulating healthy liver and spleen functions. It also eases inflamed peptic ulcers, aids digestion and relieves constipation. Goldenseal may be used to treat infections of the bladder and intestines as well. Its properties are largely due to its alkaloids, which include berberine, hydrastine and canadine. |
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Olive trees have been cultivated for thousands of years, but the immune and circulatory benefits of Olive Leaf have only recently become fully realized. In the 1850's, medical reports described how Olive Leaves cured the worst cases of malaria. An 1854 account in the Pharmaceutical Journal provided the following simple healing recipe: "A handful of leaves boiled in a quart of water down to half its original volume. A wine glassful was then administered until the fever was cured." This method was said to be extremely popular in England to treat sick returnees from the tropical colonies. In 1962, a scientific paper written by an Italian researcher reported that the chemical constituent "oleuropein" had the ability to lower blood pressure in animals. Other European researchers confirmed this finding and found also that it could increase blood flow in the coronary arteries, relieve arrhythmias and prevent intestinal muscle spasms. About the same time, other investigators were searching for the chemical agent within oleuropein that might be the most medically potent. A Dutch researcher found it - elenolic acid. What's more, the Europeans found it had a powerful anti-bacterial effect. In the late 1960's, research by scientists at a major American pharmaceutical company showed that elenolic acid also inhibited the growth of viruses. In fact, it stopped every virus that it was tested against. A number of in vitro laboratory experiments with calcium elenolate, a salt of elenolic acid, demonstrated a killer effect against many viruses, bacteria and parasitic protozoans. Among other effects, the compound was found to be potent against a variety of viruses associated with the common cold.
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