Echinacea (Echinacea Augustifolia)

Echinacea has gained its well-deserved reputation as a successful remedy and is used throughout the world for treating colds, flu’s and viruses. The North American Indians used Echinacea as a cure for snakebites and as an effective antiseptic. Echinacea is also known as coneflower, purple coneflower, black sampsom and snakeroot.

Echinacea’s use in the treatment of cancer is due to its incredible ability in enhancing the body’s immune system. One of its major components, inulin, promotes chemotaxis of neutrophils, monocytes and eosinophils (cancer-fighting cells) and solubization of viruses and bacteria. Other polysaccharides in Echinacea enhance the immune system by stimulating T-lymphocytes (white blood cells used to fight disease), the production of interferon and the secretion of lymphokines. One common side effect of chemotherapy and radiation therapy is the reduction of white blood cells. Echinacea is a useful herb for increasing white blood cell levels as is Ginseng.

Echinacea is a powerful anti-inflammatory with strong anti-viral properties.

Not only does it support the body’s immune system, it also helps to cleanse the lymphatic system. Its active ingredients are many and varied, including arabinose, betaine, copper, echinacen, echinacin B, echinacoside, echinolone, enzymes, fructose, fatty acids, galactose, glucose, glucuronic acid, inulin, inuloid, iron, polysaccharides, potassium, protein, resin, rhamnose, sucrose, sulphur, tannins and vitamins À, Ñ and E. Echinacea is truly a miraculous, nutrient-packed plant.

What is the best way to use Echinacea?

• Herbal tea — place 1 to 2 teaspoons of the root in one cup of water and bring it slowly to the

boil. Let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Try to drink at least 3 times per day.

• Tincture – take 1 to 4 ml of the tincture 3 times per day.

• Can also be obtained from a health food store in capsule, tablet or liquid form.

Essiac

Essiac is a combination of herbs that activates the body’s natural defenses, helps relieve pain and has anti-tumour properties. A Canadian Nurse, Renee Caisse (her last name is essiac spelt backwards), originally introduced it to the Western world. Ms Caisse claimed that the formula had been prescribed to her in 1922 by a patient whose breast cancer had been cured by a traditional Native American shaman in Ontario. Essiac is a combination of burdock root (53%), Indian or turkey rhubarb (3%), sheep sorrel (35%) and slippery elm (9%). Many people with cancer have credited it with extending and improving the quality of their lives.

Vast amounts of anecdotal evidence supporting the incredible health benefits of essiac are available, yet have been suppressed. It is highly probable that this misinformation campaign and the playing down of essiac’s healing benefits have been started by those with vested interests (e.g. pharmaceutical companies and the orthodox medical community). This has prevented the facts regarding its efficiency in healing from being acknowledged and accepted.

Essiac is believed to eliminate tumours and cancer. In almost every reported case, essiac significantly diminished the pain and suffering of persons afflicted with cancer and prolonged the life of cancer sufferers.

Essiac stimulates the body’s immune system and many people who have used it have reported better levels of health. Essiac is thought to increase energy levels, prevent fatigue and aid in the removal of cancer of the cervix. It is an excellent blood cleanser and liver tonic.

What is the best way to use essiac?

• Herbal tea – essiac can only be obtained through a naturopath, medical practitioner or

herbalist. 3 to 6 cups per day is normally recommended.

• Always take only as directed by a qualified health practitioner.

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