Echinacea fresh root (E. angustifolia, E. purpurea, E. pallida)*

Indicated for acute viral or bacterial infection (colds, flu, bronchitis, septicemia, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus). Echinacea is also used for acute prostatitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis, and pyorrhea. Locally it is used for infections, inflammation and abscesses. Rich in polyysaccharides, chicoric acid, isobutylamides, polyacetylenes and caffeic acid, the various species of Echinacea increase phagocytosis, the production of splenic cells such as T-lymphocytes and granulocytes.  Echinacea also possesses anti-hyaluronidase activity which helps to prevent the spread of certain infections.

Goldenseal dried root (Hydrastis canadensis)*

A strong antiseptic and antifungal. It has a strong effect on the liver, stimulating bile formation and expulsion.  Useful in cases of upper respiratory infection including tonsillitis, strep throat, sore throat, sinus infection, uvulitis where there is excess mucus and post nasal drip. Goldenseal has a long tradition of use as a local antibacterial, especially to the skin, throat, sinuses and urinary tract. Rich in alkaloids, especially the intense yellow colored berberine, this herb has shown activity against a wide range of pathogens including Staphylococcus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, E. coli, Chlamydia trachomatis, Candida albicans, Leishmania donovanii, and Entamoeba histolytica.  Because it is bitter, Goldenseal will stimulate digestion and absorption, but long term use will impair digestion by killing beneficial flora in the gut. In clinical trials, Goldenseal benefitted  hypochlorhydria, chronic cholecystitis, acute gastroenteritis, bacillary dysentery, cervical erosion and conjunctivitis. Overuse of Goldenseal can also impair liver and kidney function, so it is best used sparingly on a short term basis,  combined with probiotics such as FOS and acidophilus.

Bibliography:

Brown, D. and Yarnell, E.  Phytotherapy Research Compendium, NPRC, 1996

Lloyd, J. U., Palmer, C. et. al.  A Treatise on Hydrastis canadensis, Lloyd Brothers, 1908

Lloyd, J. U.  Echinacea, Lloyd Brothers, 1923

Sherman,ND, J.  The Complete Botanical Prescriber, 1993

Shulz, V., Hansel, R. and Tyler, V.  Rational Phytotherapy, Springer, 1988