Echinacea

Here is a copy of an article on Echinacea copied from the  quarterly paper "You May Never Be Sick Again". Echinacea forms the base for the original One Life antioxidant formula.

The only dramatic difference between One Life and other antioxidant formulas is the Echinacea which is the base of One Life. Many of our members believe that the Echinacea base contributes greatly to the apparent miracles. The following is presented in order to inform you about this mysterious herb. The following is taken from the Australian Journal of Medical Herbalism vol 4(4) 1992. This is a scientific journal which accepts no product advertisements. RETURN TO ONELIFE

History of Echinacea

Echinacea was first discovered in the late 18th century in use by native Americans in the plains states. They used it for all internal and external infections. It was their sole option for snake bite. (Cancer was unknown among these lndians) In 1887 Dr. H.C.F. Meyer introduced Echinacea in the form of Meyer's Blood Purifier. He made extravagant claims for his product. The back label read: " Take one ounce three times ever day in the following causes rheumatism, sick headaches, dyspepsia, old sores and bites, open wounds, dizziness, and scrofula. In case of poisoning take the double dose, and for bites of rattlesnakes take three ounces three times a day until swelling is gone. This is an absolute cure within 24 hours." At this time in history some scoundrels claimed their products brought dead people back to life.

Echinacea gained great popularity early this century until the February 27, 1908 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association in which an editorial discredited Echinacea. In the November, 1909 issue of JAMA an article was published titled, "Echinacea considered valueless".

(NOTE from David Eaglechild: Despite the JAMA article, many American physicians continued to use and speak positively about their results with Echinacea. German and other European Medical Societies continued to research and use Echinacea despite the AMA's opinion. Research into Echinacea has continued throughout the century and has turned in many positive reviews and results. You may also want to check out Dr. James Downey's Herbal Research and Healing regarding Echinacea after reading the article below.) RETURN TO ONELIFE

Pharmacology of Echinacea

Echinacoside has an interferonlike activity. It has mild antibiotic activity against Streptococcus and Staphylococcus aureus. Six mg. Echinacoside is equivalent to one unit of penicillin. Oncolytic activities (destructive to tumor cells) have been attributed to the volatile oils of Echinacea.

Stress, harsh environments or seasons, or whenever the body is in need of reinforcement, Echinacea may supply the boost required to maintain the natural lines of resistance to mend injured tissue and to stimulate body functioning.

Experimental Studies In 1984 by H. Wagner et al studied purified polysaccharides (EPS) from Echinacea purpurea. It was observed that they strongly activated macrophages. These macrophages developed pronounced extracellular cytotoxicity against tumor cells.

In 1991 German researchers found that mice (fed Echinacea) were protected against otherwise lethal infections.  RETURN TO ONELIFE

Clinical Studies

A 1954 study of 200 psoriasis patients showed that 90% had a definite remission.

A 1964 double blind study of 121 children with whooping cough. 50% were free of symptoms in five days. The other 50% were free in ten days.

In 1978 a study involving 4,598 patients with skin conditions was conducted. The study lasted five months and involved the observations of 538 physicians outside of hospitals from all parts of West Germany.

In 1985 a study found that Echinacea stimulates the production of white blood cells in the bone marrow of patients undergoing radiology treatment.

1986 a double blind study of 203 patients with vaginal candida revealed that Echinacea was three times more effective than conventional methods.