Materials of Medicine

Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea pupurea, (Purple Coneflower or Snakeroot)

Alkylamides, betaine, glycoside (echinacoside), inulin, polysaccharides, resins, volatile oil

Alterative, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, tonic

Historically, echinacea was the original snake oil remedy. It had been used by the Plains Indians as a treatment for snakebite. A patent medicine vendor bottled it and would allow snakes to bite him to prove its efficacy. He brought the remedy to the attention of the eclectic physicians.

When used specifically, echinacea is indicated for treatment of a patient presenting with symptoms of fatigue, skin eruptions, swollen glands, increase or decrease in body temperature, dullness of the mind and personality. It was historically used for people run down from too much work or study according to Mathew Wood.

Echinacea has polysaccharides that are known as immunomodulators. It has been shown to active the cytotoxic activity of macrophages, increases interferon production and the interleukins. It has also been shown to stimulate fibroblast activity so can protect tissues against bacterial proliferation. It seems to block the ability of the bacteria to produce hyaluronidase. It also has exhibited the ability to stimulate macrophages to greater cytotoxic activity against tumor cells.⁴

Dr. Bill Mitchell uses a combination of Echinacea, Hydrastis and anthocyanadins from mixed sources to treat gangrenous sores. He uses 1000mg. of anthocyanins from mixed berries five times a day, with 1 teaspoon of mixed tincture of Echinacea and Hydrastis six times daily. He also uses diluted echinacea topically for decubitus ulcers.

Echinacea historically has been used to offset the effects of contaminated immunizations or to treat the side effects of immunization. The plant products that produce the tingling , numbing sensation to the tongue were categorized as diffusives. These plants have specific indications for areas of the body and tend to stimulate the lymphatic circulation. That is why Echinacea is so indicated to exhausted, dull conditions where there is stasis.

There is no toxicity associated with Echinacea. There is discussion about whether or not to use Echinacea with patients who have auto-immune disease. My advice would be to use it according to the above indications. It is suggested by Sherrol Tilgner, ND, that you use only whole plant extracts with low arabinogalactan content when treating HIV + patients.

Because Echinacea angustifolia is becoming endangered, you should use organically grown rather than wildcrafted product.
Pharmacy:

Infusion: ½ - 1 tsp/C. H2O TID

Decoction: 1-2 tsp/C. H2O X 15 min TID

Tincture (1:5): ½ - 1 tsp. BID-QID

Tincture (1:1): 10-75 drops QD-QID

Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian Ginseng)

Glycosides (syringaresinol, daucosterol), triterpenoid saponins (eleutherosides)

Adaptogen, mild anxiolytic, vasodilator

Eleutherococcus can enhance the stamina of the body and the mind when a person is under stress. It is especially indicated for exhaustion, either physical or mental. It is indicated for recovery from illness and can reduce the recovery time after surgery. It is indicated when depression is secondary to exhaustion or overwork. The herb also increases endurance, and Russian studies indicate it increases oxygen metabolism of tissues. They used it to increase the stamina of their Olympic athletes.

It also has an immunomodulatory effect. The activity of NK cells is increased. The number of T-helper cells is increased. It seems to stimulate adrenal cortex, some sources say it may increase cell replication of adrenal cortex. Studies have shown it can bind to receptor sites for a number of hormones, including the adrenal, estrogen and progesterone. It is thought to enhance the production and activity of DHEA.

Dr. Bill Mitchell uses it combined with Avena for exhaustion from overwork of the mental processes. He also combines it with glycine as noted below for anxiety due to stress and overwork.

Mix ½ tsp. of glycine and 30 gtt Eleutherococcus in 1 cup hot water. Sip slowly. Glycine reduces production of norepinephrine by the locus ceruleus in the mid brain. The action is calming rather than sedating.
Contraindications:

There are no contraindications, however, Eleutherococcus can enhance the action of antibiotics and hexobarbital due to inhibition of breakdown according to Sherol Tilgner, ND.

Ephedra sinica (Ma Huang)

Alkaloids (Ephedrine, pseudoephedrine)

Alpha and beta adrenergic agonist [sympathomimetic], anti-inflammatory, respiratory anti-spasmodic [ for mild asthma], anti-tussive, bronchodilator, stimulant, thermogenic, vasodilator

Ephedra has many uses. It is most well known as a bronchodilator used to treat mild to moderate asthma, both in acute and chronic forms. It is also used to reduce the symptoms of hay fever, allergies, sinus congestion and other presentations of upper respiratory inflammation. The peak effect as a bronchodilator occurs about an hour after ingestion and lasts around five hours.

It is a strong central nervous system stimulant. It increases the metabolic rate and helps reduce the amount of adipose tissue. This effect is enhanced when taken with aspirin and caffeine due to potentiation of the action of Ephedra. It enhances the release of norepinephrine so can enhance energy and reduce appetite. It is a vasodilator and can increase blood pressure.

Contraindications/Drug Interactions:

Interactions with many other drugs cleared by the cytochrome system in the liver exist, mostly due to potentiation of action. Ephedra is contraindicated for use in patients with heart disease, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, insomnia, prostatic enlargement, renal failure and pregnancy.

Heart palpitations, high blood pressure, headache, insomnia, anxiety, dizziness, vomiting

Decoction: 1 Tbl/cup H2O

Tincture (1:4, 1:5): 10 – 60 drops QID