ECHINACEA, ELDER & ELECAMPANE USE AS HERBS

Common name: ECHINACEA 

Alternative name(s): coneflower

Botanical name: ECHINACEA 

Family: COMPOSITAE 

Part used: Root

Constituents and uses: this is one of the main anti- infective remedies and is effective against viral, fungal and bacterial infections. It works in a twofold way: by destroying the harmful organisms directly and by stimulating the response of the body's immune system. It also has a cleaning 'alternative' action and helps promote the body's series of activities by which the whole process of inflammation, as well as the infections is healthily resolved. It can be used to help acute infections, such as tonsillitis, abscesses              and boils, and longer lasting, entrenched problems such as bronchitis, pelvic infections and sinusitis.

A decoction should be taken 3 times daily.

Common name: ELDER

Botanical name: SAMBUCUS NIGRA

Family: CAPRFOLIACEAE

Part used: Flowers and berries

Constituents and uses: 

Flowers

The flower contain a volatile oil that gives the characteristic scent, also a bio- flavonoid  that helps to strengthen the walls of damaged blood- vessels. The main action of the flower is on the circulation - it helps to perspiration and is very useful which taken as a ease a feverish cold or the flu. A second property if that it soothes the condition of inflamed nasal passage and helps relieve catarrh- I recommend it is a very pleasant drink for anyone who has long-term, hard-to-shirt catarrh or sinusitis. However, it is not an anti-infective remedy and must be combined with one if there is an infection present.

Berries

Elderberry wine is a traditional remedy for rheumatic and arthritic problems; it has a mild laxative and diuretic effect.

Common name: ELECAMPANE 

Botanical name: INULA HELENIUM

Family is suitable - : COMPOSITAE 

Part used: Root

Constituents and uses: very useful in the treatment of chest infections. It has a soothing, expectorant action - due to its essential oils and mucilage - which helps to expel infected phlegm. It also has anti-infective properties and its component of bitters helps to stimulate the digestive system, thus dealing with and debility caused by thee lung disease.

A decoction should be taken 3 times daily.