Page 74 - Lost Book Remedies

The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies

For Infections, Burns, Wounds and as an
Anti-Fungal: Echinacea is an antibiotic, antifungal
antiviral, and it stimulates the immune system. It is
helpful to relieve infections of all kinds. It is used both
externally and internally.

Snakebite, Insect and Spider Bites, and
Stings: Echinacea is used to treat spider bites and in-
sect stings. It does a good job of neutralizing the poison
and reducing the pain. It is said to be useful for snake-
bites, as it is a strong anti-inflammatory.
Harvesting: Harvest the roots in autumn when the
plant has died back. Dig up the entire plant, watching
to operate more efficiently. It raises the body's re- for branched roots. Scrub the dirt from the root and
sistance to bacterial and viral infections by stimulating dry it for later use.
the immune system. It also has anti-inflammatory and
pain-relieving functions.
Do not use internally if you have an autoimmune con-
dition. Most people seem aware that Echinacea is an
herb for preventing and healing colds and the flu, but
these plants can do a lot more. The root and leaves are
used medicinally.
Urinary Tract Infections: The anti-microbial
and anti-inflammatory effects of Echinacea make it an
ideal choice for the treatment of urinary tract infec-
tions. It is a standard UTI treatment and is often com-
bined with goldenseal root. Do not take either of these
herbs if you have an autoimmune condition. Warning: Do not use internally long-tem as it may

Colds and the Flu: Echinacea is known to reduce cause digestive upset. People with autoimmune condi-
the impact of the common cold and the flu. People who tions should not use Echinacea internally as it is an im-
begin taking Echinacea extract or tea immediately mune-system booster and may lead to a flare-up.
upon feeling sick heal much more quickly than those Recipes. Echinacea Tincture: 1-pint (500ml) of
who do not. vodka or rum, at least 80 proof, 1 cup of loosely packed

In general, people who take Echinacea get well up to 4 Echinacea leaf and root, chopped fine, 1-pint(500ml)
days faster than those who don’t (note that the same glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
holds true for blue elderberry). For best results, they Put the loosely packed Echinacea leaf and finely
should begin taking Echinacea as soon as they notice chopped root into the jar. Fill with 80 proof vodka or
symptoms, taking a double dose three times on the first rum and tightly fasten the lid. Keep the herb covered
day and then take three regular doses each day during and shake the jar daily for 2 months. Add more alcohol
the illness. when needed to keep the jar full. Strain the herbs. Keep
Allergies and Respiratory Diseases: Echina- the extract covered in a cool, dark place.
cea helps to relieve allergies by stimulating and balanc-
ing the immune system. It is especially helpful in re-
lieving asthma attacks. While it doesn’t cure asthma, it
reduces the severity of the attack and helps the patient
get over attacks. It is also useful for treating bronchitis.

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