< Back to index WINTER HERBS Echinacea (purpurea) dried root, leaves of the purple cornflower Used for: Common colds, flu, sore throat and other common infections; it's a natural antibiotic Episodes of low resistance to sickness; it enhances the immune system Available in: Tincture, capsule, tablet and extract form Herb/drug interactions: No known interactions When buying: Look for echinacea products with 15.0% standardization of echinacasides (echinacea polysaccharides). Also, echinacea root produces a distinctive numbing sensation when held in the mouth for a few minutes. Always test echinacea products by putting a bit on the tongue; return any that fail to cause numbness. Warning: Echinacea should not be used long-term by persons with severe systemic illnesses such as tuberculosis, collagen (autoimmune) diseases or multiple sclerosis. Allergic reactions are infrequent. DOSAGES Adults: One dropperful of tincture in water four times a day, or two capsules of freeze-dried extract four times a day Children under 10: Half of the adult dosage Elm (Ulmus rubra) inner bark of the red elm tree Used for: Sore throat Cough suppressant Intestinal irritation (irritable bowel syndrome, colitis) As a poultice for burns, boils, uncomplicated wounds, inflamed skin Available in: Lozenges, powder, capsules, extracts Herb/drug interactions: None known When buying: Look for products containing 100% slippery elm. Warning: None DOSAGES Adults: Lozenges as needed for sore throat; one teaspoon of powder mixed with one teaspoon of sugar and two cups of boiling water. Drink one or two cups twice a day. For a poultice, mix powder with water. Children under 10: Use powder to make gruel for infants; other uses the same as above. http://www.pathfinder.com/drwei < Back to index News I Health I Wellness I Exercise I Profiles I Business I Links I Women ROCK! Product Review I To the Point I Contact I Home Created by: Art Street Design Studio. © Concerning Women Communications, Inc. all rights reserved.