Echinacea and Candida
Candida likes to take advantage of a weak immune system, whether its caused by poor diet, stress, or repeated courses of antibiotics. Taking some extra supplements such as Echinacea will support your immune system and help you to fight Candida the natural way.
Various scientific studies back up the efficacy of Echinacea as an immune system booster. A clinical study in 1989 actually found a 50-150% increase in immune system functions after 5 days of Echinacea supplements.
Echinacea stimulates the production of white cells in the blood. These are the cells that fight infections and boost your resistance to all kinds of bacteria, viruses and fungi. For a Candida sufferer, white blood cells enhance your body's ability to fight off foreign invaders such as Candida.
You can use Echinacea to help your immune system fight back against Candida symptoms such as yeast infection, psoriasis and eczema. Its not just for Candida sufferers though - anyone who is particularly weak or susceptible to infections can take Echinacea.
How do you take Echinacea?
Echinacea is usually taken as a tea. Just add 1-2 grams of the dried herb to a mug of tea, three times a day. Alternatively, there are liquid extracts, capsules or tablets.
One thing to remember about Echinacea - it loses effectiveness over time. Studies show that after 6-8 weeks use, the effects of Echinacea fall off substantially. Its best to take this herb one month on, one week off.
Who should not take Echinacea
Echinacea is not recommended for use by people with multiple sclerosis, white blood cell disorders, collagen disorders, HIV/AIDS, autoimmune disorders, or tuberculosis. It should also be avoided by those with seasonal allergies. Do not take it if you are pregnant or nursing. Additionally, its safety for infants is as yet unproven.
Echinacea Side Effects
Echinacea is for the most part safe. However, there have been reports of dizziness, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, abdominal pain, and diarrhea in some patients.
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