Echinacea includes three species used interchangeably as medicine: Echinacea angustofolia, Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea pallida. The plant is an immune enhancer herb, says herbalist Rosemary Gladstar in her book "Family Herbal--A Guide to Living Life with Energy, Health and Vitality." Goldenseal is known botanically as Hydrastis canadensis and is a powerful tonic for the body. Together, echinacea and goldenseal can be used to restore health and bring vitality, while strengthening the body's ability to fight illness.
Gastrointestinal Tract
According to herbalist David Hoffmann in his book "The New Holistic Herbal," goldenseal helps restore the mucous membranes in the gastrointestinal tract, making it useful in treating colitis, gastritis and septic ulceration. It also has a bitter taste that acts as a stimulant for appetite and helps the stomach digest foods by increasing the secretion of hydrochloric acid. When used alongside echinacea in a tea, it may help restore the digestive tract. Also, it may give the body protection against further infection, due to echinacea's bactericidal properties, say Steven Foster and James Duke in their book "A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs."
Respiratory System
Echinacea is useful in speeding the healing process of flus, colds and other respiratory tract infections, says herbalist Richo Cech in his book "Making Plant Medicine." Goldenseal helps with all states of catarrh, according to Hoffmann. They recommend using goldenseal and echinacea tinctures to fight respiratory system ailments by adding 10 to 15 drops of tincture each into a glass of filtered water.
Increase Resistance
Echinacea increases the body's resistance to infections as does goldenseal, making them a good combination when treating external illnesses such as eczema and ringworn, says Simon Mills in his book "The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism." A goldenseal and echinacea infusion turns bath water into a healthy treatment for the entire body.
References
- "Family Herbal-A Guide to Living Life with Energy, Health, and Vitality"; Rosemary Gladstar; 2001
- "The New Holistic Herbal"; David Hoffmann; 1995
- "A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs"; Steven Foster and James A. Duke; 2000
- "Making Plant Medicine"; Richo Cech; 2000
- "The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism"; Simon Y. Mills M.A., M.N.I.M.H.; 1988
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