The medicinal herb echinacea is a popular health supplement that is used to improve the immune system to prevent and fight colds, flu and infections. It is most often promoted as an effective way to reduce the duration and severity of symptoms such as coughs, sore throats, nasal congestion and fever. Cleavers is another health herb that is less well-known but that also has therapeutic benefits in the treatment of a range of illnesses. This herb contains anti-inflammatory, astringent and detoxifying properties. When combined together, as well as with other herbal remedies, echinacea and cleavers are recommended for several ailments. However, it is important to note that echinacea and cleavers are not medically proven to treat or prevent illness. Speak with your physician before taking echinacea and cleavers to treat any medical condition.
Step 1
Consult your doctor before self-treating an infection. Echinacea, cleavers and other medicinal herbs can be used in most cases to help prevent or treat minor illnesses such as a cold or the seasonal flu.
Step 2
Purchase echinacea supplements in dried, tincture or tablet form. Take the recommended dosage of 2 to 3 ml of standardized tincture extract or 300 mg of echinacea in powdered tablet form three times a day. Ensure that the echinacea supplement contains 4 percent of the active medicinal ingredient phenolics. Continue the dosage for a duration of seven to 10 days at a time.
Step 3
Prepare 1 to 2 g of dried root echinacea as a tea by steeping it in 2 cups of boiling water. Allow the tea to brew for 10 to 15 minutes before drinking. You can drink the tea three times a day.
Step 4
Purchase cleavers tincture or dried herb tea supplement. Take the recommended daily dose of 3 to 5 ml of cleaver herb liquid tincture three times a day. Alternatively, prepare cleaver tea by brewing 10 to 15 g of dried herb in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes. Sip throughout the day.
Step 5
Combine echinacea and cleavers herbal supplement by brewing the dried herb teas together. Alternatively, if you are using the tincture or tablet form, the two herbs can be taken together for added health benefits.
Tips and Warnings
- Echinacea and cleavers can also be combined with other medicinal herbal remedies. For example, a remedy for a mouth sore, recommended by the Herb Health Guide website, is combining two parts echinacea with one part cleavers, one part blue flag and one part poke root herbal supplements.
- Though an allergic reaction to echinacea or cleavers is rare, the University of Maryland Medical Center advises that it can occur. If you experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling, itching, skin rash or watery eyes, immediately cease using the herbs and seek medical attention. Individuals with chronic or long-lasting illnesses such as diabetes, leukemia, multiple sclerosis, liver disorders and autoimmune diseases should not take echinacea, cleavers and other herbal remedies without the guidance of their doctor. Echinacea may also decrease the effectiveness of immune-suppressing drugs and should not be taken by individuals who are taking these medications.
Things You'll Need
- Echinacea supplements, dried, tincture or tablet form
- Cleavers supplements, dried or tincture form
Member Comments