Echinacea and Goldenseal

Background: Echinacea is a wildflower (purple coneflower) native to North America. While Echinacea continues to grow and is harvested from the wild, the majority used for herbal supplements comes from cultivated plants. The root and/or the above-ground part of the plant during the flowering growth phase are used in herbal medicine. Echinacea is famous as an immune builder. For immune deficiency, Echinacea can help stop an acute oncoming cold, flu or infection if used in large doses at the first sign of immune breakdown. The larger acute doses below will assist in warding off oncoming acute bacterial and viral infections (i.e. colds and flu). Echinacea will excite the immune system to fight off microbes before they dominate an organ system and create symptoms or pathology. Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) is one of the most popular herbs on the market today. It was traditionally used by Native Americans to treat skin disorders, digestive problems, liver conditions, diarrhea, and e