Echinacea: The Rest of the Story

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

I just posted a little article about some less-usual uses for Echinacea.

http://homegrownherbalist.typepad.com/

Patrick

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

[sstolzenburgStudent]

Doc,

I want you to know, that I have found your article to be very interesting and thought provoking. For me it is particularly interesting because I have a daughter with Ehler’s Danlos Syndrome. In case you are unaware, EDS is a genetic disorder that affects the health of connective tissue. Your explanation of the healing mechanism of hyaluronic acid has prompted me to think it may be a medicinal help to my daughter. I understand from my daughter’s research that EDS is also found in dogs, and I wonder if you have ever encountered it?

Also can you tell me how you came to learn this information on hyaluronic acid production and Echinacea?

Also can you tell me if one variety of Echinacea is more effective in producing hyaluronic acid than another? I frankly have a problem telling the difference between Purpurea and Augustifolia.

Steve

[IdahoHerbalist]

There is no difference between the two species you mention. As a matter of fact, many of the rudbeckias have the same benefits.

Patrick has also been informed that the FLOWER of echinacea is nearly or just as effective as the root. He found that out from an herbalist in Europe. They almost always just use the flower. Same goes for the rudbeckias. That is great that we don’t have to dig up the plant to get the medicine any longer.

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead InstructorTopic Author]

I googled it and read a bunch of medical papers years ago. I’m not familiar with EDS. Let us know how it goes.

Patrick

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

[Author]

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