Navigating the cold season in our "new normal"
Cold and flu season is back and, after a long period of social distancing and other public health precautions, so is our exposure to common viruses. The truth is, as we dive into the “new normal,” it’s likely that we’ll get reacquainted with the common cold.
Fortunately, there’s a well-known herb that can help combat seasonal infections and viruses.
Echinacea, sometimes referred to as “purple coneflower,” is an herb that many people rely on during cold and flu season.
But did you know that not all Echinacea products are created equal?
Echinacea is indigenous to North America where it was traditionally used in medicinal preparations to treat wounds, pain, throat infections, coughs, and even snakebites.
The type (strain) of Echinacea used depended on what grew naturally nearby. Echinacea angustifolia, native to central North America, was the strain used by Indigenous Americans and studied by the Eclectic movement—a 19th century botanical medical system.
European settlers increasingly adopted Echinacea’s therapeutic uses, and commercial cultivation began in Germany in the 1930s. But it was the strain Echinacea purpurea, native to eastern North America, that was cultivated and became the dominant strain used to make Echinacea products—a widespread practice still today!
However, research has shown that the two strains together have the most profound impact.
Greater alkylamide bioavailability: While Echinacea purpurea offers therapeutic benefits and is notably effective against viral infections, its alkylamides—key compounds that impact the immune system—have a limited period of activity in the body when used in isolation, meaning they’re not effective for extended periods.
Research has shown that when both species, Echinacea angustifolia and purpurea, are combined, Echinacea purpurea’s alkylamides are more bioavailable (able to be absorbed and used by the body) in the presence of those in Echinacea angustifolia.
Enhanced therapeutic action: The abundance and variation of active compounds in these two species enhances the therapeutic action of each other! Specifically, purpurea’s active compounds that are essential to its therapeutic effects are quickly metabolized and eliminated from the body if not in the presence of similar compounds in E. augustifolia.
In other words, Echinacea angustifolia strengthens and extends the medicinal effects of Echinacea purpurea to offer greater therapeutic benefits!
While most Echinacea products contain a single strain (mostly purpurea!), St. Francis Herb Farm’s Echinacea products contain both strains, which we collectively refer to as Echinacea 2+, for the most powerful Echinacea possible.
Echinacea 2+ alone is found in EchinAce® (and Echinacea for Kids), a formula that provides dual action against infection at the first symptoms and is recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women. For others, there is even stronger support that takes this Echinacea to the next level.
EchinaSeal® is the #1 choice for adults at the first signs of general cold and flu symptoms to lessen their impact and duration. This powerful formula amplifies Echinacea 2+ benefits by combining it with Goldenseal—a powerful herb offering broad-spectrum antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits—as well as Propolis for sore throat pain relief, and more. This powerful formula fights infection and effectively helps to nip illness in the bud!
These formulas are crafted from fresh, certified organic Echinacea grown in Canada, using traditional techniques, for highly absorbable tincture formulas that support an effective immune response to common seasonal infections.
Taken at the first signs of cold or flu, these unique, premium Echinacea blends can help support the body in fighting off uncomfortable symptoms AND address the root cause, so you can feel better faster!
Important: Echinacea is effective for its ability to kick the selective immune system into high gear, meaning it’s ideal to use for shorter periods, as needed, as the level of stimulation it provides could be stressful for the body if used continuously.
For everyday support, Deep Immune® tonics proactively strengthen the immune system to protect against infection with a range of formulas suitable for the entire family.
To find out if these herbs are right for you, check with your healthcare provider, who has knowledge of botanical medicine.