Echinacea: The Plant That Boosts Your Immune System (Nature's Remedies) Book

The herbal remedy Echinacea is popular for its ability to boost the immune system and, as noted in the introduction to this book, it does indeed "offer a unique healing option". However, the author, Douglas Schar, a practising medical herbalist, points out that it is not a cure-all and sets out to provide the reader with clear and relevant information. The most substantial chapters trace the history of the plant's use, first in American Indian medicine and then by the Eclectic School of Medicine. The case histories from these "odd-ball physicians" in 19th-century America, who successfully used Echinacea to treat bacterial and viral infections, poisoning and wounds, make fascinating reading. Despite a revival of interest in herbal medicine, little scientific research has been done on Echinacea, though the results which do exist confirm the Eclectic's use of the plant for immune system stimulation. This is the basis for the author's list of established uses: namely, treatment and prevention of bacterial infection and healing of wounds. He also provides a further list of speculative uses and a guide to preparations and dosages. The real message of this book, however, is that there is still much more to know about Echinacea and the final chapter ends: "...watch this space! Now that you have read this book, you have a strong basis to understand what lies ahead as the world of Echinacea unfolds." Douglas Schar is clearly convinced that this plant could be instrumental in the medicine of the future and his enthusiasm for his subject, evident throughout this illuminating book, is highly catching! --Dale EvansRead More