Echinacea: Echinacea is a plant commonly known as coneflower. Named for the prickly scales in its large conical seed head, the herb resembles the spines of an angry hedgehog (Echinos is Greek for hedgehog). Native Americans may have used echinacea for more than 400 years to treat infections and wounds and as a general "cure-all." Although this herb was popular during the 18th and 19th centuries, its use began to decline in the United States after the introduction of antibiotics. Several studies suggest that echinacea contains active substances that enhance the activity of the immune system, relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and have hormonal, antiviral, and antioxidant effects. For this reason, professional herbalists may recommend echinacea to treat urinary tract infections, athlete's foot, sinusitis, hay fever (also called allergic rhinitis), as well as slow-healing wounds. Goldenseal: Goldenseal is often combined with echinacea in cold remedies. Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) was originally introduced to early American settlers by Native American tribes, who used it primarily for skin problems, digestive disorders, and as a wash for sore eyes. Goldenseal contains a compound called berberine that kills many types of bacteria in test tubes, including the ones that cause diarrhea. Berberine has also been shown to kill a wide range of other types of germs in test tubes, such as various parasites such as tapeworms and Giardia. Berberine may also activate white blood cells, making them more effective at fighting infection and strengthening the immune system. Berberine is sometimes used as an antibiotic and disinfectant, both externally and internally. It has antibacterial properties and protects against a variety of bacteria, such as E. coli.
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