"Gan Cao in pharmacy", this saying in korean has same meaning as "Jack-of-all-trades". It refers to the fact that just about every chinese herbal formula contains gan cao, or licorice. Likewise, echinacea is the gan cao of western herbs, even thought they have different uses, they are both very popular herbs, used to treat many different disorders and symptoms.

The Native Americans used this herb as wet compress to treat skin cuts, deep wounds, snake or insect bites, or stings. They also used it to treat common cold, smallpox, measles, mumps and arthritis. Echinacea medicinal waters were used to for swollen gums, gargle for severe oral pain.

As research on this herb progressed, it was proven that is very effective in inhibiting or destroying harmful microorganisms, and also strengthening immune system to prevent and treat common cold, flu, various inflammation and infection. Likewise, echinacea is used as a tonic, and also used extensively in treatment of cancer and AIDS.

After it was introduced as a "blood purifier" by Dr. Meyer, a medical supplier in 1870, it was recorded in "American Dispensatory: a herbal book written by John King) after much complications. And since this herb has been used for various inflammations, infections and other disorders. During 1930s, the use of echinacea fell back with discovery of antibiotics. However with 1970s, and the growing pursuit of naturopathy, echinacea was actively researched (especially in Europe, mostly Germany), with much of the research results still used today to treat many disorders.

Indication:

1. Its very effective in inhibiting infection

Echinacea is very effective in destroying virus, bacteria, fungus, protozoa, and more that causes various diseases. According to one German research, it was successful in treatment of tonsillitis, meningitis, pertussis, and ear infection.

Echinacea contains chemicals ''echinacoside'' and ''echinacein'', echinacoside which acts as natural antibiotic and is similar to penicillin, and echinacein which strengthens body resistance to prevent infections.

2. It strengthens immune system

Echinacea promotes function of macrophage. According to Munich University studies, echinacea increases T cell by 30% more, compared to other immunity reinforcing agents.

3. It has remarkable effects in treating common cold and flu

Echinacea has similar function as interferon, which inhibits proliferation of virus.

4. Vaginal Yeat Infection

Many women suffers from vaginal yeast infection, which is treatable but often recurrent, but echinacea has noticeable effect on the treatment. According to recent German study, 203 women with history of recurrent vaginal yeast infection were given anti yeat cream and echinacea treatment. In group that were treated with anti yeast cream alone, 60% of women experienced recurrence, while only 16 % of women who were given echinacea experience recurrence.

5. After-effects of radiation

In post-radiation therapy, cancer patient typically experiences leukopenia (low white blood cell count), and becomes susceptible to infections. However, echinacea protects the leukocyte and prevents infections.

6. Wound healing

It promotes rapid recovery

7. Arthritis

German clinical researcher have successfully used echinacea to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

8. Other possible uses

Echinacea has shown anti-cancer function in treating leukemia, and tumors in animals. Its too early to say that echinacea is an anti-cancer herb, however, someday it may be used to treat cancer.

Preparations:

1. Echinacea is slightly sweet, bitter, hot, and cold in property. Mostly the root is used, but the leaves may be used as well (in this text, the root is used)

Place 2 teaspoonful of echinacea for every cup of water and boil for 15 minutes. Drink 3 times daily, at first it will taste sweet, but later bitter. Also, it often results in stinging or numbing feeling, but this is normal, it will not harm the body.

2. Use as a wine/tincture

In a 1 pint bottle, place echinacea roots and fill it to the top with vodka (100 proof). Mature the mixture for 2-3 weeks. Drink 1 teaspoonful 3 times daily (if the liquid decreases while maturing, fill it to top with more vodka and shake the bottle every 2 days)

Caution:

Not for used for children under 2 years old, and for adults over 65 years old, start with lower dosage