Preparation, dosage and appropriate method of intake are still in debate however there are some general guidelines.

 One article reads "No well-controlled studies have evaluated the appropriate formulation or the dosages that are available on the market. Herbal publications typically state that the maximum adult daily dosage is 6 to 9 ml of expressed, fresh juice, 1.5 to 7.5 ml of tincture (preferred because not all the constituents are water soluble) or 2 to 5 g of dried root." ³²

 "Daily intake should be restricted to what is deemed necessary. However, for the maintenance of a healthy immune system, echinacea is most wisely used periodically--a few weeks on, and a few weeks off, throughout the year." ⁶⁰

TABLE 1 - Echinacea spp.; Compositae - Usual Dosage for Solid (Dry powdered) extract

TABLE 2 - Echinacea spp.; Compositae - Usual Dosage for Solid (Freeze dried plant)

TABLE 3 – Echinacea Pallida Herba and Radix - Usual Dosage for Tincture 1: 5 ratio

TABLE 4 – Echinacea Purpurea Herba - Usual Dosage for Pressed Juice

TABLE 5 - Echinacea Purpurea Radix - Usual Dosage for Tincture

Note: Preparations should be protected from light sources.

TABLE 6 - Echinacea Angustifolia Herba and Radix - Usual Dosage for Tea

Note: Preparations should be protected from light sources.

HOW SUPPLIED

It is usually orally taken in a solid or liquid form.

REFERENCES

1. Kindscher, K Medicinal Wild Plants of the Prairie Lawrence: University Press of Kansas, 1992.
2. John Lloyd: "History of Echinacea angustifolia", 1904
3. Lloyd Brother''s "A Treatise on Echinacea", 1917
4. Mark Blumenthal et. al.,: The Complete German Commission E Monographs, Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines, American Botanical Council, 1998, ISBN 096555550X
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6. US Pharmacopeia Press Release: AMA Recognizes USP Role in Establishing Quality of Herbal Product, December 16, 1998
7. Murray, M: Echinacea: Pharmacology and Clinical Applications, The American Journal of Natural Medicine. 2(l):18-24 (1995).
8. Archives of Canedy D. Real Medicine or Medicine Show? Growth of Herbal Sales Raises Issues About Value. New York Times. July 23, 1998:C1.
9. Edited by Timothy R. Tomlinson and Olayiwola Akerele: Medicinal Plants, Their Role in Health and Biodiversity, Robert S. McCaleb :The Medicinal Plant Marketplace, Akhtar Husain: Exploitation of Medicinal Plants, University of Pennsylvania Press, 1998, ISBN 0-8122-3431-6
10. Francis Brinker, N.D.: Herb Contraindication and Drug Interactions, Eclectic Institute.1997 ISBN 0965913503
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