• Echinaceaconeflower image by David Dorner from Fotolia.com
  
  Echinacea is widely touted for its immune-boosting properties and ability to help the body fight infection. Goldenseal is well-known for its antibacterial qualities and enhancement of white blood cells. Echinacea and goldenseal are commonly combined in products intended to boost the immune system.
  
  

Immune Booster

• Goldenseal is thought to be a natural antibiotic. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, goldenseal contains a substance called berberine, which has been shown to inhibit bacteria. Berberine can also destroy other microorganisms such as yeast and parasites. Goldenseal has been effectively used internally and externally as an antiseptic. Berberine found in goldenseal may reinforce the body's natural resistance to illness and help battle infection by stimulating white blood cell production.
  
  Like goldenseal, echinacea contains effective compounds that augment the immune system. The upper portion and the roots of the echinacea plant contain beneficial chemicals. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the above-ground part of the plant contains polysaccharides, which are known to prompt the immune system to action. The roots contain volatile oils that help to produce the plant's beneficial effects when combined with the upper part of the plant.
  
  

Common Cold Treatment

• According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, it's unclear whether the use of echinacea will thwart or remedy the common cold, but it has been shown to improve the symptoms more quickly. Echinacea taken at the onset of cold symptoms lessens the harshness of the illness and limits the symptoms experienced. Goldenseal may be used to ease a sore throat that often occurs with the common cold.
  
  

Forms

• Echinacea is available in tea form using the dried root or herb. It's also offered as a standardized tincture extract, expressed juice or succus, standardized powder extract, and a fresh, stabilized extract. Treat children with alcohol-free echinacea preparations. Goldenseal is available as capsules or tablets, tinctures, and topical liquids. Do not use goldenseal to treat children unless instructed by a expert.
  
  

Precautions

• marigold image by Furan from Fotolia.com
  
  Do not use echinacea if you have an allergy to the plants in the Asteraceae or Compositae family. This includes ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies. Reactions can range from mild rash to anaphylactic shock. Sufferers of autoimmune diseases, connective tissue disorders, or liver disorders should not use echinacea. Do not use goldenseal if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or liver disease. Goldenseal may cause an added sensitivity to sunlight as well as skin irritation. Do not use echinacea or goldenseal during pregnancy. Echinacea and goldenseal may interact with other herbs or medications; use only under the supervision of a doctor or natural medicine expert.