Q: How long can I use this product and is there a duration of use limit?
A: For use beyond 8 weeks, consult a health care practitioner. That is the Health Canada approved duration of use guidance for this product (NPN 80081468). This 60-capsule bottle provides 60 days of supply at 1 capsule per day, which slightly exceeds the 8-week (56-day) guidance. Consult a health care practitioner before continuing use beyond 8 weeks.
Q: What does this product do?
A: Echinacea purpurea is traditionally used in Herbal Medicine to help relieve cold symptoms. That is the Health Canada approved use (NPN 80081468). This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Q: What does 10:1 extract and 5,500mg QCE mean?
A: A 10:1 extract ratio means 10 parts of raw dried herb are concentrated into 1 part of extract. 550mg of this extract is therefore equivalent to 5,500mg of raw dried herb. QCE (Quantity of Crude Equivalent) is the Health Canada standard expression for this equivalency. It allows comparison of concentrated extracts to raw herb amounts. In this formula: 550mg x 10 = 5,500mg QCE per capsule per day.
Q: Why does this formula use both herb top and root?
A: The herb top and root of Echinacea purpurea have complementary phytochemical profiles. The herb top is rich in caffeic acid derivatives (particularly cichoric acid) and polysaccharides. The root is rich in alkylamides (isobutylamides) and polysaccharides. Using both parts provides a broader spectrum of E. purpurea phytochemicals than using either part alone. Alkylamides from the root produce the characteristic tingling sensation on the tongue that is a traditional quality marker for echinacea.
Q: What is the difference between Echinacea purpurea, E. angustifolia, and E. pallida?
A: These are three distinct Echinacea species with different phytochemical profiles. E. purpurea (used in this formula) is the most widely cultivated and studied species. Its herb top is rich in cichoric acid and polysaccharides; its root contains alkylamides. E. angustifolia root is particularly rich in echinacoside and alkylamides. E. pallida root is rich in echinacoside but low in alkylamides. Each species has a different traditional use profile and phytochemical composition.
Q: When should I take this product?
A: Take at the first sign of infection, 1 capsule per day. Echinacea's traditional use is for acute cold symptom relief, not chronic daily supplementation. The instruction to take at the first sign of infection reflects this acute-use model. For use beyond 8 weeks, consult a health care practitioner.
Q: Why is there a caution for auto-immune disorders and immune-suppressants?
A: Echinacea is traditionally used as an immunostimulant. Combined with immunosuppressant medications (cyclosporine, tacrolimus, corticosteroids, biologics), there is a theoretical risk of antagonism. In auto-immune conditions, theoretical concern exists that immunostimulation could exacerbate the condition. The specific progressive systemic diseases listed in the caution (tuberculosis, collagenosis, multiple sclerosis, AIDS, HIV infection) are conditions where immune modulation requires medical supervision. Consult a health care practitioner prior to use if you have an auto-immune disorder or are taking immune-suppressants.
Q: Why is there a caution for the Daisy family?
A: Echinacea purpurea is a member of the Asteraceae (Daisy or composite) family, which also includes ragweed (Ambrosia species), chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium), arnica (Arnica montana), calendula (Calendula officinalis), and dandelion (Taraxacum officinale). Cross-reactivity between Asteraceae family members is possible in sensitized individuals. Rare cases of severe allergic reactions to echinacea have been known to occur. Use caution if you are allergic to any plants of the Daisy family.
Q: What are the full safety cautions for this product?
A: For use beyond 8 weeks, consult a health care practitioner. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult a health care practitioner. Consult a health care practitioner prior to use if you are taking immune-suppressants, if you have an auto-immune disorder, or if you have a progressive systemic disease such as tuberculosis, collagenosis, multiple sclerosis, AIDS, or HIV infection. Rare cases of severe allergic reactions have been known to occur; use caution if you are allergic to plants of the Daisy family. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
