Echinacea is probably the most extensively researched herbs. According to an article in The American Journal of Natural Medicine (1995), well over 350 scientific research studies document the use of Echinacea for the prevention or treatment of colds. In one study 180 patients with influenza showed significant reduction of cold symptoms when taking echinacea. In another study, echinacea dramatically reduced the frequency, severity and length of colds among 108 patients.
Vitamin C Optimal Daily Intake is a method described by Linus Pauling. In this method, a person would begin increasing their daily intake of vitamin C by 500mg each day, until they reach a point of stomach discomfort (diarrhea). At this point, the person would decrease their daily intake by 1,000mg, leaving them at their Optimal Daily Intake.
Echinacea is said to increase the process by which white blood cells destroy bad microorganisms. In other words, when you get sick echinacea jump starts your body’s own natural response to fight cold viruses.
Besides stimulating a healthy system to ward off viruses, echinacea also helps in healing an already existing infection. When you have a cold and your body is running low on its resources, or when you have been exposed to a cold, echinacea has been found to be a strong and direct activating force in fighting infection.
Vitamin C is probably best known for its ability to help prevent and cure scurvy, one of the world's first recognized vitamin deficiency diseases. However, Vitamin C is also popularly recognized for its role in the synthesis of collagen and elastin. Collagen and elastin are the major structural components of bones, teeth, arterial walls, skin, tendons, blood vessels and connective tissues between cells. Vitamin C also promotes the absorption of iron, while preventing oxidation.
As a dietary supplement, parents may give each child two (2) gummy bears per day with food. Best when taken in a rotating cycle of ten days on and ten days off.
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