The only dramatic difference between Sam's Formula and other antioxidant formulas is the Echinacea, which is the base of Sam's Formula. Many of our members believe that Echinacea base contributes greatly to the apparent miracles. The following is presented in order to inform you about this mysterious herb.
Echinacea...Miracle or Fraud?
The following is taken from the Australian Journal of Medical Herbalism, vol 4 (4) 1992. This is a scientific journal which accepts no product advertisements.
Echinacea was first discovered in the late 18th century in use by native Americans in the plains states. They used it for all internal and external infections. It was their sole option for snake bite. (Cancer was unknown among these Indians)
History of Echinacea In 1887, Dr. H.C.F. Meyer introduced Echinacea in the form of Meyer's Blood Purifier. He made extravagant claims for his product. The back label read: "Take one ounce three times every day in the following causes: rhumatism, sick headaches, dyspepsia, old sores and bites, open wounds, dizziness and scrofula. In case of poisoning take the double dose, and for bites of rattlesnakes take three ounces three times a day until swelling is gone. This is a absolute cure within 24 hours." At this time some scoundrels claimed their product brought dead people back to life.
Echinacea gained great popularity early this century until the February 27, 1908 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in which an editorial discredited Echinacea. In the November 1909 issue of JAMA an article was published titled, "Echinacea considered valuless".
Echinacoside has an interferon-like activity. It has mild antibiotic activity against Streptococcus and Staphylococcus aureus. Six mg. echinacoside is equivalent to one unit of penicillin. Oncolytic activities (destructive to tumor cells) have been attributed to the volitile oils of Echinacea. Echinacea may be more effective as an anitbiotic than cortisone ie 0.04 ml. of fresh plant extract possesses a hyaluronidase inhibitory action equal to 1 mg. of cortisone. Indications: Stress, harsh environments or seasons, or whenever the body is in need of reinforcement. Echinacea may supply the boost required to maintain the natural lines of resistance to mend injured tissue and to stimulate body functioning.
Pharmacology of Echinacea Experimental Studies In 1984 by H. Wagner et al studied purified polysaccharides (EPS) from echinacea purpurea. It was observed that they strongly activated macrophages. These macrophages developed pronounced extracellular cytotoxicity against tumor cells.
In 1991 German researchers found that mice (fed Echinacea) were protected against otherwise lethal infections.
Clinical Studies
- A 1954 study of 200 psoriasis patients showed that 90% had a definate remission.
- A 1964 double blind study of 121 children with whooping cough. 50% were free of symptoms in five days. The other 50% were free in ten days.
- In 1978 a study involving 4,598 patients with skin conditions was conducted. The study lasted five months and involved observation of 538 physicians outside of hospitals from all parts of West Germany. Results were:
- a) Inflammatory skin conditions (212 patients) has a success rate of 85.4% in 8.5 days
- b) Wound catagory (1,453 patients) achieved a success rate of 91.5%
- c) Eczema (628 patients) with a success rate of 82.3%
- d) Burns (626 patients) with 96.3% success
- e) Herpes simplex (222 patients) with a 91.4% success
- f) Varicose ulcers (900 patients) 81.1% success
In 1985 a study found that Echinacea stimulates the production of white blood cells in the bone marrow of patients undergoing radiology treatment.
1986 a double blind study of 203 patients with vaginal candida revealed that Echinacea was three times more effective than conventional methods.
Get a 1 oz. vial of liquid Echinacea from your health food store. Put it on any cut of skin infection and be prepared for a miracle within 48 hours.A myth is circulating that continued use of Echinacea causes loss of efficacy. It came from a mistranslation of an article published in German. See Medical Herbalism, Spring 1994.