A carbuncle is a cluster of boils caused by bacterial infection, most commonly with Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes.  The presence of a carbuncle is a sign that the immune system is active and fighting the infection. The infection is contagious and may spread to other areas of the body, or other people; those living in the same residence may develop carbuncles at the same time. In the early 21st century, infection involving methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has become ...

carbuncle

What-is-echinacea?

What is echinacea? 

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The echinacea plant, also known as American echinacea or purple echinacea, is a wild flowering herb known for its medicinal properties based on its traditional use. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/echinacea" target="_blank" data-ref="Echinacea" rel="noopener">[ref. 1]</a>&nbsp; Echinacea originated in North America and is recognizable by daisy-like flowers, usually purple, around a spiny, cone-like center. &nbsp;<a href="https://www.karger.com/Article/FullText/71678" target="_blank" data-ref="" rel="noopener">[ref. 2]</a>&nbsp; The term 'echinacea' actually refers to genera of plants and several species of this family, including purpurea and angustifolia, which are distinguished by their content of alkylamides (considered as active ingredients).

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Originally used by native Indians, echinacea has been used as a traditional herbal remedy since the 18th century for a number of conditions, such as coughs and colds, snakebites, burns, anthrax infections, and minor wounds. It has also been reported that echinacea root can be chewed to relieve toothache pain and throat infections.

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The three types of echinacea used in herbal remedies and dietary supplements are: &nbsp;<a href="https://academic.oup.com/jpp/article/57/8/929/6147494" target="_blank" data-ref="Echinacea species (Echinacea angustifolia (DC.) Hell., Echinacea pallida (Nutt.) Nutt., Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench): a review of their chemistry, pharmacology and clinical properties&dagger;" rel="noopener">[ref. 3]</a>&nbsp;

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Echinacea purpurea (Echinacea purple) - the most widely used and popular type of echinacea;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Echinacea pallida (Echinacea palida);</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Echinacea angustifolia (Echinacea angustifolia).</li></ul>

What-are-the-benefits-of-echinacea?

What are the benefits of echinacea?

High-in-antioxidants

High in antioxidants 

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Echinacea plants are loaded with plant compounds that act as antioxidants. Antioxidants are molecules that help protect your cells against oxidative stress. Severe oxidative stress has been linked to the development of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease and many others.

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Some of these antioxidants are flavonoids, chicory acid and rosmarinic acid. &nbsp;<a href="http://www.phcogrev.com/article/2015/9/17/1041030973-7847156353" target="_blank" data-ref="Echinacea purpurea: Pharmacology, Phytochemistry and Analysis Methods | Pharmacognosy Reviews" rel="noopener">[ref. 4]</a>&nbsp;These antioxidants are usually in higher amounts in extracts of the fruits and flowers of plants, compared to other parts, such as the leaves and root.

Echinacea-for-frequent-colds-and-flu-like-diseases

Echinacea for frequent colds and flu-like diseases 

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Echinacea is best known for its purported ability to relieve colds and flu-like infections and for helping shorten the duration of such ailments.

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A 2011 review of available studies, published in the medical journal Pharmaceuticals, found that Echinacea purpurea possesses numerous beneficial effects in the treatment of viral respiratory infections, including: &nbsp;<a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/4/7/1019" target="_blank" data-ref="Echinacea&mdash;A Source of Potent Antivirals for Respiratory Virus Infections" rel="noopener">[ref. 5]</a>&nbsp;

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Direct virucidal activity against several respiratory viruses;&nbsp;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Reversal of the proinflammatory response of epithelial cells and tissues to various viruses;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Reducing excessive secretion of mucin from cells and tissues of the respiratory tract;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Absence of cytotoxic effects or impairment of the integrity of Echinacea tissues in cell cultures or airway tissues, at practical antiviral concentrations;</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Additional potentially positive effects on cellular gene expression.&nbsp;</li></ul>

Anti-inflammatory-action-of-echinacea

Anti-inflammatory action of echinacea  

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It has also been shown that echinacea has an anti-inflammatory effect inside the body. &nbsp;<a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.2714" target="_blank" data-ref="Just a moment..." rel="noopener">[Ref. 6]</a>&nbsp; Inflammation is your body's natural way of promoting healing and protecting itself as needed. Sometimes it can get out of control and last longer than necessary and expected. This can increase the risk of chronic diseases and other health problems.

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Several studies have shown that echinacea can help reduce excess inflammation. For example, in a study in mice, echinacea compounds helped reduce important inflammatory markers and memory loss caused by inflammation. &nbsp;<a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1096/fj.201601071R" target="_blank" data-ref="Just a moment..." rel="noopener">[ref. 7]</a>&nbsp;

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In another 30-day study in adults with osteoarthritis, taking a supplement containing echinacea extract was found to significantly reduce inflammation, chronic pain, and swelling. Interestingly, these adults did not respond well to conventional nonsteroidal inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), but found that the supplement containing echinacea extract worked well for them.&nbsp;

Anticancer-properties-of-echinacea

Anticancer properties of echinacea 

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In vitro studies have shown that echinacea extracts can inhibit the growth of cancer cells and even cause cancer cell death.

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In one in vitro study, echinacea purpurea extract and cicoric acid (naturally found in echinacea plants) were shown to induce cancer cell death. <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0378874112005570" target="_blank" data-ref="Redirecting" rel="noopener">[ref.</a>&nbsp;8]&nbsp;

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In another in vitro study, extracts from echinacea plants (Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia, and Echinacea pallida) killed human pancreatic and colon cancer cells by stimulating a process called apoptosis, or controlled cell death. &nbsp;<a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0378874106004624" target="_blank" data-ref="Redirecting" rel="noopener">[ref. 9]</a>&nbsp; This effect is believed to be due to the immunostimulating properties of echinacea and its active ingredients.&nbsp;

Echinacea-May-Help-Treat-Skin-Problems

Echinacea May Help Treat Skin Problems 

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Research shows that echinacea plants can help treat common skin problems.

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In an in vitro study, scientists found that the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of echinacea inhibited the growth of Propionibacterium, a common cause of acne.&nbsp;

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In another study in 10 healthy people aged 25-40, skin care products containing echinacea extract were found to improve skin hydration and reduce wrinkles. Similarly, a cream containing echinacea purpurea extract has been shown to improve eczema symptoms and help restore the thin protective outer layer of the skin. &nbsp;<a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0923181116310258" target="_blank" data-ref="Redirecting" rel="noopener">[ref. 10]</a>&nbsp;

Potential-Side-Effects-of-Echinacea-Use

Potential Side Effects of Echinacea Use 

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Echinacea products look safe and are well tolerated for short-term use. As with any other natural remedy, there are cases of side effects that occur rarely. They can be:

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Rashes</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Itchy skin</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Hives</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Swelling</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Stomach pain</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Nausea</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Shortness of breath</li></ul>However, these side effects are more common in people with allergies to other flowers, such as daisies (Leucanthemum vulgare), chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum), calendula (Calendula), ragweed&nbsp; (Ambrosia) and others.

Echinacea-dosage-information

Echinacea dosage information 

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For dehydrated powders (including encapsulated echinacea), Echinacea purpuera is usually used and oral doses above 300 mg are taken. three times a day (900 mg daily) and 500 mg. three times a day (1500 mg daily).

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Tinctures of ethanol extract from aboveground parts (leaves and stems) are used in a concentration of 2.5 ml. three times a day or up to 10 ml. Daily.

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There is not much evidence as to whether these are the optimal doses and studies are so far mixed in terms of quantities due to lack of standardization.

One of the many beneficial natural remedies, echinacea improves immunity, blood sugar, anxiety, counteracts inflammation and promotes skin health. There is evidence that echinacea can act as anti-cancer agent. Human-based research is still too limited, and it is necessary to investigate more thoroughly what are the exact effective doses for various health conditions.&nbsp;

Echinacea: Health Benefits, Medicinal Properties and Side Effects 

https://sanatio.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/b7071b22-efc7-40b7-8e80-6a9c2cefec58_middle.jpg

Бетина Цветкова

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Text adaptation: Rositsa Tashkova, Master of Molecular Biology and Microbiology

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The Russian state occupies vast territories with diverse climatic conditions and includes many peoples and their culture. This makes especially interesting the study of Russian folk medicine.

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Medicinal plants have been used in the lands that made up modern Russia since ancient times. A study of numerous written sources shows that herbal treatments were applied by the Scythians living in the northern territories along the Black Sea coast between the Dniester and Don rivers (from the 7th century BC to the 1st century AD).

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The Novgorod Chronicles describe the use of "mold from the bathroom" to treat wounds and how it would have prevented the development of an infection even before penicillin was found in the UK seven centuries later.

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In 1581 Tsar Ivan IV (1530-1584) ordered the establishment of the first pharmacy to supply the king's yard, as well as the founding of the Pharmaceutical House, which was responsible for collecting medicinal plants from the Russian lands.

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The collection and use of medicinal plants became particularly widespread during the reign of Peter I (1672-1725), who personally cultivated medicinal herbs in his private garden. &nbsp;

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This article is dedicated to the most common herbal recipes from Russian folk medicine for the treatment of various dermatological diseases. The used medicinal plants are well known and available around the world. The information is taken from the article "Russian traditional medicine in dermatology", published in 2018 in the journal Clinics in Dermatology. [<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0738081X18300439" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.1</a>]

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The authors Prof. Dr. Olisova, Prof. Dr. Snarskaya, Prof. Dr. Smooth and Prof. Dr. Burova are dermatologists with years of experience in Moscow and London.

Russian-herbal-recipes-for-vitiligo

Russian herbal recipes for vitiligo

Russian-herbal-recipes-for-vitiligo_0_0

Vitiligo is considered an autoimmune disease associated with other autoimmune conditions, including <a href="https://www.sanat.io/bul/p/vsichko_za_diabiet_tip_1_na_iedno_miasto_751da342_2d55_43af_ae7f_1e1c89cd3800" target="_blank" rel="noopener">type </a><a href="https://www.sanat.io/bul/p/vsichko_za_diabiet_tip_1_na_iedno_miasto_751da342_2d55_43af_ae7f_1e1c89cd3800" target="_blank" rel="noopener">1 diabetes mellitus</a>, alopecia areata, <a href="https://www.sanat.io/bul/p/kakvo_ie_boliest_na_kron_i_kak_sie_diaghnostitsira_f1bbb289_7915_4718_983b_21a0ff00feaa" target="_blank" rel="noopener">inflammatory bowel disease</a>, <a href="https://www.sanat.io/bul/p/aniemiia_kolko_vida_sshchiestvuvat_kakvo_da_iadiem_kak_da_kombiniramie_khranitie" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pernicious anemia</a>, rheumatoid arthritis and thyroid diseases.

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It has been found that in patients with vitiligo there are higher levels of antibodies against the thyroid gland.

St.-John's-wort-(Hypericum-perforatum)

1. St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum)

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One of the herbs most commonly used in Russian traditional medicine for the treatment of vitiligo is St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum). The plant contains flavonoids, niacin, vitamin C and carotene, protein, calcium, zinc, magnesium, sodium and potassium, tannins, anthraquinones, saponins, fats, oils and proteins.

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The most important quality of St. John's wort in the treatment of vitiligo is its photosensitive effect. The herb should be used with caution due to numerous reports of side effects, including activation of cytochrome P450, which can affect the metabolism of many drugs.

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It is also known to affect thyroid function, causing increased levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and should be taken with caution by patients with thyroid disease and those who use medicine to treat it, especially hormones.

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<h4>Recipe #1: Hypericum perforatum in olive oil</h4>

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Preparation: Fill a small glass jar with St. John's wort flowers, leaving 4-5 cm of empty space on top. Add extra virgin olive oil to the jar and place in the sun (not in the shade, but in direct sunlight) for at least 2 weeks, shaking it every day.

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After this period of time, remove the flowers from the mixture and add a new fresh portion of them. Leave the jar in the sun for another 2 weeks.

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This should be repeated 5 to 7 times.

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Since St. John's wort blooms all summer, there should be no problems with the sourcing of raw materials.

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The thus obtained extract of St. John's wort should be red-brown in color, with a creamy consistency.

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Method of application: Compresses are made, as a piece of gauze or other suitable tissue is soaked in the extract and placed on the affected areas. The compress should be applied for about 30 minutes.

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Application is followed by exposure of treated areas to sunlight. Attention, attention! The first time sun exposure should not exceed 2 minutes. Over time, sun exposure may be increased by a few minutes each day until it reaches a maximum of 30 minutes.

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This procedure should be performed twice a day for 30 days. Two&nbsp;to three cycles with 2-week breaks between each cycle are recommended.

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To increase the effectiveness of the treatment of vitiligo when using the oil extract of St. John's wort, it is advisable to take and infusion of&nbsp;St. John's wort at the same time.

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<h4>Recipe #2: St. John's wort infusion</h4>

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Preparation: 1 teaspoon ground dried St. John's wort is poured with about 200 ml of boiling water and allowed to stand for 1 hour.

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Method of administration: Remove the plant parts and take 1 tablespoon of the infusion, 3 times a day after a meal, for 21 days. In order for the treatment to be effective, it is necessary to repeat this course 8 times with one-week breaks in between.

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<h4>Recipe #3:&nbsp;Hypericum perforatum cream</h4>

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Preparation: Preheat 50 ml of olive oil mixed with 5 grams of ground dried St. John's wort in a water bath for half an hour. After cooling, the mixture should be filtered through gauze. The resulting cream should be stored in a dark glass in a cool place.

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Method of application: put the cream on a piece of dense fabric and apply it daily as a compress for 30-40 minutes on the area affected by vitiligo.

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The course of treatment takes 40 days. Application of the cream should be combined with an internal intake of the st. John's wort infusion, prepared according to the recipe described above.

Common-Duckweed-(Lemna-minor)

2. Common Duckweed (Lemna minor)

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Another effective herb used in Russian traditional medicine for the treatment of vitiligo is the common duckweed&nbsp;(Lemna minor, a freshwater plant). The healing properties of the plant are due to the significant amount of iodine, bromine and proteins. It has antipyretic, powerful anti-inflammatory and mild analgesic and cholagogic properties.

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It is recommended to avoid it during pregnancy or lactation.

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<h4>Recipe #4: Duckweed drops for oral intake</h4>

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Preparation: Mix one spoonful of raw plant material with 50 ml of vodka. The required amount of herb must be measured, washed under running water and then placed in a dark opaque glass container. Pour vodka or 40% medical ethanol until the plant mass is covered.

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The liquid is allowed to stand for a week at room temperature in a dark place. Then filter through a medical gauze. This medicine should be stored in a cool and dark place.

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Method of administration: Take 15 - 20 drops per quarter glass of water three times a day.

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<h4>Recipe #5: Duckweed infusion for oral intake</h4>

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Preparation: Boil one teaspoon of ground herb in 250 ml of water for 15 minutes. Filter the infusion after 1 our.

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Method of administration: Take one cup of the infuion 15 minutes before a meal, three times a day, for four months.

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<h4>Recipe #6: Duckweed with honey for oral intake</h4>

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Preparation: One tablespoon of duckweed is grinded using a blender and stirred with an equal amount of honey. The mixture should be placed in a glass jar with a lid and stored in a refrigerator.

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Method of administration: One teaspoon per day is taken at breakfast, lunch and dinner, for 2 years. It is difficult to achieve the desired effect with a shorter intake.

Russian-herbal-remedies-for-the-treatment-of-pyoderma

Russian herbal remedies for the treatment of pyoderma

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Pioderma is a group of skin diseases that include purulent-inflammatory skin lesions, caused by certain types of bacteria - staphylococci, streptococci.

Krantz-aloe-or-candelabra-aloe-(Aloe-arborescens)

1. Krantz aloe or candelabra aloe (Aloe arborescens)

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The strong antimicrobial effect of candelabra aloe (Aloe arborescens) makes it useful in the treatment of whitlows (purulent inflammation of the finger, often around the nail) and furuncles.

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The leaves of the aloe plant contain complex glucosides, vitamins (especially vitamin C), phytoncides, enzymes, calcium and magnesium. The soft pulp (gel in the leaves) of aloe contains 96% water and 4% polysaccharides and other substances.

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It can improve the body's immune responses by stimulating phagocytosis, increasing the number of T-cells in the blood and at the same time suppressing the synthesis of inflammatory interleukin-1a.

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<h4>Recipe #1: Gel from the leaves of krantz aloe</h4>

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Preparation: Take the pulp (the characteristic gel in the leaves) of a fresh aloe leaf.

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Method of application: The pulp from the aloe leaves should be applied to the affected area of the skin and put a bandage to stand for 6-8 hours.

Raspberry-(Rubus-idaeus)

2. Raspberry (Rubus idaeus)

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Raspberry leaves contain up to 300 g/l of ascorbic acid (vitamin C), phytoncides, tanins, potassium, magnesium, iron, copper, zinc and others.

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Fruits and leaves of raspberry have a very high content of salicylate and purine, so they are contraindicated in patients with gout, urolithiasis (kidney stones), gastritis, duodenal and stomach ulcer and during pregnancy before the 35th week.

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<h4>Recipe #2: Fresh raspberry leaves with butter</h4>

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Preparation: Mix the fresh raspberry leaves in a blender with melted butter in a ratio of 1: 4.

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Method of administration: Take it orally for the treatment of pyoderma.

carbuncle

Russian folk medicine for healthy skin. Part 1: herbal remedies for vitiligo, infections, warts