Holistic Path

http://www.mothernature.com/Library/Bookshelf/Books/23/130.cfm

Fighting the Virus
Once it gets loose, there?s no cure for the varicella-zoster virus, but there may be ways to slow it down or limit damage during the outbreak. Medical doctors frequently prescribe an antiviral drug such as acyclovir (Zovirax) or famciclovir (Famvir) to shorten the course of the infection.
In order to hasten healing, treatment should be started within two to three days of the first appearance of the small blisters. In addition, you may be able to boost your immunity and help fight the virus with some herbs, says Dr. Warnock.

Herbalists believe that astragalus and echinacea are most effective. They work best if you take them as soon as you know you have an outbreak of the virus, says Dr. Warnock. Although you can take an herbal tincture, he recommends taking one 300-milligram capsule of standardized extract three times a day.

If you use capsules of dried echinacea root, he recommends 2,000 milligrams three times a day. Since echinacea is also safe at higher doses, you can take even more than the specified dose if you find it effective. "I?d do a high dose for a short period?just a few days. That?s when it?s most effective," he says
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http://www.herbs2000.com/herbs/herbs_echinacea.htm

USUAL DOSAGE
The herbal remedies made from the Echinacea are best taken for specified lengths of time, especially when they are used to stimulate the immune system of patients. The herbal remedy can be used thrice or four times every day as soon as the first signs of a cold develop - the total treatment duration should be about ten to fourteen days at a stretch for maximum effectiveness. The herbal remedies can also be used in the prevention of colds; individuals can utilize the Echinacea tablets or the capsule form, thrice every day for a treatment period lasting six to eight weeks at a time. The longer Echinacea is used, the more reduced do its overall effects on the body tend to be, and for this reason, it is suggested that a "rest" period be resorted to during and of these long term treatment regimens - periods of rest must accompany all treatment regimens which exceed ten days at a stretch. The powdered form of the Echinacea can be taken in doses of about 900 mg whenever required. The dosage regimens for the liquid Echinacea extract are normally taken at a dosage rate of 3 - 4ml per dose, taken thrice every day of the treatment period.

PC: Do not take for more than 1 week for effectiveness. Else body "immune" to it already.