Hi wombat :)

I just favor Barberry ( berberine ) for its usefulness and versitility. I think its more effective than echinacea.
Echinacea should never be used for any auto-immune problems!

Barberry is antifungal, antiviral as well as antibiotic. Goldenseal, Oregon grape, and goldthread also contains berberine.
It is used for cancer in china, especially brain tumors.

Barberry contains alkaloids of hydrastine, berberine and canadine along with traces of essential oil, resin and fatty oil and isoquinoline alkaloids.
The berberine in barberry acts as a tonic on the liver and gall bladder.


Barberry is used for these ailments, Chronic candidiasis, Diarrhea, Indigestion, Infection, Parasites, Parasites, Psoriasis and Vaginitis.

Barberry is an herbal medicine and as with any herbal medicines should only be used as directed.

I will copy and paste some more info on barberry under here:

Barberry is a densely branched, deciduous shrub 3-8 feet tall. The parts of this plant used medicinally are the root, root bark, bark of stem, and rhizome berries. The primary chemical constituents of Barberry include alkaloids (berberine, berbamine, oxyacanthine), chelidonic acid, resin, tannins. The root-bark contains berberine, a bitter alkaloid, that aids in the secretion of bile and is good for liver problems, acts as a mild purgative, and helps regulate the digestive processes. The antibacterial properties of the alkaloid berbamine have shown activity against Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Salmonella, Shigella and Eschorichia Coli. It has anti-microbial properties that are especially beneficial for the skin and intestinal tract. Barberry has a beneficial effect on the blood pressure by causing a dilatation of the blood vessels. This herb is also good for hepatitis, colic, jaundice, diabetes, consumption. Historically, Barberry was used as a bitter tonic to stimulate digestion, and in the treatment of inflammatory arthritic, sciatica, and rheumatic complaints. Use of this botanical decreases heart rate, depresses the breathing, stimulates intestinal movement, reduces bronchial constriction, and kills bacteria on the skin. It is indicated in congestive jaundice, and inflammation of the gall bladder & gallstones. As a bitter tonic with mild laxative effects, Barberry is used by weak or debilitated people to strengthen & cleanse the system. It also appears to be able to reduce an enlarged spleen. It acts against malaria and is effective in the treatment of protozoan infections. Berberine is highly bactericidal, amoeboidal and trypanocidal. It is active in vitro and in animals against cholera.
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Barberry Root is an excellent herb for correcting liver function and promoting bile flow. It is used in debilitating conditions marked by poor digestive function and a history of dietary or alcohol abuse, or excessive exposure to drugs, chemicals or industrial pollutants.
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Oregon Grape Root acts as a tonic on the liver & gall bladder, and can be useful in chronic & scaly skin problems such as Psoriasis and eczema. Oregon Grape is also known to be helpful for stomach & gall bladder conditions, especially where there is associated nausea & vomiting.
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Echinacea condications:
Commission E cautioned that the herb should not be used in systemic diseases such as tuberculosis, leukosis, collagenosis, multiple sclerosis, AIDS, HIV infections, and other autoimmune diseases (based on theoretical considerations and not on any reports of adverse findings). (HM, 97; TGHM, 123; WHO, 141-142; PPP, 359) Caution is advised for transplant patients taking immunosuppressive drugs; short-term therapy is suggested. (PPP, 360) Should not be administered to patients with known allergy to any plant of Asteraceae (Compositae). (WHO, 142; PPP, 359; HM, 97) Allergic concern based upon case reports. (TCPHP, 301; PPP, 359; WHO, 142)