Latin Name: Echinacea purpurea, E. augustifolia
About Echinacea:
Echinacea, or Purple Coneflower, is a popular garden plant that is also found growing wild. It was originally named after the hedgehog (Echimus) because of its prickly, cone-like center. The flowers are long lasting and hardy. A favorite of the Native Americans and made popular in 1870 by Dr. H.C. F. Meyer in his original “snake oil” recipe, Echinacea is still widely used today for all kinds of infections. It was traditionally used by the Native Americans for fevers and wounds with difficulty healing. Today it is widely used and recognized as an antibiotic remedy and immune booster.
This herb may be used externally and internally.
How to grow: From seeds, root cuttings. Self-seed.
Safety: Overuse may elevate blood cell counts and diminish therapeutic effects. Do not use if you have autoimmune diseases.
Medicinal Preparations: Decoction, infusion, tincture, oil, salve, mouthwash
Taste: Sweet, cold, tingly, stimulating.
Harvest: Late Fall.
Parts used: Roots (3-4 years old).
MEDICINAL USES:
Immune System: Immune booster, blood cleanser, effective against bacteria and viruses, lymphatic congestion, raises white blood cell count, septic infections with purplish skin or veins, swollen lymph glands, fevers, measles, mumps, chicken pox, colds, flu, strep throat, staph infections, excess mucus, diphtheria, typhoid fever, meningitis.
Respiratory: Upper respiratory tract infections including tonsillitis, laryngitis, nose and sinus issues, bronchitis.
Skin: Acne, boils, carbuncles, abscesses, slow healing wounds, canker sores, eczema, hives.
First Aid: Bee stings, venomous bites, blood poisoning, septic sores and wounds, poison oak, poison ivy.
Digestion: Gastric disorders and ulcers, inflamed intestine.
Additional Uses: Enhances circulation, fatigue, exhaustion and for general “run down” feeling, mouthwash for gingivitis and pyorrhea, mouth sores, ear infection, gangrene.
HERBAL ACTIONS: Antibiotic, Anti-catarrhal, Anti-Inflammatory, Antiseptic, Antiviral, Lymphatic
Contains: Glycoside, isobutyalklamines, polyacetylenes, sesquiterpene, resin, volatile oils.
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.