What is Echinacea?

It was at one time the best known remedy for snakebite and was used by the Native Americans for both viral and bacterial infections. The United States Dispensatory stated over 100 years ago that a tincture of Echinacea gave an increased resistance to infection.

Other names :

Purple cone flower, Kansas snakeroot, black eyed Susan, sampson root, comb flower, hedgehog.

Description and the places it grows in:

Perennial with purple or white flowers that come out in mid to late summer. Native to Central and West America and is a very common wildflower in Texas.

Parts used : Dried root and rhizomes.

Properties : Antiseptic, digestive.

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Used for :

• Boosts immune system. Stimulates the production of while blood cells that fight infection. It is noted that it destroys cold and flu viruses and lessens the severity of a cold or flu.

• Respiratory tract infections - beneficial to use where there is excess catarrh.

• Tonsillitis/Sinusitis.

• Glandular fever - useful due to its effect on the immune system and its antiviral properties.

Other uses :

Cuts and wounds, cystitis, allergies, infected gums, skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis if used in skin ointment.

Constituents :

Essential oils, polysaccharide (gives it its antiviral properties) isobutylalklamines, glycosides, resin, sesquiterpene, betain and inulin.

Contraindications :

Essentially non-toxic when taken orally. Do not take if you have any of the following conditions though :

• Auto immune disorders including : HIV infection, multiple sclerosis, lupus.

• Do not take if you are allergic to the daisy family.