Latin Name: Echinacea purpurea
Alternate Names: Purple Coneflower, Coneflower, Black Sampson, Snakeroot
Family: ASTERACEAE
Parts Used: Rhizome, leaves, flowers, seeds.
Properties: Alterative, Antibacterial, Antifungal, Anti-inflammatory, Antiseptic, Antitumor, Antiviral, Astringent, Carminative, Diaphoretic, Depurative, Digestive Tonic, Immune Stimulant, Sialagogue, Stimulant, Vulnerary.
Internal Uses: Abscess, Acne, Allergies, Blood Poisoning, Boils, Cancer, Candida, Chickenpox, Colds, Eczema, Fever, Flu, Gangrene, Herpes, Insect Bites, Measles, Mumps, Scarlet Fever, Sore Throat, Tonsillitis, Typhoid, Urinary Infections
Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules.
It strengthens the immune system, beginning with tingly sensations in the mouth. Echinacea stimulates T cell production, macrophage activity, interferon production and inhibits hyaluronidase, thus making cells less susceptable to viral takeover. It helps regenerate cells that have been damaged. It helps internal gangrene, exhibits some anti-tumor activity, and dilates the peripheral blood vessels.
Topical Uses: Eczema, Gangrene, Gingivitis, Infection, Insect Bites, Psoriasis, Pyorrhea, Snakebites, Toothache, Wounds
Topical Applications: Fresh root is chewed to alleviate toothaches. Mouthwash for gingivitis and pyorrhea. Excellent in salves, poultices and washes. Venomous bites, such as insect, spider and snake, as well as infected wounds and gangrenous conditions have all been successfully treated with Echinacea.
Energetics: Bitter, Cool, Dry.
Chemical Constituents: Mucopolycaccharides, echinacoside, echinaceine, isobutylmines, linoleic and palmetic acids, essential oils, glycosides, inulin, polyacetylenes, sesquiterenes, betaine, phenolics.
Contraindications: Excessive use can cause throat irritation, nausea, dizziness and excessive salivation. It can be taken frequently (every couple of hours) during acute infection, but this sort of dosing should only be followed for a few days.
Comments: The name Echinacea is derived from the greek meaning ‘hedgehog’, referring to the sharp pointed bracts of the receptacles. This herb, native to North America, is one of the most popular herbs today in both North America and Europe. It was used in Native American sweat lodges to help the participants endure extreme temperatures. It was a popular medicine in America during the 1920’s, but fell into disuse with the introduction of sulfa drugs. Overharvesting from the wild is leading to endangerment of the species. This herb has been listed by United Plant Savers as an ‘at risk’ plant, so please avoid buying products harvested from the wild. Only use the cultivated herb.
The common name Echinacea also includes the species Echinacea angustifolia and Echinacea pallida, which are used interchangeably with Echinacea purpurea.
Personal Notes: elder, elecampane, epazote, epimedium, eucalyptus, eucomium, evening prirose, eyebright, false unicorn, fennel, fenugreek, feverfew, figwort, flax, frankincense, fringe tree, galangal, gardennia, garlic, gentian, geranium, ginger, ginkgo, ginseng, goldenrod, goldenseal, goto kola, grapefruit seed, gravelroot, grindelia, guar, guarana, guggul, guiacum, gymnema, haritaki, hawthorn, hibiscus, ho shou wu, honeysuckle, hops, horehound, horse chestnut,