Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea augustifolia

Other Names: Purple coneflower, Black Sampson, Coneflower, Eastern Purple Coneflower, Indian head, Kansas Snakeroot, Missouri Snakeroot, Rudbeckia, Scurvy root

Echinacea Photo by Karen Bergeron Copyright 2006

How to Grow Echinacea

Echinacea purpurea, or the Purple Coneflower is easy to grow from seed. Sow outdoors in very early spring or fall. Echinacea prefers light, loamy, well-drained soil and a sunny position, tolerates shade.  Gather root and entire plant in fall or when in bloom, dry for later herb use.

 Organic Echinacea Seed from Mountain Rose Herbs

Echinacea Herb Use and Medicinal Properties

Echinacea was used extensively by Native Americans and the early American settlers also adopted its use. It has been used for years in alternative medicine to support the immune system, and to purify the blood, especially during season changes and during the cold and flu season. Scientific studies of Echinacea have confirmed the presents of natural chemicals, echinacosides, which increase white blood cell activity. Other valuable constituents include betaine, echinolone, inulin, humulene, polysaccharides, two phytosterols and fatty acids, oleic, cerotic, linolic and palmatic. Extracts of Echinacea were found to enhance the cellular immune function of normal individuals and patients with AIDS and chronic fatigue syndrome. Unlike antibiotics, which directly kills bacteria, Echinacea makes our own immune cells more efficient in attacking bacteria, viruses and abnormal cells, including cancer cells. The root now confirmed by modern science as adaptogen, alterative, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, depurative, diaphoretic, digestive, sialagogue. Echinacea is considered to be a most effective detoxicant for the urinary tract, circulatory, lymphatic, and respiratory systems. The roots and the whole plant are considered particularly beneficial in the external treatment of psoriasis, eczema and inflammatory skin conditions, sores, wounds, burns, and sore throat, possessing cortisone-like and antibacterial activity as well as showing skin regenerating properties. Echinacea also contains chemicals that are highly insecticidal particularly to mosquitoes and house flies.

Once used as an antidote to treat snakebites and other venomous bites by Native Americans. Believed in old English herbals to cure syphilis and rabies.

Infusion: To 1 tbsp. dry herb add 1 cup boiling water, steep 20 min., drink in mouthful doses throughout the day, at the beginning of a cold or for general fatigue.

Article by Deb Jackson & Karen Bergeron                  

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