All About Echinacea
Echinacea is one of the most used herbs in the world. All parts of the plants are used, including the roots, stem, leaves, and flowers. It is mostly used in herbal medicine for respiratory infections, sore throat and dental pain, and topically for wounds and burns.
Fun Fact
Throughout the 18th century, Kiowa Indians used echinacea to treat sore throats and coughs. The Omaha-Ponca would chew the plant's leaves for toothache pain. The Cheyenne tribes would brew the leaves for a sore throat.
Echinacea Herb
Latin Name: Echinacea purpurea or E. angustifolia
Family: Asteraceae
Other Common Names
- Purple coneflower, hedgehog coneflower
Plant Description
Echinacea is a purple, daisy-like flower used since indigenous medicine, and grown in the U.S. and Canada.
Herb Description
Both the above ground parts as well of the roots can be made into an extract. As a tea, steep 1 tsp of the leaf and flower in boiled water for 10 minutes. Strain and drink.
Key Constituents
Polysaccharides, alkylamides, and glycoproteins
