The herb we will discuss today in our A-Z of Herbs series is one that would be quite well known to most people as a natural remedy.

It is one of the most popular herbs that may be used to help fight respiratory conditions like the common cold and to stimulate the Immune System.

It is ECHINACEA.

Echinacea, also known by the name Purple Coneflower is a perennial flowering plant which is native to Central and Mid-South West America. There are many different species of Echinacea; however, three varieties are used for herbal remedies.  They are: echinacea angustifolia; echinacea pallida; and the most widely used is echinacea purpurea.

Although Echinacea plants can be found growing wild on the prairies of Midwest America, commercial cultivation has been developed to keep up world supplies.

The main part of the plant used for herbal medicine is the root, which is harvested when the plant is 3+ years old.  The roots are then dried and ground into a powder or grated into smaller pieces.  It has an aromatic odour and the taste is initially sweet then followed by a bitterness and tingling sensation on the tongue.

The Native American Indians used Echinacea more than any other plant, for medicinal purposes.  It was also widely used in modern American medicine in the early 20th Century and used extensively by the Europeans since the 1930’s.

Echinacea is my herb of choice for Acute Upper Respiratory Tract Infections

Echinacea contains Antiseptic, Anti-Viral and Anti-inflammatory actions which may make it useful in the treatment of such conditions as infected tonsils, abscesses, colds, flu. Other primary uses that a Herbalist may prescribe Echinacea for are:

• Upper Respiratory Conditions
• Swollen Lymph Glands
• Sore Throat
• Calms intestinal digestion
• Colitis
• Candida

It may also be used externally to treat wounds and other skin infections such as boils, carbuncles, abscesses and inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
Echinacea preparations can be purchased as a liquid herbal extract, in capsule or tablet form or as a tincture.

Remember Herbs should always be prescribed by a Qualified Herbalist.

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Tags: Echinacea