Benefits of Echinacea

 The beauty of Echinacea is equal its value medicinally. The 

intense purple rosy and daisy-like flowers outshine most flowers

in the herb garden. Even the Monarch butterflies find it 

attractive. This perennial plant's natural habitats are the 

prairies and dry plains of North America, mainly in the U.S.A., 

from southern Saskatchewan and Manitoba, down into Texas.  

The most common species of purple coneflowers are E.angustifolia,

E.purpurea and E.pallida. E.angustifolia is in most demand 

medicinally though the other two mentioned species are just as 

effective when properly prepared. Below is a brief botanical 

description of the three common species: 

E.angustifolia - is smaller and delicate, grows to 2 ft. Leaves 

are lanceolate with smooth margins. Flower petals do not droop 

but spread outward from the seed-head. 

E.purpurea - grows to 5 ft. A robust plant with many ovate 

leaves. Leaf margins are toothed. Flowers are large with petals 

drooping towards the stem. 

E.pallida - grows to 3 ft. Leaves are lanceolate with smooth 

margins. The colour of the flowers vary from purple to white and

are drooping.  

The part of the plant used in herbal preparations is 

traditionally the root. When eating the fresh root an unusual 

tingling, numbing sensation occurs in the mouth and increases 

saliva flow. This anesthetic-like effect is also present in the 

seeds when sprouted. It is a good indicator as to how fresh the 

Echinacea preparation is.  

With today' attention on immune deficiency diseases, this is one

herb we cannot overlook. Research in Europe indicates that 

Echinacea does stimulate the immune system. This occurs when the

polysaccharides present in the plant, (complex carbohydrates 

which convert into sugars), stimulate the T cell lymphocytes, 

which in turn increases the production of interferon. This 

interferon activity protects cells against viral and bacterial 

infections. One polysaccharide named echinacin B has been 

isolated from E.angustifolia & E.purpurea and its' effect is 

healing for inflammations, wounds and swellings.  

Echinacea also contains an essential oil which has been tested in

the treatment of tumors.One case history involves a strong 

reaction to mosquito and black-fly bites. Symptoms are abnormal 

skin swellings and swollen lymph nodes. Echinacea taken 

internally reduced the swellings. 

Another case history involves the Epstein-barr virus, (a herpes-

like virus). Ingestion of Echinacea over a period of time, along

with dietary changes, improved the vitality of the immune system.

Energy level increased along with an improved resistance to  

minor colds and flu. 

The Native Indians used Echinacea for snake bites. They were 

aware of Echinacea's blood cleansing properties and also used the

plant for cancers and infections. 

Echinacea is most effective when used in its' fresh state. If you

are buying dried roots chew a piece first, if there is no numbing

sensation in the mouth then the roots are old or improperly 

dried. E.angustifolia dries well, though reports indicate that 

this species is sometimes substituted with E.purpurea or 

E.pallida and sold as E.angustifolia. The roots are best 

harvested in fall. Being a native plant this is one instance 

where we do not have to rely on importation and we should 

encourage the local herb farming of this species, (although it 

does take at least 3 years for the roots to mature and make it 

worthwhile digging up the plant!). 

Dosage of Echinacea tincture is up to 30 drops, 3 times a day for

adults depending on the seriousness of the ailment. The tincture

is usually taken for the duration of the illness, but of course 

there is a saying that you can take too much of a good thing, and

this is true with Echinacea. For example if you drink coffee 

every day the pick me up effect will eventually over stimulate 

you or will cease to work. Do not ingest Echinacea continuously 

over a long period of time, give your body a periodic rest from 

the immune stimulation. 

The only observed side effect from ingesting Echinacea is nausea,

although this is rare. It usually indicates that the body is full

of toxins, so decrease your intake of the herb. 

 

Anyone who would like to obtain this or any other tincture can

leave me a personal message here in the Garden. Alternatively it

can be purchased from the Occult Store on Vaughn Rd.

THIS ARTICLE IS COPYWRITE. IT MAY BE COPIED AND DISTRIBUTED

PROVIDED THIS NOTICE IS NOT REMOVED.

BOTANIC MEDICINE SOCIETY, BOX 82, STN. A, WILLOWDALE, ONTARIO,

CANADA. M2N 5S7.

Membership in the Botanic Medicine Society is available. Mail

$25.00 to the above address and receive the quarterly magazine The

Herbalist for one year. An essential reference for all those with

an interest in herbs and herbalism.

-----------------------------------------------------------------