ECHINACEA
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Echinacea angustifolia CONEFLOWER, PURPLE CONEFLOWER, BLACK SAMPSON, KANSAS SNAKEROOT Echinacea has been known to increase resistance to infection for centuries. Science has shown that it increases the number of white blood cells that fight infection. Both Native Americans and the early settlers used this plant for protecting wounds from infections, and even to cure snakebites. It is also antiviral and is being studied in California as a possible treatment for AIDS. A native of central and south-western United States but domesticated varieties are widely grown in gardens across the world. It prefers dry open ground. Perennial to l m (3ft.) with coarse hairy stems and sparse lanceolate leaves also with coarse hairs. Terminal flowers have a raised cone of florets with an outer ring of purple-ray florets and appear in late summer. Easily cultivated. PARTS USED: Roots and rhizome. ACTIVE INGREDIENTS/ACTIONS: GIycoside, echinacoside; echinacin; polysaccharides; polyacetylenes; essential oil, including humulene; caryophyllene; flavonoids. Antiseptic, antiviral, immune stimulant, alterative. MEDICINAL USE: To disinfect wounds and encourage healing, especially in boils, carbuncles and septicaemia; useful in upper respiratory tract infections, including influenza, tonsillitis and pharyngitis. Sipped regularly it combats flu infections. As an alterative in skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. PREPARATIONS: Decoction, tincture, tablets. Dose: 2-10ml dried herb equivalent three times daily. |