Echinacea, pronounced ek-ah-nay-sha, is helpful to the lymphatic system and is a powerful immune system stimulant. It fights viral and bacterial infections and has anti-inflammatory properties. Echinacea is useful in cases of colic, colds, flu, and infections of all kinds. A cup of echinacea tea should be drunk whenever thebody is under attack.

Externally applied, echinacea fights infection, reduces inflammation, and promotes healing. It is useful against many skinconditions.

DESCRIPTION AND PARTS USED

Echinacea is native to the North American midwest. It typically grows from two to three feet high, puts forth several stems per clump, and has thick, hairy leaves that are anywhere from three to eight inches long. This perennial herb usually has one large, light purple flower per stem. The flowers appear during the second year of growth. The medicinal properties of echinacea are stored in the root.

Herbal BeautyHISTORICAL NOTES

Native Americans were using this medicinal long before the colonists arrived. The Sioux used echinacea for snakebite; the tribes of Nebraska used it as both a pain reliever and antiseptic. Chewing the root quickly healed a sore throat, and toothaches were treated by applying a piece of root directly on the affected tooth.

By the latter part of the nineteenth century, this herb was in common use as a blood purifier. Back then, echinacea tea was the doctor’s treatment of choice for, in the words of an old American herbal, “bad blood with a tendency to sepsis and malignancy.” As word of its effectiveness spread, echinacea became a favorite of European healers as well. Echinacea was one of the Shaker’s most successful exports.

SCIENTIFIC FINDINGS

The immune-enhancing properties of echinacea have been documented in many studies. It has been shown to stimulate the production of white blood cells, the “soldiers” of the immune system, and to deactivate the enzyme hyaluronidase. Without this enzyme, invading organisms are less able to permeate tissues. The Journal of Medical Chemistry published a study showing that an extract of echinacea slowed down the growth of tumors in lab animals. Planta Medica published findings that an extract of echinacea destroyed herpes and influenza viruses in a test tube. Several sources have reported that the topical application of echinacea works against psoriasis, eczema, and the candida fungus.

TRADITIONAL USE

Internal. To prepare a healing tea using dried or powdered echinacea, use 1 to 2 teaspoons (1/6 to 1/3 ounce or 4 to 8 grams) of the herb per cup of freshly boiled pure water. If using a piece of the whole root, prepare a decoction instead. To give the immune system a boost, take 1 cup of tea 3 times daily as a general stimulant.

External. Echinacea can promote healing and fight infection in many skin diseases and is helpful for cuts, sores, and minor burns. Even wounds and stubborn sores that refuse to close and heal will benefit from this traditional Native American remedy.

CONSIDERATIONS

Echinacea is regarded as an extremely safe herb with virtually no reported instances of toxicity. When shopping for this herb, select a preparation that has been freeze-dried. The experts say that some of echinacea’s active compounds can be lost if the herb is prepared in an alcohol-based tincture.

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