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ECHINACEA
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(Euchacea angustifolia) Top
Pick
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Other Names
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Kansas
Niggerhead,
Narrow-Leafed Purple Coneflower, Rudbeckia, Samson Root.
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Description
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Echinacea is a perennial plant native to the Canadian prairies and some parts of
the United States. The bristly stem produces tapered, fuzzy leaves that are very
unique. 15 to
20 large purple rays appear in a disk format blooming from June through
August.
Learn How To Beat
Cancer
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Classification
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Dry
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Taste
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Pungent
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Balance Yin/Yang
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Cool
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Humor
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Fire
ê Water
ê Air
é
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Uses/Applications
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Echinacea is one of the most exciting therapeutic herbs, used to fight both viral
and bacterial infections. When used with other herbs any infection - Abscess, Acne, Adenoids, Boils,
Bronchitis, Catarrh, Cystitis, Gingivitis, Swollen Glands, Glandular Fever, Influenza, Laryngitis,
Sinusitis, Tonsillitis, can be treated.
It also promotes proper digestion.
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Capsules
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Take on the onset of acute infection such as colds, influenza, or urinary tract
infection.
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Decoction
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Use for acute stages of infection.
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Powder
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Use as a dust for infected skin conditions such as boils or weeping
wounds.
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Tincture
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Use for influenza, chills, urinary tract infection during the first couple of
days.
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Wash
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Use the wash on infected wounds.
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Combinations
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Combines well with many different herbs.
For chronic conditions combine with herbs such as Buchu, Couchgrass, or
Cleaver.
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Constituents
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Volatile Oil, Glycoside, Phenols.
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Action
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Anti-Microbial, Tonic, Anti-Catarrhal.
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Food Values
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Vitamin C.
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Part Used
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Flower, Root.
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Collection
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In the fall, after the plant has finished flowering, dig up the
roots. Then
wash, chop, and dry them. Collect the flowers while they are in bloom and dry
thoroughly.
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Preparation
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Capsules
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Take three 200 mg. capsules up to three times per day at the onset of acute
infections such as colds, influenza, or urinary tract infections.
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Decoction
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Put 2 Tsp. root in a cup of water and bring to a boil. Simmer 15
minutes. Take
three times per day. You can take 10 ml. doses every 1 - 2 hours at the onset of acute
illness.
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Tincture
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Take 1 - 4 ml. three times per day. Do not use rootstock once it
has lost its odor. During the first couple of days of acute symptoms take 2 - 5 ml. doses
every 2 - 3 hours.
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Wash
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Use the decoction or diluted tincture for infected
wounds. Bath the area frequently.
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Growing Directions
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Plant seeds, but do not cover if the temperature is in the 20’s
C. Echinacea
grows well in fertile, well drained soil, and full to partial sun. It takes 3 to 4 years of growth
before it can be harvested.
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History
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For more than 100 years Echinacea was used by the Plains Indians for a wide range
of ailments, such as snakebites, fever, and old stubborn wounds. Early American settlers adopted
the plant as a home remedy for colds and influenza. In the past 50 years it has
achieved worldwide fame for its anti-viral, anti-fungal, and antibacterial properties.
Echinacia became a
pawn in a game of war. Alternative physicians touted the values of while regular physicians
denounced its medicinal value. By 1930 antibiotics became available and Echinacia’s popularity dropped and
eventually it was completely forgotten.
In the 1970’s it was revived and since then it has made a huge
comeback. It
has also been used for AIDS therapy.
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Additional Information
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1. The root is usually used in tinctures and powders for almost any type of
infection or inflammation.
2. The flower is less commonly used. Clinical studies have confirmed
its value as an antiseptic topically preventing harmful germs from attacking vulnerable tissue and
speeding up the healing process.
3. Research shows promising anti-cancer activity, but it is too early to call
it a cancer treatment. I guess time will tell.
4. Studies also show Echinacea revs up the immune system increasing production
of infection fighting T Cells 30% or more than other immune boosting
drugs.
5. In Germany, tests on people with yeast infections have shown dramatic
results. Of
those treated with Echinacea only 16% had reoccurrence as opposed to 30% for those treated the
traditional method.
6. Science has confirmed Echinacea’s use as a wound
healer. The same chemical that prevents germs from penetrating tissue also
encourages faster healing.
7. German research has successfully treated rheumatoid arthritis with
Echinacea. The same chemical that shields tissue from germs also lubricates
joints.
8. Research shows it kills a broad range of viruses, bacteria, fungi, and
protozoa.
9. German research reports using Echinacia successfully to treat colds, flu,
tonsillitis, tuberculoses, bronchitis, meningitis, wounds, abscess, psoriasis, whooping cough, and
ear infection.
12. From 1916 -1950 it was listed in the National
Formulary.
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Cautions
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1. High doses occasionally cause nausea and
dizziness.
2. Do not use rootstock if it has lost its odor.
3. Use for 2 weeks then stop. It is not harmful to keep
taking, your body just starts to build up a resistance to it so it is not as
effective.
4. If you are pregnant consult your physician.
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Magick Information
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There is no magical value.
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