ECHINACEA ROOT
Botanical: Echinacea purpurea Family: Compositae (daisy) - Asteraceae (aster) Other common names: Red Sunflower, Purple Coneflower, Black Sampson, Hedgehog, Coneflower, Snake Root, Sampson Root, Rudbeckia, Comb Flower, Indian Head

With a reputation as nature's best immune system enhancer, Echinacea Purpurea is believed to be one of nature's most powerful natural antibiotics. Considered the most potent of the Echinacea genus, Echinacea Purpurea helps to stimulate the body's resistance to infection, diseases, fever and blood poisoning. When you feel the flu or common cold coming on, reach for Echineacea, the "must-have" herb, for relief.

History:
Echinacea Purpurea is an herbaceous, perennial plant that is native to the plains of the American West and has been widely cultivated in Europe, where it is thought to be perhaps the most powerful natural antibiotic. The hairy plant bears lance-shaped leaves and long-stalked, purple flowers with drooping petals. The two-foot plant can be found growing in barrens, on prairies and other dry, open places, thriving in rich, well-drained soil in sun. Echinacea's name is derived from the Greek, echinos, meaning "hedgehog" or "sea urchin," referring to the sharp pointed bracts of the receptacles, giving the herb one of its many common names, "Hedgehog."  There are three species of this genus that include many of the same applications and properties (E. purpurea, E. angustifolia and E. pallida), and they are frequently used interchangeably. Native Americans used the purple coneflower more than any other plant in the treatment of illness and injury, including snakebites, fevers, wounds, burns, toothaches and infections.  The early colonists adopted Echinacea as a home remedy for colds and flu, and the herb became popular in American herbal and traditional medicine. The herb was included in the National Formulary, the pharmacists' reference book, from 1915 through 1950, and although interest in Echinacea declined in America after the 1930s, it was "rediscovered" in the 1980s, owing to the increased interest in immune system disorders, chronic fatigue syndrome, cancer, candidiasis, etc. Word of its healing properties traveled back to Europe, where it remains one of the most sought-after herbs, and it has been noted that German doctors prescribe Echinacea as often as they prescribe antibiotics. It is generally believed that Echinacea Purpurea is the most potent of the three, and being more easily cultivated, is also most widely used.  E. purpurea  is also thought to be the most effective species as a detoxicant and immune system booster, particularly in respiratory situations, and Echinacea has even been adopted by Ayurvedic practitioners. There is now greatly renewed interest in the United States, because of the herb's positive effect on the immune system, and the herb has achieved worldwide fame for its antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial properties; and based upon recent scientific documentation, this plant of the Western Plains will serve mankind well into the future. Echinacea contains a natural antibiotic called echinacoside (a glycoside) and a compound called echinacein (an amide). Both components neutralize enzymes produced by germs that attack healthy tissue and invade cells. Other constituents include fatty acids, essential oils, quercetin, alkaloids, polysaccharides, alkamides, fructans, carbohydrates, germacrene, humulene, limonene, myrcene, alpha pinene, beta-pinene, kaempferol, rutin, caffeic-, chlorogenic-, caftaric- and palmitic acids, terpenoids, vitamin B1, B2, B3 and vitamin C, iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, flavonoids, beta-carotene and other important nutrients.

Beneficial Uses:
Echinacea Purpurea works by helping to crank-up the immune system to ward off disease and infection. There is evidence that it may mimic the action of interferon, a natural chemical in the body that is capable of shielding cells from viral invasion. Considered an antiviral and antibacterial, Echinacea not only kills bacteria and viruses but also actually strengthens immunity by increasing the number of white blood cells in the blood stream. According to German researchers, the herb is said to increase the levels of infection-fighting T-cells by thirty percent, thereby building immune strength. The Commission E reported that E. purpurea has shown immuno-stimulant effects in several ways: The number of white blood cells and spleen cells is increased, the capacity for phagocytosis by human granulocytes is activated, and the body temperature is elevated.

Echinacea is now considered one of the most effective detoxicants in Western medicine for circulatory, lymphatic and respiratory systems, particularly E. purpurea, which is considered more potent than other species.  It is an excellent lymphatic tonic, cleansing the system of toxic materials, and it can be particularly helpful in cases of swollen glands and enlarged prostate.

Further supporting Echinacea's role as a depurative, or agent that tends to cleanse and purify the blood by killing contaminants in the blood, the herb is believed to be effective in the treatment of blood poisoning and septicemia. Echinacea also cleanses morbid matter from the stomach and helps to expel poisons, toxins, pus and abscess formations in the body.  Moreover, as a sweat-producing agent, Echinacea further cleanses the body of wastes and detoxifies the body through the skin.

Referred to as an antifungal, Echinacea Purpurea is said to be effective against vaginal yeast infections, such as Candida, and other fungal infections.

Echinacea Purpurea is being investigated for its possible indirect anticancer properties, via its general immune-enhancing effects. The stimulation of the herb's polysaccharides and phytosterols are particularly important, because they are the ingredients that appear to activate macrophages, the agents that engulf and digest tumor cells and destroy bacteria, viruses and infectious agents. According to Loyola University Health System information, some malignant diseases have been treated with Echinacea and the effect of chemotherapy may be improved with its use.

At the first sign of a cold, flu, fever, earache or whenever antibiotic action is required, take Echinacea. It is said to ward off infections, or at least diminish their length and severity. 

For the prevention and treatment of upper respiratory tract infections, E. purpurea is believed to be the most potent Echinacea species for this indication and has been useful in cases of bronchitis. Echinacea is considered an antiseptic and antibiotic that has a reputation for fighting any type of infection, bacteria, viruses and germs like no other and has been thought to be effective in the treatment of urinary tract infection, staph infection, recurring kidney infection, food poisoning, poisonous bites (snakes and insects), syphilis, diphtheria and other putrid fevers. In Germany, it is used to fight bronchitis and abscesses.

Echinacea is called an anti-inflammatory and an effective agent that works to reduce the pain and swelling from injury and combats all types of inflammation, including sore throat, tonsillitis and hemorrhoids.

Echinacea Purpurea is believed to promote tissue regeneration. It is considered an "alterative," or herb that gradually converts an unhealthy organ condition to a healthy organ and gradually facilitates beneficial changes in body.

Echinacea Purpurea is said to promote good digestion and help ease flatulence

Used both internally and externally, Echinacea's effects as a healing herb for all types of skin problems and infections are said to be legendary, helping to ease cuts, cold sores, boils, carbuncles, acne, herpes and gangrene. One of its chemical properties, called echinacein, is not only thought to repel germs but also stimulate skin cell repair. Topically, it has been used to ease sunburned skin, infected or weeping eczema, plant poisoning (ivy, etc.), herpes lesions, wounds and other infected skin conditions.

**Provided itself beneficial in research that involved people, endorsed by Germany’s Commission E for Therapeutic use, Breast Pain, Bronchitis, Burns, Colds, Coughing, Fever, Flu, HIV, Immune System, Depression, Infections (Including Listeria, Lyme Disease, Trichomoniasis, and Typhus), Meningitis, Mouth Inflammation, Mumps, Pharyngitis, Respiratory Problems, Urinary Tract Infections, White Blood Cell insufficiency (leukopein), Wounds.

*Provided itself beneficial in research that did not involve people, the study could have been done in a test tube, petri dish or animals for Therapeutic use, Abscesses, Acne, Allergies, Arthritis, Blood Poisoning, Boils, Cancer, Canker Sores, Carbuncles, Chemotherapy, Colon Cancer, Dry Eyes, Cramps, Crohn’s Disease, Cystitis, Dandruff, Dental Inflammation, Dysentery, Earache, Eczema, Gallbladder Problems, Goiter, Gonorrhea, Gum Disease, Headache, Herpes, Liver Cancer, Lymph Gland Enlargement or Disease, Meningitis, Parasitic  Infections, ( Leishmaniasis) Psoriasis, Scarlet Fever, Sinus Problems, Skin Inflammation, Sore Throat, Tonsillitis, Toothache, Tuberculosis, Varicose Veins, Whooping Cough Yeast Infections.

Contraindications:
Use with caution if you are allergic to ragweed.


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Disclaimer: The information presented herein by Organic Herbs Medicine Cabinet is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.