What Is Echinacea Purpurea?

Echinacea purpurea is one of the most popular medicinal herbs, gaining attention in recent years for its effectiveness in fighting infection. This useful plant is native to the United States, where it was used by native peoples and early immigrants alike. In the garden, this hardy plant with tall pink flowers can be a welcome addition.

Plant Facts

• Echinacea purpurea is a flowering herb of the Aster family. The plant occurs naturally throughout the eastern United States and as far west as Colorado and Texas. Common names include coneflower, eastern purple coneflower and snakeroot. Echinacea is a prairie plant, and thrives in gardens and fields throughout the United States. It is currently listed as endangered in Florida, and is on the threatened list for Michigan.

Benefits of the Herb

• Echinacea purpurea has a long history of medicinal use. Native peoples used it to treat sore throats, toothaches, inflammation and coughs, and to dress wounds and treat infections. Modern science recognizes the benefits of echinacea as an immune booster. In a 1997 study, researchers at the Department of Medicine, University of California at Irvine Medical Center at Orange showed that echinacea purpurea extracts enhanced the immune function of white blood cells in both healthy subjects and those with chronic fatigue syndrome.

How to Take the Herb

• The main indication for echinacea is helping the body recover in the early stages of infection. It is especially useful for sore throats, colds, and other respiratory infections. The herb works best when taken at the first signs of illness. Echinacea can be taken in tea, tincture (alcohol extract of the plant) or capsule form. The root is the part most commonly used, but some herbalists will use the stems, leaves, and flowers as well. Echinacea is generally used for short periods of time, from a few days to a few weeks, when combating infection or for the prevention of recurrent infection. There is little benefit to taking this herb for "immune support" in the absence of current or threatening illness.

Contraindications and Cautions

• Echinacea is not associated with toxicity in the short- or long-term. Because the herb seems to boost immune activity, those with autoimmune conditions are sometimes told to avoid it. As with any herb, supplement or medication, patients should pay close attention to their reactions and discontinue the substance if adverse side effects occur. If an infection progresses, contact your primary care physician immediately. Signs of progression include a new or rising fever, increased tiredness, and--in the case of wounds--red lines arising from the infection, and increased redness, warmth or pus at the site of injury. Please consult an herbalist, naturopathic practitioner, or other natural medicine professional for further guidance in the use of this herb.

Gardening

• Echinacea purpurea is tolerant of drought and poor soil, and prefers bright sun and a well-drained location. It is a perennial that self-seeds generously, and new seedlings will grow at the base of last year's plants. The flowers last well into fall and attract butterflies, honeybees and other beneficial insects to the garden. This herb can be grown in most areas of the United States, and is easy to maintain in a natural or organic garden.