In addition, it soothes inflammation and promotes wound healing. This means that the plant has the ability to “shake up” our immune system – make it adapt when we are attacked by microbes – but also to “calm it down” when it is hyperactive, as is the case with allergic reactions. One extensive research paper confirmed echinacea’s immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and healing properties. Science has proven in numerous clinical studies conducted in our century what the Indians had known for a long time and what was Vogel’s personal conviction. What attracted him most was echinacea’s strong effect on immunity and viral infections. It is said that Vogel received the seeds of this plant from Black Elk, a sorcerer of the Lakota tribe echinacea became Vogel’s favourite plant and he started cultivating it in his country. The first European to recognise echinacea’s medical potential was Swiss herbalist Alfred Vogel, as late as in the 1950s. Meyer the tonic was used for everything from snake bites to syphilis, scarlet fever, diphtheria to blood poisoning. In America, it saw its first official “Western” medicinal use in Meyer’s blood purifier, a miraculous tonic made by German migrant H.C.F. American Indian sorcerer’s gift to EuropeĪccording to some sources, echinacea was first introduced to Europe by the American naturalist John Bannister who sent the seeds to England in 1699, where it was long valued as an ornamental plant. Centuries before Europeans set foot on this continent, it had been used to treat various ailments, especially snake bites and open wounds. This cute flower is of North American origin where it was first discovered by the Indians in the prairies – they were the first to realise that it has much more to offer than its beauty. This small central cup is also part of the plant’s English name: purple coneflower. Its Latin name, Echinacea purpurea, has a less charming connotation: ekhinos in Greek means a sea urchin, and the association is to do with the central prickly disc of its flower around which petals are arranged. It is thanks to them that it is frequently used as a decorative plant in gardens and backyards. The flowers, seeds, or roots, when chewed cause a mouth tingling sensation similar to that of Spilanthes ( Acmela oleracea).Īpothecary Garden, Low Maintenance, Attracts Pollinators, Cut Flowers, Container Garden, Woodland Garden.If we were to choose the most beautiful medicinal plant, top prize would most likely be given to echinacea thanks to its beautiful purple flowers. It is also a good remedy for toothaches, and can be used as a mouthwash to reduce bacterial build up and encourage healthy tissue growth. It is especially useful for infections of the upper respiratory tract, such as from cold and flu. It strengthens the immune system making it more effective against infection. It was used primarily for the purpose of detoxifying the blood and lymph long before it became popular as an immune system booster.Įchinacea acts as a herbal antibiotic both internally and topically. Many of the Echinacea species have become threatened from over-harvesting in the wild, as such it is best to grow this herb yourself or source it from farms rather than from the wild.Įchinacea is one of the most effective detoxifying herbs available in the Western materia medica. The root is best harvested after the second or third year in the fall. The flowers can be collected as they open during the summer months. The plants can be cut back to the ground in the fall time.īoth the flower heads and the roots are medicinally valuable. They may require regular waterings during the dry season. Seeds germinate easily when started in flats in spring and then transplanted out once the seedlings are big enough and the soil has warmed. In the garden it does well in most soils, and will be quite drought tolerant once established. Showy pink-purple flowers.Įchinacea enjoys the dappled shade found in meadows and prairies. Clump-forming herbaceous perennial to about 3.5 feet tall.
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