Echinacea, or purple coneflower, is a perennial herb of the daisy family. It is often referred to as the purple coneflower, but may also be termed Sampson root, Missouri snakeroot, and rudbeckia.

Three species of Echinacea are beneficial in medical uses. They are known as Echinacea augustifolia, Echinacea purpurea, and Echinacea pallida. Numerous medicinal properties that work together synergistically can be found throughout the entire plant.

The most common uses of Echinacea include boosting the immune system and combating infection. Research indicates that Echinacea increases production of an antiseptic and antimicrobial called interferon. Interferon increases the number of white blood cells available to destroy bacteria and slow the spread of infection in the body.

The herbal extract cleanses and purifies the bloodstream, and has been used effectively to treat boils. A substance in the root known as caffeic acid glycoside promotes wound healing as well. The herb has also been a popular choice among many for the treatment of urinary infections, Candida albicans infections and even hemmorhoids. Echinacea is also a febrifuge, making it useful for fever reduction. Echinacea in tincture form can also be used as an effective mouthwash for the treatment of pyorrhea and gingivitis.

In clinical studies the entire plant has been shown to have medicinal properties with levels of effectiveness that vary. In the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections, Echinacea has proven to be particularly effective. Some research suggests Echinacea activates the macrophages that destroy cancer cells and pathogens. An extract of the root has been found to increase production of white blood cells in the body when taken after cancer treatments.

Echinacea seems to provide the most benefits when taken at the first sign of illness, rather than when used as a daily preventative. Research has also shown the E. purpurea root to be very effective in reducing the duration and severity of colds and flu. While some herbalists consider only the root as the medicinal part, research studies in Europe and the United States have concluded that the entire plant is medicinally effective

All three species of Echinacea are rich in vitamins and minerals and can be considered an herbal source of niacin, chromium, silicon, iron, manganese, selenium and zinc.

* Important note: Echinacea stimulates the immune system so it should not be taken for long periods of time by people who have auto-immune disorders. The recommended doses are for those over age 18. Always check herb and vitamin use with your child’s health care practitioner prior to administering them.