Echinacea: Medicinal Properties
By Teresa Workman Noble
Writer for End the Lie
PLEASE NOTE: I do not recommend self-diagnosis or self-medication. The information contained in this web site is from my studies and research. Some of the information contained herein is hearsay and may not be correct. Use the information from this page only at your own risk! If in doubt consult a naturopathic doctor.
Uses: Enhance the activity of the immune system, relieve pain, reduce inflammation, an antiviral, and antioxidant. To treat urinary tract infections, vaginal yeast infections, Colds and flu, skin infections such as acne and boils, ear infections, athlete’s foot, sinusitis, hay fever, as well as slow-healing wounds. As a mouthwash for sore throats, tonsillitis, mouth ulcers and gum infections.
Identification: Described as “daisy-like.” Bloom colour ranges from deep reddish-purple to white. Petals are numerous, narrow and droop downward from a spiny cone located in the center of the flower. Flowers appear from early to late summer. The leaves which are covered in short prickly hairs and will feel like sandpaper. They are staggered along the plant stem rather than positioned across from each other. Leaf shape varies from oblong to lance-shaped. You will find large leaves at the bottom. Stems like their leaves, feel rough to the touch. The top 6 to 10 inches is usually leafless. Grows 2 to 5 feet tall.
Harvesting: Roots are harvested in the fall when the tops have gone to seed and the plants have experienced a couple of hard frosts. Tops are harvested just as the flowers start to open.
Infusion: dried-1 teaspoon per cup fresh-2 teaspoons per cup
Tincture: 1 – 3 mL of standardized tincture extract (20 – 90 drops)
Mouthwash: Dilute a few drops of tincture in water to make mouthwash.
Warnings: It should not be used for more than 20 days. Do not use in children under 13. Do not use if you are allergic to daisies or anything in the aster family.
Echinacea Plant
Echinacea Leaf
A lot can be done with plants and herbs a separate branch of traditional medicine Ayurveda is dedicated to it.