The beauty of Echinacea is equal its value medicinally. The intense
purple rosy and daisy-like flowers outshine most flowers in the herb
garden. Even the Monarch butterflies find it attractive. This
perennial plant's natural habitats are the prairies and dry plains of
North America, mainly in the U.S.A., from southern Saskatchewan and
Manitoba, down into Texas.

The most common species of purple coneflowers are E. angustifolia,
E. purpurea and E. pallida. E. angustifolia is in most demand
medicinally though the other two mentioned species are just as
effective when properly prepared. Below is a brief botanical
description of the three common species:

E. angustifolia - is smaller and delicate, grows to 2 ft. Leaves are
lanceolate with smooth margins. Flower petals do not droop but spread
outward from the seed-head.

E. purpurea - grows to 5 ft. A robust plant with many ovate
leaves. Leaf margins are toothed. Flowers are large with petals
drooping towards the stem.

E. pallida - grows to 3 ft. Leaves are lanceolate with smooth
margins. The colour of the flowers vary from purple to white and are
drooping.

The part of the plant used in herbal preparations is traditionally the
root. When eating the fresh root an unusual tingling, numbing
sensation occurs in the mouth and increases saliva flow. This
anesthetic-like effect is also present in the seeds when sprouted. It
is a good indicator as to how fresh the Echinacea preparation is.

With today' attention on immune deficiency diseases, this is one herb
we cannot overlook. Research in Europe indicates that Echinacea does
stimulate the immune system. This occurs when the polysaccharides
present in the plant, (complex carbohydrates which convert into
sugars), stimulate the T cell lymphocytes, which in turn increases the
production of interferon. This interferon activity protects cells
against viral and bacterial infections. One polysaccharide named
echinacin B has been isolated from E. angustifolia & E. purpurea and
its effect is healing for inflammations, wounds and swellings.

Echinacea also contains an essential oil which has been tested in the
treatment of tumors. One case history involves a strong reaction to
mosquito and black-fly bites. Symptoms are abnormal skin swellings and
swollen lymph nodes. Echinacea taken internally reduced the swellings.

Another case history involves the Epstein-barr virus, (a herpes-like
virus). Ingestion of Echinacea over a period of time, along with
dietary changes, improved the vitality of the immune system. Energy
level increased along with an improved resistance to minor colds and
flu. The Native Indians used Echinacea for snake bites. They were
aware of Echinacea's blood cleansing properties and also used the
plant for cancers and infections.

Echinacea is most effective when used in its fresh state. If you are
buying dried roots chew a piece first, if there is no numbing
sensation in the mouth then the roots are old or improperly
dried. E. angustifolia dries well, though reports indicate that this
species is sometimes substituted with E. purpurea or E. pallida and
sold as E. angustifolia. The roots are best harvested in fall. Being a
native plant this is one instance where we do not have to rely on
importation and we should encourage the local herb farming of this
species, (although it does take at least 3 years for the roots to
mature and make it worthwhile digging up the plant!).

Dosage of Echinacea tincture is up to 30 drops, 3 times a day for
adults depending on the seriousness of the ailment. The tincture is
usually taken for the duration of the illness, but of course there is
a saying that you can take too much of a good thing, and this is true
with Echinacea. For example if you drink coffee every day the pick me
up effect will eventually over stimulate you or will cease to work. Do
not ingest Echinacea continuously over a long period of time, give
your body a periodic rest from the immune stimulation.

The only observed side effect from ingesting Echinacea is nausea,
although this is rare. It usually indicates that the body is full of
toxins, so decrease your intake of the herb.
 
Anyone who would like to obtain this or any other tincture can leave
me a personal message here in the Garden. Alternatively it can be
purchased from the Occult Store on Vaughn Rd.

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