Echinacea augustifolia or Echinacea purpurea (Echinacea)
- Aunt Plantsy
- 15 hours ago
- 2 min read
I just cut up a bunch of fresh Echinacea roots and am so excited to have them on hand. Echinacea is well known for colds, flus, bronchitis and sore throats – but did you know it has many other uses as well? I will list those below if you are interested.
Most people know this wonderful plant as Echinacea, but other common names include (Kansas) Snakeroot, (Purple) Coneflower, Prairie, Black Sampson, and Spider Flower.
I often sell Echinacea seeds and Echinacea root tincture. If you are interested in growing it yourself, it is a perennial grown best in Zones 3 to 12. Growing conditions are loose soil with sand or well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade. It is easy to grow and self-seeds readily.
If you want to use the roots for medicinal purposes, make sure the roots are between 2 and 4 years old. Any older would be too woody. I like to use them around 3 years old.
Although this herb is safe for everybody, including children and the elderly, fresh Echinacea produces a tingling, numbing sensation on the tongue. Echinacea’s effectiveness will decrease if used continuously. It is best used for 5 days on and 2 days off until symptoms subside.
There are some contraindications that involve people with autoimmune diseases and concern if a patient has AIDS. It may cause nausea, vomiting, and fever reactions – which is usually dose dependent. Men taking large doses may experience infertility. However, these are rare circumstances. It can also cause allergies if allergic to the Compositae family.
Other reported uses for Echinacea, which were discovered through my medical research include treating strep throat, acute bacterial and viral infections, weak immune system; also known as a gland and lymphatic cleanser; treating earaches, enlargement of prostate gland, acute inflammatory conditions (boils, skin eruptions, sores, venomous bites, gangrene, septicemia, poison oak, poison ivy, syphilis and gonorrhea), acute arthritic diseases, certain cancers, and various viral diseases, herpes, vesicular stomatitis; helps with tissue repair and limits swelling; and edema problems such as hemorrhoids, contusions, sprains, bee stings, wasp stings, conenoses and mosquito bites; also treats connective tissue swelling such as tennis elbow, skier’s knee, and jogger’s ankle, fungal infections (athlete’s foot, yeast infections), UTI, mastitis, burns, and wounds; helps stimulate salivation; and treats gingivitis, laryngitis, and allergies.
Wow, did you read all of that? Good for you! This all came from my research in my herbalism course. I will cite all the sources below if you are interested.
I must add that this product has not been evaluated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult with your healthcare professional before taking.
REFERENCES:
The Science & Art of Herbalism.
The Way of Herbs by Michael Tierra, L.Ac., O.M.D.
Medical Plants of the Desert and Canyon West by Michael Moore.
The Green Pharmacy by James A. Duke, Ph.D.
Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth by Dr. Sharol Marie Tilgner.
Please visit me online at www.peasbeewithewe.com
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