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Resembling a Black-Eyed Susan, Echinacea or Purple Coneflower is a North American perennial that is indigenous to the central plains where it grows on road banks, prairies, fields and in dry, open woods. It is also called Snake Root because it grows from a thick black root that Native American Indians used to treat snake bites.
Herbalists consider Echinacea one of the best blood purifiers and an effective antibiotic. It activates the body's immune system, increasing the chances of fighting off any disease. This popular herb has been used to help ward off the common cold and to relieve the symptoms of hayfever.
The Plains Indians used various species of Echinacea to treat poisonous insect and snake bites, toothaches, sore throats, wounds, as well as mumps, smallpox, and measles. The settlers quickly adopted the therapeutic use of the plant, and since that time it has become one of the top selling herbs in the United States.
Since the early 1900's hundreds of scientific articles have been written about Echinacea. Most of the research during the past 10 years has focused on the immunostimulant properties of the plant. (i.e. enhancing the body’s natural defense system).
The constituents of Echinacea include essential oil, polysaccharides, polyacetylenes, betain, glycoside, sesquiterpenes and caryophylene. It also contains copper, iron, tannins, protein, fatty acids and vitamins A, C and E.
The most important immune-stimulating components are the large polysaccharides, such as inulin, that increase the production of T-cells and increase other natural killer cell activity. Fat-soluble alkylamides and a caffeic acid glycoside called echinacoside also contribute to the herb's immune empowering effects.
As for all supplements, if you have an illness please consult your medical practitioner before use.
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