Scientific name: Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea purpurea

Other names: Purple coneflower

Medical uses and remedies:

Abscesses
Antiseptic
Burns
Cancer (to stabilize white blood cells)
Common cold
Crohn's disease
Ear infections
Eczema
Flu (influenza)
Gingivitis
Herpes
Immune function benefits
Infections (general)
Mouth ulcers (canker sores)
Periodontal disease
Snake bites
Sore throat
Wound healing
Yeast infection

Dosage:

Powder - 900 mg

Liquid extract - 3-4 ml

Tea - 1-2 g

Dried root - 1-2 g

Freeze dried - 325-650 mg

Echinacea may be taken for up to six to eight weeks, after which a break should be taken as the effects of echinacea may decrease with prolonged use.

Cautions and side effects:

Prior to using echinacea, a patient should check with a physician if suffering from an autoimmune illness or progressive disease. Individuals allergic to flowers in the Asteraceae family (also known as Compositae, sunflower, aster, or daisy family) should use caution in taking echinacea. Check with a medical professional for additional precautions and contraindications before taking any herb.

Active ingredients:

Caffeic acid derivatives (phenolic compounds: caffeic acid, caftaric acid, chichoric acid, chlorogenic acid, and echinacoside)
Alkamides
Polysaccharides

Learn about other herbal medicines: browse by common name or scientific name.