Echinacea is a member of the sunflower family and was used originally by the North
American Indians who inhabited the plains of North America. These native Americans
used Echinacea to heal wounds, infections and insect and snake bites. The plant consists
of three main species and these are the Echinacea angustifolia. Echinacea pallida and
Echinacea purpurea but is also known as Black Sampson. Purple Coneflower, Rudbeckia
and Missouri snake root. The plant itself grows to a height of between three and five feet
and has characteristic large purple flowers.

The species most commonly used in the USA has been Echinacea angustifolia whereas
in Europe more studies have been carried out using Echinacea purpurea and this is the
type that is traditionally used now in the UK and the rest of Europe.

The Benefits of Echinacea

                  Echinacea has been used for a number of conditions including:-
Colds and Influenza Viral and bacterial infections Skin complaints Relief of pain and swelling Bites and scratches
Allergies Tonsillitis, inflamed gums and mucus problems
Bums and eczema (used externally)

Properties

Polysaccharides and phytosterols- potent non-specific stimulators of the immune system. Echinacin- a polysaccharide exhibiting antibiotic and antifungal activity as well as cortisone- like activity which helps wound healing by inhibition of the enzyme hyaluronidase which is an inflammatory enzyme. Sesquiterpene esters- exhibit immunostimulatory activity.

Others- Echinacea also contains a number of other active substances which with echanacin inhibit the hyaluronidase enzyme.

Contraindications / Precautions

Anyone with kidney disorders should restrict use to ten days due to the fact that longer
use may lead to imbalance in excreted minerals.