The purple coneflower called Echinacea is a native North American plant. You can find it throughout the central plains, where it grows wild on road banks, fields, prairies, and in the open woods. The flower looks sort of like a black-eyed Susan, with a prominent center and colorful purple petals, instead of Susan’s bright yellow ones.
The Plains Indians also called the plant snake root because the roots of Echinacea were used to treat snake bites. But that’s not all. Echinacea was used to treat poisonous insect bites, toothaches, sore throat, wounds, and infectious diseases. Settlers quickly picked up the medicinal uses of the plant from their native neighbors.
Today, Echinacea is considered one of the top natural antibiotics available. It helps activate the body’s immune system, increasing production of T-cells and helping get white blood cells into action. Studies show that Echinacea can help your body prevent the formation of enzymes that destroy healthy cells’ natural protective barriers. This makes Echinacea very effective in fighting infections like upper respiratory infections, sinus infections, and even staph and strep infections.
Echinacea is also used in treating the common cold and warding off symptoms of seasonal allergies. If you feel a cold coming on, you may want to try taking an Echinacea supplement for a few days to give your immune system a boost. Echinacea is available on its own, or in combination with other infection fighters like vitamin C and goldenseal.
Externally, powdered Echinacea root or juice can stimulate wound healing. A salve or poultice that includes Echinacea can help ease burns, insect bites, acne, and eczema.
Echinacea also contains essential minerals like copper and iron, beneficial fatty acids, and vitamins A, C, and E.
Echinacea is perhaps most useful as a preventative measure — take Echinacea when you feel something coming and you can help your body fight it off before it gets bad. If you are seriously ill, you should contact your doctor or visit an urgent care clinic. Use any and all home remedies (including Echinacea) at your own risk!