Echinacea is on the top ten list of best known herbs today. Native American tribes used it for centuries to fight off infections and cold symptoms. By the early 1900's, Echinacea was the number one best selling herb in the United States. However, this all changed with the introduction of the "miracle drugs" called antibiotics and because of the AMA pronouncement that Echinacea was "useless." Now, we know antibiotics are not miracle drugs and that Echinacea truly has a wide variety of benefits. This has resulted in a fresh look and increased use of the herb.

Echinacea is also called coneflower. Though Echinacea has nine species, the best known is purpurea. It is a perennial plant and grows to a height of three to four feet. The plant produces beautiful purple flowers that are four to six inches across. The flowers are sometimes called droops, especially in the Baltic region, because the petals droop after growing outward from the cone.

Most of the research done on Echinacea purpurea comes from Germany and was done by Dr. Gerhard Madaus. His work resulted in the development of Echinacin, a juice made from the flowers, leaves, and stems of the Echinacea plant. More commonly, extracts from just the root are used.

The modern studies have shown that the AMA's initial evaluation of Echinacea was in error. It is actually an excellent infection fighter and is also used as a powerful natural antibiotic. It is commonly mixed with other herbs, especially cayenne, goldenseal, and yarrow. Echinacea is effective in the treatment of blood disorders such as gangrene, carbuncles, and abscesses, as well as poisonous bites of insects and snakes.

Echinacea is most famous today for its ability to help fight infections of the respiratory and digestive tracts. Controlled studies show that Echinacea contains these stimulants for the immune system. The ingredients that stimulate the immune system are the water-soluble polysaccharides. It also has antiexudative, antiviral, bacteriostatic, anti-inflammatory, and fungistatic properties. Preliminary research seems to indicate that Echinacea has possibilities as a cancer fighter.

Echinacea is especially good at cleansing the glands and lymphatic system. Because of this, it is used to treat prostate problems, ear infections, strep throat, tonsillitis, and swollen lymph glands. It works well with chickweed to help weight loss too. Echinacea is effective in attacking viral, fungi, and bacterial invaders. Therefore Echinacea can prevent and treat upper respiratory infections, tuberculosis, vaginal yeast infections, sinusitis, sties, and athlete's foot. It also speeds recovery time from an infection without causing any of the side effects of medications.

It is easy to make Echinacea tea from the root powder or dried leaves. The tincture is effectively applied both internally and externally. For example, one dropper of tincture in tea can be applied for earaches or for treating athlete's foot. Echinacea powder is said to produce its greatest results when freeze-dried. Of course, it is available as a capsule also.

Unlike most herbs, Echinacea should only be used when you know you have a need, rather than on a regular basis as a supplement. However, it can be taken to strengthen the body against infection. The roots have a potent concentration of the same properties found in the tops. This makes it much more effective to use the whole plant when possible. This is by no means an exhaustive list of all the target problems for which Echinacea is used. But the list does emphasize how useful this herb is.