Echinacea
Botanical name
Echinacea angustifolia
Common Names
Purple coneflower, blacksamson echinacea
FAMILY
Compositae (Asteraceae)
Description
A plant that produces purple flowers with a multicoloured head.
Part supplied
The chopped root.
Food Use
Recipes
Use 1 teaspoon of dried herb to one cup of boiling water to make a tasty tea. Infuse for 5-10 minutes. Sweeten with honey or lemon to taste.
Alternatively add half a teaspoon (2.5 ml) of tincture to a cup of warm water for a quick alternative to tea.
The herb can be added as a flavouring to gin, vodka and other infusions.
Medicinal Use
Immune support, influenza, the common cold.
Key actions: Depurative, anti-inflammatory, lymphatic, vulnerary, sialogogue, immune enhancer, immune modulating.
In clinic: Herbalists use this herb to treat catarrh (within the upper respiratory tract), absesses, boils, septicaemia and tonsilitis.
If you are interested in the medicinal use of this herb please consult a herbalist. Herbs are generally used at medicinal strength, in blends, prescribed for each unique patient's condition.
Directions
Decoction: 1 to 2 teaspoons of root to a cup of cold water, bring to the boil and leave to sit for 15 minutes. Or steep 1 teaspoon bark in cold water overnight. Flavour with lemon, ginger or honey if desired. Drink 3 times a day unless otherwise told by a medical herbalist.
Tincture: Take 5 ml (1:3 in 45% tincture), 3 times a day or as directed by a practitioner.
Fluid extract: 1:1 45%. Take 0.5 to 1 ml, 3 times a day or as directed by a practitioner.
Dried Herb: Maximum of 3 g per day may be taken as a powder or capsules.
Other Uses
Cosmetic Use
None known.
Other Uses
None known.
Cautions
Contraindications
This herb is considered safe in food amounts. Do not take if you are allergic to this plant or other members of this plant's family (Compositae). Not all herbs are suitable in pregnancy, breastfeeding or for young children. If in doubt, please ask us or your medical herbalist.
Side effects
None known. Plant extracts cause few side effects when taken correctly but if a side effect is experienced please contact us.
Interactions with drugs
Theoretically speaking, echinacea could potentially interfere with immunosuppressant therapy. Seek professional advice before taking.
Herbal remedies and supplements can interact with medicines. If you are taking medication please check with your medical practitioner, or call us, before taking herbs, supplements and medication together.
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