Echinacea

ALRIGHT FRIENDS! HERE IT IS—

the first of thirteen Herb of the Week (HOW) features! Each week I’ll be discussing a new herb, it’s primary uses, its conservation status, folklore and the most important things you need to know to start using it. Herb of the Week is intended to be a basic introduction to home herbalism and I will only be covering herbs suitable for the whole family. 

I’m so excited to start sharing these amazing plant friends with you, so let’s dive in! 

Our first herb is Echinacea angustifolia and E. purpurea. Also called Coneflower or Purple Coneflower, Echinacea spp. is native to a large part of the U.S. ranging from Colorado, all the way to Michigan and Florida. Like many of our prized medicinal herbs, Echinacea has been used for centuries in Native American remedies. 

Echinacea’s popularity has skyrocketed the past four decades, mostly because of it’s amazing immuno-stimulating properties. European researchers, mostly from Germany, have studied the plant and found that it helps improve immunity by increasing macrophage and T-Cell activity, making it easier for the body to fight off pathogens. Taking Echinacea super-charges your body’s first line of defense heading off colds before they start. It’s best to take Echinacea at the first signs of illness and pair it with other immune boosting therapeutics like lots of water, proper rest (both physical and mental), and nutritious food.

Echinacea is endangered! According to the USDA, Echinacea is officially listed as endangered in Florida and probably extirpated in Michigan. Echinacea is a slow-growing plant, taking up to three years to reach full seeding maturity and harvesting its root kills the plant, leaving the area susceptible to fungus and infection. In addition to this, many people, looking to profit, have poached coneflower illegally from state parks, national forests and conservation areas. It is super important to source your Echinacea from ethical companies or take the time to grow your own.  I also highly recommend alternatives like shiitake mushroom, elder berry and flower, and garlic.  
 

My favorite way to use Echinacea is to simply brew it as a tea and add honey to taste. It can also be used topically to help heal wounds. Occasionally echinacea can cause allergic reactions. If you get itchy eyes, nose or throat or any other signs of allergy stop using echinacea.