Echinacea Facts
Botanical Name: Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia, E. pallida
Common Name: Echinacea, Purple Coneflower
Parts Used: Roots, Leaves, Flowers, Seeds
Constituents: polysaccharides, caffeic acid and derivatives, calcium, cichoric acid, echinacin-B, echinacoside, glycine, gum, inulin, iron, isotussilagine, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, resin, rhamnoarabinogalactan, riboflavin, rutin, rutoside, selenium, sodium, sucrose, isobutylamide and derivatives, zinc.
Uses: Echinacea has been used by Native Americans for many uses, but was primarily used to treat snakebites and other infectious wounds. Unlike its modern uses to stimulate white blood cell counts, echinaceas were typically used to move lymph and waste in the body to aid in natural elimination. During the Eclectic period in America (later 1800′s and early 1900′s until the rise of the AMA) physicians typically used Echinacea angustifolia root and gave small doses of only 3-10 drops as a cooling alterative. In contemporary use we have turned to Echinacea purpurea because of its comparable levels of compounds in the whole plant (not just the root) and its ability to thrive in cultivation. Modern studies have shown that Echinacea purpurea whole plant extracts increase phagocytosis and subsequent elimination of potentially threatening bacteria in the body. It has recently been proven that the leaf and flower of Echinacea purpurea (and probably all species) contain immuno-modulating flavonoids that increase host resistance (they make your body strong so it can naturally defend itself) and support the more aggressive action of the “active” isobutylamides in the root, flowers, and seed. Echinacea is best taken at the onset of the cold or flu and in modern times many people advocate larger doses for a shorter period of time. Although there is some debate as to the the effectiveness and safety of long term Echinacea use, many naturopathic physicians use lower doses over the course of a year or so in treating deep-seated viral infections and auto-immune disorders.
Dose: Adult dose of the liquid extract is 15-120 drops as needed, up to 6 times per day in a small glass of warm water. Topically, the tea or liquid extract can be applied liberally as a powerful anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory.
Warnings: Consult your physician before prolonged use.
Our Echinacea Products:
Echinacea Compound – a PHYTO-Synergized™ blend of individually prepared extracts of Echinacea purpurea root, leaf, flower, and seed.
Echinacea Root – plain and simple, fresh Echinacea purpurea root extract
Echinacea Compound Alcohol-Free – This delicious, alcohol-free product is made from a blend of the individually prepared extracts of fresh Echinacea purpurea roots and leaf/flower (no stem). A sure favorite with children!
Echinacea angustifolia – A new addition to our offerings, this is the original Echinacea, wildcrafted from the foothills of the Rockies in harsh Montana mountains. These roots come to us with the energy of the high mountains and you can taste it in the extract. Nothing but fresh and succulent Echinacea angustifolia roots extracted in pure Oregon water and our certified organic grain alcohol. Power packed!
