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Botanical Name:
Echinacea Angustifolia; Brauneria pallida; Rudbeckia pallida;
Brauneria Angustifolia; Echinacea Purpureea.
Habitat: Found in the prairies west of Mississippi River;
some varieties have been reported to grow in Virginia and westward to
Illinois and southward to Louisiana. Generally, it is found in
the Central United States.
Growth needs: Moderately rich and well-drained loam
(mixture of sand, clay and organic matter). Plants should be
left in the seedbed for two years before transporting to the field.
Description: This plant is a shrub with a stout stem
arising to the height of three feet or less. The roots are
cylindrical are slightly tapering.
Parts used: Rhizomes (growth between root and leaves).
Effects: Antiseptic qualities destroying bacteria and blood
cleanser.
Recorded Uses: Blood impurities diseases such as boils,
gangrenous conditions, bites and stings of insects, spiders or snakes,
pus formations, sores, infections, wounds, sore throat (used as
gargle), tonsillitis, typhoid fever, abscesses, glandular
inflammations, cerebro-spinal meningitis, diphtheria, tetanus,
septemia (infection of blood), uremia (condition of blood containing
urea, ordinary excreted as urine through the kidneys) and ulcers.
It is reported to have given relief in cases of dyspepsia (difficult
and painful digestion) and relieves ulcer pain of the gastrointestinal
track. This herb is reported as not having any toxic or other
undesirable effects and is easily eliminated, other reports indicate
that the herb is also valuable in relieving diseases following child
birth. It has also been reported as having the power to
stimulate sexual activity (aphrodisiac) and to have pain-ending
(analgesic) powers. It has also been used to relieve hemorrhoids.
Preparation: Fifteen grains of the powder, twice daily, taken with water or fruit juice.
Mix with water, for gargle use.
Secrets of Medicinal Herbs by
Michelle Mairesse
Echinacea
(Echinacea Augustifolia)
Sampson, Coneflower, Rudbekia 9
This plant and its relatives, spread over the Americas, have a justified reputation with
native herbalist as powerful wound healers. In laboratory tests it was demonstrated that
the rhizome, in addition to activating the white blood cells, inactivates an enzyme
present in infectious processes. Echinacea's alternative and antiseptic properties are
said to be potent against septicemia, gangrene, boils, carbuncles, uremia, peritonitis and
tetanus. Some success has been reported in the treatment of diphtheria and tuberculosis
with Echinacea. As a poultice combined with flax, it is recommended as a treatment for
infections and abscesses.
ECHINACEA
Common Names:
narrow-leaved purple coneswer, Sampson root.
Widnal Part:
Rootstock.
Ascription:
This native. herbaceous perennial plant grows from e prairie states northward
to Pennsylvania. The stout, bristly stem bears hairy, linear-lanceolate eves, tapering at
both ends, the lower on long petioles, the upper sessile. The distinctive flower features
12 to 20 large, spreading, dull-purple rays and a conical disk made up of numerous purple,
tubular florets. Flowering time is June to October.
Properties and Uses: Antiseptic, depurative, digestive. Echinacea is one of the
"blood-purifying" plants used for conditions such eczema, acne, and boils
thought to indicate contaminants in e blood. It also promotes proper digestion and can be
tried for fever. Used externally in combination with myrrh, it is said be good for typhoid
fever. The rootstock may also help to dispel flatulence.
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