1 ounce $ 0.73

General Description: Echinacea purpurea is a rhizomatous perennial species that grows up to 90cm high with ovate leaves, purple-pink flowers and conical orange-brown center. Native to eastern United States.

Chemical Composition: Contains alkylamides, echinosides, caffeic acid derivatives, polysaccharides, essential oils, chichoric acids, isobutylamides, flavonoids and glycoproteins.

Pharmacology or Biological Activities:
Echinacea is considered an effective detoxicant for the circulatory, lymphatic and respiratory systems. It reputedly promotes T-cell activation, interferon production, natural killer cell activity, anti body binding and boosts production of globulin which increases antibodies for increased immune system function. The alkylamides are anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, immune-stimulating, and detoxifying. The polysaccharides are anti-inflammatory and stimulate production of interferon. The flavonoids are antioxidant (destroys free radicals) and also strengthens blood vessels.

Traditional/Historical Medicine: In the late 1800s and early 1900s before the advent of pharmaceuticals, Echinacea was used by Doctors for a variety of conditions including cancer, gangrene, diphtheria, typhoid, cholera, syphilis, blood poisoning and even snake bite. Current internal usage includes skin diseases, fungal infections, chronic infections, early stages of coughs and colds, chronic fatigue syndrome, septicemia, abscesses, and cancer. Externally echinacea is known as a skin healer.

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References:
Encyclopedia of common natural ingredients 2nd edition Leung & Foster

PDR for Herbal Medicines 2nd edition

The One Earth Herbal Source Book (Alan Tillotson, Ph.D.)

Nursing Herbal Medicine Handbook

Herbal Medicine, Healing & Cancer A comprehensive program for prevention and treatment (Donald Yance)