ECHINACEA

There are several species of Echinacea (augustifolia, pallida and purpurea) which have therapeutic benefits. This perennial, known by gardeners as the purple coneflower, is native to the great plains of the United States. Echinacea was one of the most popular herbs used by native American Indians. They used it to treat coughs, colds, sore throats, infections, toothaches and even snakebites. After learning of the therapeutic value of the plant from the Indians, Dr. H.C.F. Myer introduced it into “mainstream” medicine in the 1870’s. He used it to make a “blood purifier” which he claimed to be useful in treating almost any condition from bee stings to hemorrhoids.

During the 19th century, Echinacea was the most widely used herb in the United States, particularly in the treatment of infection. It was added to the National Formulary in 1916. However, it fell out of favor in the U. S. after the discovery of antibiotics and was removed from the National Formulary in the 1950′s. During the 1980’s, Echinacea was “rediscovered” by many Americans and it is again a popular herbal medicine