Echinacea
A cooling, immune-activating herb that enhances phagocytosis, supports resistance to infection, improves tissue repair, and tones connective tissue. Useful in acute infections, slow-healing wounds, bites, and inflammatory conditions involving mucous membranes, lymph, or musculoskeletal tissues.
Echinacea derives from the Greek echinos (“sea urchin”), referring to the spiny central cone of the flower. Purpureadescribes the purple color of the ray florets, while related species are named for leaf shape (angustifolia, “narrow-leaved”) or color (pallida, “pale”).
Echinacea is valuable for acute infections including colds, flu, and early-stage respiratory or urinary infections. In combination formulas it can support treatment of bacterial vaginosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, cystitis, and urethritis, and is often paired with herbs such as usnea, uva ursi, yarrow, or corn silk.It promotes tissue regeneration and wound healing, reduces local inflammation, and strengthens connective tissue in tendons, ligaments, and fascia. It is used for slow-healing wounds, burns, insect or spider bites, and irritated mucous membranes. Gargling or using diluted preparations helps with toothache, gum infections, and mouth inflammation.Echinacea also supports the body’s response to abnormal cell growth, enhances the activity of phagocytes and neutrophils, and modulates the immune response during acute illness.
Echinacea was extensively used by Plains Indigenous peoples for colds, flu, toothaches, burns, wounds, and venomous bites. The Cheyenne chewed fresh root before the Sun Dance ritual, and some groups smoked the herb to ease headaches.In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, physicians such as Dr. Victor von Unruh documented its ability to increase leukocyte activity and normalize neutrophil counts, leading to widespread use by Eclectic practitioners. High doses were often recommended at the onset of illness to accelerate recovery.Its popularity declined in the U.S. after the advent of sulfa drugs and antibiotics in the 1930s, though it continued to be used traditionally and later regained prominence as research interest grew.
A herbaceous perennial arising from a branched taproot, with a simple, erect, dark-green stem. Leaves are alternate, simple, and narrowly lanceolate to oblong-elliptical with rough surfaces. Flower heads are solitary, with drooping sterile ray florets in shades of purple to white surrounding a spiny, cone-shaped disk of fertile florets. Paleae (bracts) are tipped in orange, red, or green. The ovary is inferior, producing seeds in the central cone after flowering.
High doses may occasionally cause nausea. Contact dermatitis is possible in individuals sensitive to the Asteraceae family. Some sources advise caution with long-term daily use in autoimmune conditions, though evidence is limited.
Fresh roots 1:2 (70–95% ethanol); fresh flowers or seeds 1:4 (70–95% ethanol); dry roots 1:5 (60–70% ethanol).
Dose: 30–100 drops up to five times daily; higher frequency often used at acute onset.
Fresh root 1:2–1:3 (50% ethanol, 50% glycerin).
Dose: 10–60 drops up to five times daily.
Decoction of dried roots or infusion of flowers/seeds.
Dose: 8–12 ounces up to four times daily.
Fresh root 1:4 for syrups; topical applications include infused oils, alcohol-intermediary salves, diluted extracts, fomentations, or clay pastes combined with lavender or blue chamomile essential oil.
Christina Sinadinos, David Hoffman, Bryan Bowen, all relevant CHSHS lectures.