Purple Coneflower (Echinacea angustifolia or purpurea) - Botanical Medicines

Purple Coneflower ( Echinacea angustifolia or purpurea )

Purple coneflower, commonly known in the U.S. as echinacea, is a perennial plant native to the midwestern states. It was used by American Indian tribes as a blood purifier, analgesic, antiseptic, and snake bite remedy. It contains several chemicals, including betaine, echinacin, echinoside, fatty acids, inulin, resin, and sucrose.

According to Murray and Pizzorno, echinacea is “the most widely used herb for enhancement of the immune system.” Echinacea has long been prescribed by homeopaths and allopaths to treat infections and inflammation of the stomach and bowels. Its pain-relieving properties, along with its antibiotic, anti-inflammatory nature, also make it effective in treating wounds, poison bites, ulcers, infected sores, and other skin conditions, including boils, eczema, and psoriasis. It has been used to treat bronchitis and pneumonia because it helps stimulate the immune system and supports respiratory tract drainage.

Recent research conducted in Germany suggests that echinacea has interferon-like properties that may protect some types of cells from viruses and cancer tumors. The 1989 German Ministry of Health monograph Echinacea Purpurea Leaf reports that echinacea contains inulin, which neutralizes some viruses and destroys bacteria. The resultant effect, according to the monograph, is enhanced T-cell mitogenesis (reproduction), macrophage phagocytosis (the engulfment and destruction of bacteria or viruses), antibody binding, natural killer cell activity, and increased levels of circulating neutrophils (white blood cells primarily responsible for defense against bacteria).