ECHINACEA; Echinacea angustifolia/purpurea
 
Family: compositae
 
Parts used: roots, whole plant.
Constituents: flavenoids, alkaloids, echinaceine, inulin, fatty acids and resins, essential oil.
 
PROPERTIES: Alterative, antiseptic, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibiotic properties.
 
APPLICATIONS: Echinacea has an extremely wide application as it reaches all organs and tissues through its blood cleansing properties. 
Invaluable in blood poisoning, both general and local, and acute toxic problems. It promotes suppuration so is good for abscesses, carbuncles, gangrene, eczema, chronic ulcerations with foul discharges and any recurring skin complaints.
 
Echinacea is the wonder herb for all acute inflammatory conditions.
Small frequent doses every two hours until inflammation subsides then taper dose to 3 x daily for a week or two after symptoms have disappeared.
 
Stimulates the immune system and phagocytosis, localises infection and stops it spreading. Increases natural resistance.
 
Echinacea has many other applications, useful in enlarged and inflamed lymphatic glands, tiredness and debility, suggested for prolonged use in M.E. Allergies and upper respiratory tract infections.
 
Also used topically to treat infection, spots etc.