Description

Echinacea, a perennial herb of the Asteraceae family, is native to North America, primarily Kansas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri, thriving in rocky, disturbed soils. Named from the Greek "echinos" (hedgehog) for its spiny seed head, it was widely used by Native Americans, including the Pawnee, Dakota, and Omaha-Winnebego, for ailments ranging from swellings to horse distemper, often as fresh juice, chewed roots, or topical applications. Popularized by Eclectic physicians in the late 1800s, echinacea gained prominence in Europe by the 1900s, particularly through German research, and is now a common dietary supplement studied for immune support.

Echinacea purpurea: Known as purple coneflower, this species grows 4-5 feet tall with vivid purple petals and wider leaves. It became widely studied in Europe after a Swiss naturopath, Dr. Vogel, mistakenly identified it as E. angustifolia in the 1950s, leading to its commercial dominance.
Echinacea angustifolia: Characterized by narrow, hairy leaves and a smaller stature (about one foot tall) with light pink petals, this species has more historical use among Native Americans and traditional herbalists but less modern scientific research compared to E. purpurea.

Echinacea supports immune health, helping maintain wellness and bolster the body’s defenses, with historical use in topical applications for skin and tissue health.

E. purpurea Herb (Aerial Parts): The leaves and flowers are steeped as tea, tinctured, or macerated in oils for topical use. Often blended in botanical infusions, they support immune function and are versatile in culinary and skincare recipes.
E. purpurea Root: Harvested roots are decocted as tea, tinctured, or used in skincare formulations. They provide robust immune support, leveraging the root’s concentrated compounds.
E. purpurea Herb Powder: Ground from aerial parts, this powder is added to culinary recipes, infused in oils, tinctured, or encapsulated, offering immune support with flexible dosing.
E. angustifolia Root: The root is steeped as tea, tinctured, or infused into topical oils, valued for immune support and considered by some herbalists superior for skin applications due to its potent properties.
E. angustifolia Root Powder: Ground from roots, this powder is used in skincare blends, tinctures, or capsules, supporting whole-body wellness with an emphasis on topical efficacy.

E. purpurea’s herb and root are favored for their versatility in teas, tinctures, and skincare, with the herb suiting culinary uses and the root offering concentrated immune support. Its powder form enhances dosing flexibility. E. angustifolia’s root and powder, while similarly supportive of immunity, are often preferred for topical applications due to their historical use and perceived potency in skin health. Both species share immune-boosting properties, but E. purpurea dominates commercial use due to extensive research, while E. angustifolia holds a stronger traditional legacy.

Precautions
Persons with allergies to other members of the Asteraceae family should exercise caution with Echinacea, due to the presence of Echinacea pollen. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.

This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. For educational purposes only.