Herb of the Month

Purple Coneflower or Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea angustifolia)

Why should I take it?

The plant is believed to enhance the performance of the immune system to work more efficiently in dealing with illness.

Tell me more?

The Native Americans used Echinacea for many conditions, including snakebites! The root was chewed to determine the quality and the more the tongue tingled the better. In the UK, two species are commonly used, Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea angustifolia.

What are its effects?

The actions of Echinacea are antiviral, lymphatic, antibiotic, antifungal and anti-inflammatory.

What can it treat?

The plant is useful in the treatment of sore throats, coughs colds, flu, boils, ulcers, acne, eczema and chronic fatigue.

Patients with an increase susceptibility to infection can use it as a preventative herb to ward off bacterial, viral and fungal infection.