Echinacea: A Healing Plant
By Eric Hartwell

Everybody has heard of Echinacea. It is a flower and is used in many herbal products. The traditional use is for the soothing the common cold but it can also be used to treat snake bites and old or difficult wounds. In fact, any situation where the body is suffering from attack from infection, can be suitable for the use of Echinacea.

The use of the plant as a remedy was very popular in the 19th century. Nowadays it is still used for its antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. Even AIDS patients have been given herbal remedies based on the plant.

Herbal practitioners are aware of the potency differences between different varieties of the plant, and skilled practitioners will choose the one that is most suitable for the condition being treated. All varieties,, however, seem to have similar effects - that of soothing, cooling and healing. Some practitioners will recommend Echinacea remedies in lieu of traditional antibiotics and antiviral. There is, additionally, some evidence that such remedies will stimulate the immune system.

The roots and the upper parts of the plant are most used in the preparation of herbal remedies. Using the root often leads to the production of tinctures or powders whereas the upper parts of the plant generally come in capsule form.

A typical use would consist of taking a tincture every two or three hours for the flu, colds and for urinary tract infections. For more difficult conditions the herb may be used in conjunction with other herbal remedies.

Other preparations include a wash to bathe larger infected areas or a mouth gargle for throat or mouth infections.

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