Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia) belongs to the Compositae or Asteraceae family (like calendula, camomile and chrysanthemum). There are 9 Echinacea varieties. Echinacea angustifolia with violet flowers and Echinacea purpurea with red flowers are the varieties used for therapeutic purposes. Echinacea pallida has got white flowers. Echinacea tennesseensis and Echinacea laevigata are endangered species because they are collected massively misconceived as the two species used therapeutically. Cultivated Echinacea possesses the same properties with wild Echinacea. The beauty of this herb is combined with its therapeutic properties.

Echinacea originates from North America’s valleys. It was known to Indians before the arrival of the conquerors. American indigents used to chew the flower root that made their valleys red- coloured. The root juice contained an anaesthetic that was useful in case of injuries or insect bites. It was used to disinfect injuries and to provide an antitoxin that acted against rattle-snake bits. Indigents also consumed this herb to cure cough, headache, stomach ache and inflated glands. Much later, when Echinacea was studied, the indigents were proven right. It contains analgesic, antiseptic and blood cleaning properties that can kill bacteria and fungi and strenghten our organism’s natural resistance. Settlers adopted the herb as a home remedy against colds, influenza, headaches, dyspepsia and malaria. They used to use herbal compresses to cure arthritis, haemorrhoids and venereal diseases. After the discovery of antibiotics, approximately in 1930, the use of Echinacea almost stopped. After the 70’s, as people tended to search for more natural ways of living, Echinacea revived and became known worldwide for its anti-virus and anti-fungus and antibacterial properties. It has even been used to cure AIDS due to its excellent capacity to strengthen our immune system.

Echinacea contains volatile oil, glucosides, amides, antibiotic polyacetal, inuline. It also contains fatty oils, iron, proteins, tannins, and vitamins A, C and E. The biggest concentration of active substances is found in the black root which is the most used part.

Echinacea is an ideal herb to help our body against microbial infections. It is effective against bacteria and viruses. It can be used to cure acne, furuncles, septicemia and sun burns, dermatitis, scabies, herpes zoster, insect bites and stings. Combined with other herbs, it can be used against every infection of the body.

Combined with yarrow or bearberry, it acts against cystitis, upper respiratory track infections such as laryngitis, tonsillitis, catarrhal diseases of the nose and the paranasal sinuses. It can also be used in case of acute bronchitis, cold, influenza and glandular fever or to cure otitis media, sinusitis, otitis externa (swimmer’s ear), thylacitis, syndrome of wrist, osteoarthritis, rheumatic arthritis, genital herpes and colpitis.

Echinacea tincture or decoction can be used for aphtha, pyorrhea and gingivitis. It can be used externally for infected injuries and wounds.

Root is prepared as an infusion. Pour a cup of water onto 1-2 teaspoonfuls of root and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Drink 3 times a day. Tincture should be taken in a dose of 1-4 ml, 3 times a day.

Even though Echinacea is a valuable herb that stimulates immune system, it should not be used it for long term periods. If used longer than 4 weeks side effects can appear. Use only when necessary and for maximum 4 weeks. Echinacea should not be administrated to patients with autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and multiple sclerosis.



*Sakis Kouvatsos, “Haniotika nea”