Echinacea angustifolia root*

The favorite species of the Eclectic physicians, E. angustifolia was indicated for toxic or hot conditions of the blood with sallow skin, dark tongue and a tendency to form boils. It was utilized for septicemia, rattlesnake bites, cancer pain, dysentery, typhus, diptheria and tuberculosis. Modern herbalists find it clinically effective for otitis media, tonsillitis, colds and flu, cystitis, bronchitis and prostatitis.

Echinacea purpurea root and flower*

This species of Echinacea is the most researched and has been studied in human clinical trials. German practitioners use extracts of the root or leaves for sinusitis and upper respiratory tract infections and topically for psoriasis, candidiasis and eczema.

Echinacea pallida root*

While not as well researched as E. purpurea, Echinacea pallida has been given a positive rating for use in influenza, colds and upper respiratory tract infections by the German Commission E. Positive rating indicates the Commission has found the herb safe and effective when used properly for the indicated conditions.

All species of Echinacea were used by Native Americans as an antidote for venomous bites and stings including snakebite, thus giving it the common name of snakeroot. It was also used for toothaches, tonsillitis and abdominal pain. Echinacea was introduced into Western medical practice in the 1880s by Dr. John King and John Uri Lloyd. They were introduced to it as a patent remedy called Myers Blood Purifier and upon researching it were surprised to discover a truly active medicine. By the early 1900s Echinacea was one of the most popular medicines of the day.

Bibliography:

Bone, K.  Echinacea: What Makes It Work?  Modern Phytotherapist, 3 (2):19-23, 1997

Mills, S., and Bone, K.  Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy, Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh, 1999

Wagner, H.  Immunomodulatory Agents from Plants, Birkhauser-Verlag, Basel, 1999

Winston, D.  Herbal Therapeutics: Specific Indications for Herb Formulas, Washington, NJ, 7th ed., 2000