Eastern Purple Coneflower
(Echinacea purpurea)
Other Names:
Echinacea, hedgehog coneflower, purple coneflower
Range:
Family:
Asteraceae – Aster family
Growth Type:
Herbaceous perennial
Height:
Grows up to 3' high
Leaves:
Leaves are lance shaped, stiff, and hairy. Flowers with prominent cone shaped disk surrounded by pale to deep purple spreading rays. Plant flowers in June through September. Rays are about as long as the width of the disk.
Stem/Trunk:
Erect Stems
Root:
Tap Root
Flower Season:
Plant flowers in June through September
Flower Appearance:
Flowers with prominent cone shaped disk surrounded by pale to deep purple spreading rays. Rays are about as long as the width of the disk.
Seed/Fruit:
Fertilized flowers dry and produce many small seeds.
Miscellaneous characteristics:
Echinacea angustifolia (narrow leaf coneflower) can be used interchangeably.
Habitat:
Dry open woods, prairies and barrens, as well as cultivated beds. Prefers loamy or sandy, well-drained soils. Unable to grow in the shade, E. purpurea thrives in either dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought, once established.
Parts Used:
Root, Whole Plant
Uses:
Culinary Uses:
None Known
The following text is meant for informational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose or treat any illness or injury. Always consult with a physician or other qualified medical care provider concerning the diagnosis and treatment of any illness or injury.
Energetics
Taste: Pungent
Thermal: Cooling
Humidity: Drying
Medicinal Uses:
Roots chewed or in teas used for treating snake bites, spider bites, cancers, toothaches, burns, hard to heal sores and wounds, colds, and flu. Commonly used to boost the immune system. Echinacea has also been used to alleviate cold symptoms. It is has also been shown to have anti-depressant properties in white mice.
Cautions According To WebMD
Contra-Indications
Text
Possible Side Effects:
None Known
Possible Interactions:
None Known
Medicinal Actions:
Alterative,
Antibiotic,
Antifungal,
Antimicrobial,
Antiseptic,
Antiviral,
Bactericidal,
Immunostimulant,
Lymphatic,
Parasiticide,
Tonic: Blood
Herbal Preparations For Plant
00 Capsules
Part Used: Root
Plant State: Dried
Capsules made from dried powdered root are an effective method of taking Echinacea.
Dosage: 1-2 capsules three times daily.
Tea
Part Used: Roots, Flowers
Plant State: Fresh or dried
Place 2 tsp of fresh chopped leaves, or 1 tsp of dried leaves in a large mug. Pour almost boiling water over the leaves. Steep for 20 minutes. Strain to remove sediment.
Dosage: drink a mug as needed
Infusion
Part Used: Root and flowers
Plant State: Fresh
Place 2 ounces of the fresh chopped roots and flowers into a quart mason jar, and fill the jar with almost boiling water. Cover the jar, place it in a sunny location, and let it sit for 8 to 10 hours. If refrigerated, the infusion will last a couple of days.
Dosage: 2-6 oz As Needed
Tincture
Part Used: Flowers and root
Plant State: Fresh
Alcohol Percentage: 75%
Plant to Alcohol Ratio: 1:2
Label a quart mason jar with the plant name, the part of the plant used, the percentage of alcohol used, and the date the tincture was started.
Fill the jar to the neck with chopped fresh flowers and roots and then pour in 750 ml of 150 proof Everclear. Place a lid on the mason jar, shake it well, and place the jar in a dark cupboard. Once a day for the first 7 days, take the jar out of the cupboard and shake it well. Place the jar back into the cupboard, and leave it soak for another 3 weeks. After the tincture has soaked for 30 days, remove it from the cupboard and strain out the spent plant material. Your tincture will remain viable for 2-3 years.
Dosage: 30-100 drops up to 5 times daily
Tincture
Part Used: Flowers and root
Plant State: Dried
Alcohol Percentage: 70%
Plant to Alcohol Ratio: 1:5
Label a quart mason jar with the plant name, the part of the plant used, the percentage of alcohol used, and the date the tincture was started.
Place 150 grams of dried flowers and roots into a quart mason jar and then pour in 750 ml of 140 proof vodka. Place a lid on the mason jar, shake it well, and place the jar in a dark cupboard. Once a day for the first 7 days, take the jar out of the cupboard and shake it well. Place the jar back into the cupboard, and leave it soak for another 3 weeks. After the tincture has soaked for 30 days, remove it from the cupboard and strain out the spent plant material. Your tincture will remain viable for 2-3 years.
Dosage: 30-100 drops up to 5 times daily
Echinacea
