Echinacea

Echinacea purpurea

Monograph

1. Plant Family:
• Asteraceae, or daisy family ^[1]
2. Habitat & Cultivation:
• The Echinacea genus has nine species, which are commonly called coneflowers. They are found only in eastern and central North America, where they are found growing in moist to dry prairies and open wooded areas. They have large, showy heads of composite flowers, blooming from early to late summer. The generic name is derived from the Greek word ἐχῖνος (ekhinos), meaning "hedgehog," due to the spiny central disk. ^[2]
3. Parts Used:
• Aerial parts, root ^[1]
4. Herbal Actions:
• Alterative
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-bacterial
• Antimicrobial
• Antipyretic
• Antiviral
• Immunomodulator (aerial)
• Immunostimulator (root)
• Lymphagogue
• Sialagogue
• Vulnerary ^[2]
5. Indications:
• Acute infections
• Colds, viruses
• URIs
• Tonsillitis, gingivitis
• Sores, cuts, boils ^[2]
• In the postpartum time, it can be applied topically as a tincture to the umbilical stump “to encourage rapid healing, discourage bacteria, and eliminate mild infections.”^[3] It can also be useful for reducing maternal fever, topical application to any perineal lacerations, and preventing and curing postpartum infections such as mastitis or endometritis.^[3]
6. Plant Constituents:
• Caffeic acid
• Alkylamides (alkamides)
• Polysaccharides
• Polyacetylenes
• Essential oil ^[2]
7. System Affinities:
• Immune system
• Respiratory system
• Lymphatic system
• Integumentary system ^[1]  
8. Energetics:
• Cool, dry, mainly pungent, bitter ^[1]
9. Safety:
• Should not be used in someone with sensitivity to Asteraceae plants ^[2]
10. Interactions:
• May interfere with immunosuppressive therapy ^[2]

Personal Experience

1. Organoleptics:
•  Root: Light brown and course, smells smoky and bitter in a pleasant way.
• Aerial: A mix of light and medium green dried leafy parts, smells bright, woody and almost floral, like a perfume.
2. Preparation Method:
•  Tea: 1 to 2 teaspoons of root in 1 cup water and bring to a boil, let simmer for 10-15 minutes. Drink 3x/day when experiencing acute infection.
• Tincture: 1-4 mL 3x/day (1:5 in 40%)
3. Usage Notes:
•  I prepared the root in a tea. The taste is very mild and slightly sweet, reminds me of twigs. I taste hints of bitterness and metallic flavor that I can only liken to green tea. It feels slippery in my mouth, almost like a demulcent.

Sources:

1. Zollinger, R. & Riccio, L. (2018). Week 3 Study Questions. Bastyr University: WI-18_MW5122-A Botanicals 2: Postpartum.
2. Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press.
3. Weed, S. (1986). Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year. Woodstock, NY: Ash Tree Publishing.