Echinacea is the king of blood purifiers. It is the most effective blood and lymphatic cleanser-- It can be used both internally and externally. Echinacea is a valuable alternative to antibiotics when used properly. 

                                                                                                   --Michael Tierra, C.A., N.D., The Way of Herbs 

 

Common  Name:      echinacea

Botanical Name:       Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea augustifolia

Parts Used:                entire plant -- roots, leaves, stems and cone flower 

 

*Note: Echinacea is seasonally harvested, so each part of the plant must be obtained at the proper time. *

 

Echinacea is another tonic herb whose antimicrobial and stimulant qualities enhance immunity, helping the body to fight off infections, both inside and outside the body. Its stimulant quality tends to induce sweating, which speeds up the shedding of toxins accumulated in the body during infection. 

 

Echinacea is effective as a gargling solution or mouthwash for laryngitis, tonsillitis, and gum conditions, and can be used topically to treat boils, cuts and sores, poison oak and poison ivy. It has been shown to be very effective for bee stings, spider bites, and even snake bites! 

 

Echinacea is also an alterative, and can cleanse the blood and normalize body chemistry, making it an excellent general health tonic.

 

Herbalist Michael Tierra notes in his excellent book The Way of Herbs that some people experience mild dizziness and nausea when taking echinacea. He recommends adding a small amount of licorice or two or three dates to the echinacea tea to relieve these symptoms. 

 

YOU MIGHT LIKE TO TRY:

 

Echinacea is a very effective treatment for colds and respiratory infections, and when combined with the herbs yarrow or bearberry, will eliminate bladder infections.

 

A tea of equal parts blue flag, cleavers, hogwort, poke root and echinacea is an excellent treatment for acne. Consult a qualified natural health practitioner for proper dose and duration. 

 

A note about using echinacea—most herbalists have noted that it must be taken in sufficient quantity to be effective. In reports of it not working to treat infection, it is often because not enough echinacea has been taken. Seek specific advice from a qualified natural health practitioner on proper dose and duration. 

 

Contraindications, if any: If you have allergies of the composotai (daisies, marigolds, etc.), you may have an allergic reaction to echinacea. Use with discretion.