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Organic Echinacea Purpurea – Immune-Boosting Herb with a Rich History

Echinacea purpurea, commonly known as purple coneflower, is celebrated for its striking violet petals and prominent spiny seed head. This herb has been extensively used by traditional herbalists and Native Americans, and its popularity continues to grow today. Echinacea is often combined with other plants in herbal blends, but our organic echinacea leaf can also be steeped for a soothing tea, macerated in oils for topical applications, or tinctured.

Traditionally, echinacea was used by both Native Americans and early herbalists in North America, with its immune-supporting properties being one of its most well-known applications. Echinacea’s popularity spread to Europe in the 1900s, and it remains one of the most commonly used herbal supplements for immune health, with ongoing research continuing to explore its benefits.

Echinacea is renowned for its ability to support immune function, helping the body stay resilient and healthy.* It is often used to strengthen the body’s natural defenses and promote overall wellness.

Nine species of echinacea are native to the United States and southern Canada, primarily found in Kansas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri. These species, part of the Asteraceae (sunflower) family, grow best in rocky, disturbed soils in open fields, prairies, and along railways. Among these species, E. purpurea, E. angustifolia, and occasionally E. pallida are most commonly found in commercial use. E. purpurea is a large, bushy plant, growing up to 4-5 feet tall, with vivid purple coneflowers and broad leaves. In contrast, E. angustifolia, with narrower and more angular leaves, grows to only about one foot in height. E. pallida and E. angustifolia are often confused, as both have light pink petals and are used similarly.

The name “Echinacea” is derived from the Greek word echinos, meaning “hedgehog,” referring to the spiny seed head that characterizes the plant.

Historically, echinacea was a staple for Native American tribes, including the Pawnee, Dakota, and Omaha-Winnebego, who relied on the herb for a wide variety of ailments. The plant was used as a remedy for conditions ranging from swelling to distemper in horses. Echinacea was commonly consumed as fresh juice, herbal smudge or smoke, and in some cases, the leaves or roots were chewed directly. It was primarily used for immune system support and topical applications.

Echinacea gained significant attention in the late 1800s thanks to the Eclectic physicians in the United States, particularly E. angustifolia. Prominent herbalists John Uri Lloyd and John King promoted its use widely, and it quickly became one of the most popular herbs in their practice. However, after the Eclectic schools closed in the 1930s, interest in echinacea waned until the 1970s, when herbalists revived its use. During this period, Echinacea purpurea gained significant recognition in Europe, particularly in Germany, where it became the focus of research. Ironically, while Echinacea angustifolia was the species most commonly used by Native Americans and early herbalists, it was Echinacea purpurea that received the majority of scientific attention.

In the 1950s, Swiss naturopath Dr. Vogel traveled to the U.S. to study echinacea and mistakenly brought back seeds he believed were from Echinacea angustifolia. These seeds turned out to be from Echinacea purpurea, which led to its widespread study and eventual popularity in Europe and the United States.

Echinacea root can be used in a variety of ways, including decoction for tea, incorporation into herbal formulas, or tincturing for convenient use.