ECHINACEA
(Echinacea angustifolia)
purple cone flower, black sampson

Description: Perennial plant with stout, bristly stem bearing hairy, alternate, linear-lanceolate leaves which taper at both ends. At times, base of leaf is winged; leaf margins are toothed and the top leaves lack petioles. Distinctive flower features 12-30 large spreading, dull-purple rays and conical disk made up of numerous purple, tubular florets. Native to central U.S. in dry open woods, on prairies, road banks, widely cultivated.

Medicinal: Antiseptic, depurative, digestive. The rhizome is a very effective immune system stimulant, without toxicity, stimulating the body's defenses against disease; also antibiotic, antiviral, restores inflamed connective tissue. Treats fevers, infections, fevers, promotes digestion and is a blood-purifier which helps in skin conditions such as eczema, acne and boils and may reduce allergies. Take 1tbsp, 3-6 times a day of decoction (1 tsp. granulated root in 2 cup boiling water for 1/2 hr.) Used externally , combined with myrrh said to help in typhoid fever. Note: Do not use the rootstock once it has lost its odor. E.purpurea used similarly.

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