Organic Echinacea Angustifolia Root (Echinacea angustifolia)

Herbs are Sold By the Ounce, Price is Per Ounce

Echinacea Angustifolia Root (Echinacea angustifolia)

Botanical Information:

• Common Names: Narrow-leaved Purple Coneflower, Black Sampson
• Family: Asteraceae (Daisy family)
• Origin: Native to North America, particularly in the central and eastern United States.
• Botanical Description: Echinacea angustifolia is a perennial herb that grows up to 2 feet tall. It has narrow, lance-shaped leaves and distinctive purple-pink flowers with a spiky, cone-like center. The root is thick, tapering, and slightly aromatic.

Habitat and Growing Conditions:

• Habitat: This species thrives in prairies, dry open woods, and rocky areas. It prefers well-drained soils and full sunlight.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8.

History and Folklore:

• Traditional Use: Indigenous peoples of North America used Echinacea angustifolia extensively for its medicinal properties, particularly in treating infections, wounds, and as an antidote for snakebites.
• Folklore: Echinacea was believed to have protective qualities and was used in various rituals to ward off illness.

Medicinal Properties and Uses:

• Constituents: Contains active compounds like echinacoside, alkylamides, polysaccharides, flavonoids, and essential oils.
• Energetics: Cooling and drying.
• Tastes: Bitter and slightly sweet.
• Medicinal Actions:
  • Immunostimulant: Enhances the immune system's ability to fight off infections.
  • Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation in the body.
  • Antimicrobial: Fights against bacterial and viral infections.
  • Lymphatic: Supports the lymphatic system, helping to clear infections.
• System Affinities: Primarily supports the immune and respiratory systems.
• Primary Uses: Often used to reduce the duration and severity of colds, flu, and other upper respiratory infections. It is also applied externally for wounds and skin issues.

Cautions:

• Allergic Reactions: People with allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family (like ragweed) may experience allergic reactions.
• Autoimmune Diseases: Echinacea should be used cautiously in individuals with autoimmune disorders, as it may stimulate immune activity.
• Pregnancy and Lactation: Consult with a healthcare provider before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Studies on Echinacea Angustifolia:

1. Immune Support: A study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics found that Echinacea angustifolia may help reduce the duration and severity of colds and other respiratory infections .
2. Anti-inflammatory Effects: Research in Phytomedicine suggests that Echinacea angustifolia has significant anti-inflammatory properties that could help in managing conditions like arthritis .
3. Wound Healing: A study in Wound Repair and Regeneration demonstrated that topical applications of Echinacea angustifolia extracts might enhance wound healing due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects .