Echinacea
Echinacea, commonly called coneflower, is a perennial herb that is native to the central and eastern regions of the United States. One of nine species in the genus, its name is derived from the Greek echinos, which means alternately “spiny,” “sea urchin” and/or “hedgehog,” – for the spiny center disk of the flower. Most coneflowers are some variation of purple in color although there are white and yellow varieties as well.
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Echinacea or Purple Cone Flower
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Coneflowers are popular with flower gardeners because they are easy to grow, drought resistant, spread quickly and create wonderful waves of purple flowers throughout the summer months.
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Echinacea Bud
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Echinacea is most well known, however, as a medicinal herb and is one of the most popular. Archeological evidence suggests that echinacea, sometimes called “Elk Root,” was used for hundreds of years by Native Americans to treat pain, infections and wounds. In the 19th century it was used by the general population as a blood purifier and, in the 20th century, as a cold/flu remedy and as an anti-infective until the development of modern antibiotics. Today echinacea is still used as an antimicrobial, as well as for overall immune system support and, most popularly, to shorten the duration of sore throats and the common cold.
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Wild Echinacea
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Although native to the US, echinacea’s use as a medicinal herb has also become popular in many parts of Europe, particularly Germany. Many of the most progressive new medical studies on echinacea have been conducted there.
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