Herb Weavers Journal #131 - 20th May 2025

Echinacea

Also called Coneflower is part of the the daisy family. and grows well in the UK, America and around Europe. Altogether, this group has nine species, but only three are used in herbal supplements — Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia, and Echinacea pallida.

Both the plant’s upper parts and roots are used in tablets, tinctures, extracts, and teas.

Echinacea plants contain an impressive variety of active compounds, caffeic acid, alkamides, phenolic acids, rosmarinic acid, polyacetylenes, many of which help defend your body against oxidative stress.

Echinacea is best known for its beneficial effects on the immune system, numerous studies have shown that this plant can help your immune system combat infections and viruses, which could help you recover faster from illness.

It helps to lower blood sugars. High blood sugar can raise your risk of serious health problems, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and several other chronic conditions.

They aid anxiety, have great anti-inflammatory benefits, can help with common skin conditions and fight against cancer growing cells due to its ability to target them and kill them off. Aided by its immune boosting properties it can be an additional benefit to cancer treatments people are already receiving. (Always check with your oncology department first).

Because it stimulates the immune system, people with autoimmune disorders or people taking immunosuppressive drugs should avoid it or consult a doctor first.

Dry powdered extract: 300–500 mg of Echinacea purpurea, three times daily

Liquid extract tinctures: 2.5 milliliters (mL), three times daily, or up to 10 mL daily

Herbal Tea can also be drunk up to 3 times a day.

Skin creams and balms can be used daily as and when required.