Description
Purple Conflower Echinacea angustifolio looks like a purple version of the familiar Black-eyed Susan. It is the root that has been used by herbalists for centuries.

Science
Studies have confirmed that this herb is effective in stimulating the immune system, but loses its effectiveness with continuous use. The most important active ingredients seem to be the large polysaccharides, such as inulin, that increase T-cell production. A caffeic acid glycoside called echinacoside may also play an important role.

Folklore
Native Americans used Echinacea to treat toothaches, sore throat, mumps, smallpox, and measles. Poultices containing Echinacea were applied to insect bites and wounds, and even poisonous snake bites. The plant was used in many different ways. The Blackfoot Indians, for example, chewed the roots to relieve toothache. The Cheyenne used infusions made from the roots and leaves externally on painful necks. The Dakota Sioux used juice from the fresh plant to relieve the pain from burns, and smoked the dried leaves to relieve headaches.

Warnings
There have been no drug interactions identified with the use of Echinacea. Because it stimulates the immune system however, it is not recommended for use by people with autoimmune illnesses, such as arthritis or gout. Continuous use over long periods has been shown to be decreasingly effective, so it should not be used for more than about a month at a time, with two or three weeks hiatus.

Common Sense
This seems a valuable herb to include in our medicine chest, for use when we feel like a cold or flu may be coming on, or when our immune systems need a boost to fight other infections. Since it loses effectiveness if used continuously, this should be reserved for use as needed.