common names:  purple coneflower

planting:     perennial

traditional uses:  burns, colds, bee stings, urinary tract infections, skin wounds, abscesses, upper respiratory tract infections, anti-inflammatory for arthritis

parts used:  root

preparations:  capsules, tabalets, extracts, juice, lozenges, tinctures, tea

taste:

precautions:  do not take if you are pregnant or breast feeding;  if you have a history of tuberculosis, HIV, Aids or any other autoimmune disease such as multiple sclerosis.  Do not take for over 8 weeks

side effects:  allergic reaction

drug interactions:  not known

scientific studies:  a 1999 study showed that people who took echinacea over a long term had an increase in upper respiratory tract infections.

dosage:  Decoction:  2 teaspoonfuls of coarsely powdered root simmered in 8 ounces of boiling water for 10 minutes;  may take up to 3 cups per day although one cup should be adequate;  tea may also be used for topical application.

NOTE:  some of the active compounds in echanacea are not water soluble therefore some of the effects may be lost using the tea instead of the extract.