Echinacea Folk Remedies
Echinacea the Original “Snake Oil”
Echinacea has been used for medicinal purposes for hundreds of years, this plant commonly called purple coneflower is native to the eastern and central parts of
North America and actually can be found in various colors. Echinacea is a perennial, it produces large flowers that bloom from early spring until late in the summer.
Native American “medicine men” used Echinacea to cure many symptoms and ailments, the use of Echinacea has been found throughout at least 14 different tribes!
The Lakota tribes used it for rabies and snake bites. People from the Blackfoot tribes recognized it’s medicinal use for toothaches, while even other tribes used it to treat sore throats, colds, venereal diseases, small pox, chicken pox and eye infections among other things.
The term “snake oil” originated from Echinacea! In the late 1800’s a traveling salesman named Joseph Meyer went from town to town peddling an alcohol tincture made from Echinacea root!
Meyer had learned of the amazing abilities of Echinacea from the Plains Indians and their belief that it helped the body to heal itself and would protect the body from toxins and poisons. Their use of Echinacea as a treatment for snake bites coined the phrase “snake oil”!
Meyers promoted the Echinacea tincture as a cure all for everything! His “medicine show” consisted of him goading rattle snakes into biting him! He would just drink some of the tonic and he never became afflicted from the bites! He became famous both as a showman and a healer!Â
Echinacea was introduced as an herbal remedy to the United States in a 1762 publication, in which it was considered as a remedy to heal saddle sores on horses.
In 1831 a whole publication was devoted to the many uses for Echinacea oils, it was finally introduced to the U.S medical practice in 1887 and it’s growing popularity as a herbal remedy continues today!
Probably best known for it’s ability to enhance the immune system, Echinacea stimulates it and promotes the activation of T-cells. It works with white blood cells to attack germs. And, although it will enhance the immune system, those already suffering from autoimmune disorders will find that it worsens the symptoms.
Echinacea has been recommended by herbalists to treat a wide variety of infections, including yeast infections, infections of the urinary tract, ears, sinusitis, upper respiratory infections and even hay fever.
The benefits of taking Echinacea for colds and flus has been widely debated. But, several studies have shown that if Echinacea is taken as soon as the onset of a cold or flu begins, it will help reduce the symptoms severity and even prevent some of them. Several cups of Echinacea tea should be drank each day each day for 5 days.
Because Echinacea contains anti-inflammatory properties, it is very helpful in relieving the arthritis pain.
Experienced herbalists recommend Echinacea for helping your body to destroy cancer and tumors. A strong dose should be taken three to four times daily for best results.
Echinacea leaves and roots can be chewed to relieve the pain from toothaches and sore gums, or Echinacea oil can be applied.
Scientific studies have found that Echinacea actually stimulates new tissue growth and is very adept in helping wounds heal faster.
The anti-inflammatory properties of Echinacea prove very useful in the treatment of skin conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema.
Echinacea tea can be used to treat the symptoms of tonsillitis.
It is also good in the treatment of anti-inflammatory conditions that affect the reproductive system. including pelvic inflammatory disease.
Echinacea is also useful in the treatment of coughs, chronic bronchial and upper respiratory problems such as whooping cough and even asthma.
This amazing herb will also reduce enlarged glands and lymph nodes.
For quick relief of food poisoning, Echinacea will help to lessen the severity of the symptoms.Â
Echinacea remedies should be taken on a two week on, two week off regiment. The body easily adapts to this herb and if taken for long periods of time the herbs effectiveness will fade.
Echinacea can be easily grown and the entire plant holds medicinal properties. But, the root is the most powerful part of the plant is the root. If you’re planning on using the roots you will need to harvest them before the flower blooms. Once the flower blooms, some of the healing energy of the root is transferred to the flower.
It is a good idea to get the roots you’ll need from some plants and then leave the others to produce blooms to be used. Making tinctures of Echinacea tends to destroy some of the properties of the herb, teas and diffusions are the most potent. Freeze dried capsules work very well and you can even just chew on pieces of the plant!
Echinacea tincture:
To make Echinacea tincture, clean and chop a fresh root, add enough 80 proof alcohol to cover the pieces by a few inches. The mixture should be shaken at least once daily and then strained to remove the root pieces. This tincture can be stored for one year and should still be shaken occasionally.