Echinacea: A Historical and Botanical Review of Coneflower

Botanical, Historical, and Ethnobotanical Perspectives 

Echinacea, also known as coneflower, is a prized and well-researched botanical for immune support and much more. One of the top selling Western herbs in the marketplace for decades, Echinacea remains one of the staples in our garden, in our home first aid kit, and in our herbal formulas.

 

The nine Echinacea species are perennial members of the Aster family native to North America, ranging from northeastern woodlands to the central plains. Their scientific name comes from the greek word “echinos” which means hedgehog or sea-urchin and refers to the spiky seed head left after the flowering top dries in the fall (https://theplantnative.com/plant/coneflower/). Widely applied by Plains Indians from many tribes including Dakota, Sioux, Pawnee, Omaha, Winnebago and Fox, indigenous uses for Echinacea include treating toothache, dry mouth, burns, wounds, snake bites, eye infections, smallpox, mumps, digestive complaints, and even seizures. (https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/plantguide/pdf/cs_ecan2.pdf) 

Key Takeaways 

1. Historical Importance 

Echinacea, native to North America, was widely used by Native Americans and early settlers for medicinal purposes and was a top-prescribed herb before antibiotics. 

2. Conflicting Research 

While earlier studies questioned its effectiveness for colds, recent research supports its role in preventing viral respiratory infections when using fresh root extracts. 

3. Immune-Boosting Properties 

Echinacea’s compounds, like alkylamides and polysaccharides, provide antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immune-stimulating benefits by activating immune cells and reducing inflammation. 

4. Usage and Precautions 

Use Echinacea tinctures or teas for short-term health support, favoring organically cultivated Echinacea purpurea to avoid overharvesting in the wild. Check for allergies or potential medication interactions. 

Echinacea in Early Settler and Modern Herbal Practices 

European settlers in North America learned to use Echinacea for many afflictions in both humans and livestock during an era prior to antibiotics. By the 1830s, Euro-American medical botanists were writing about Echinacea, and by the 1850s the Eclectics were widely using Echinacea. According to researcher Kelly Kindscher from the University of Kansas, Echinacea angustifolia was the most prescribed plant-based medicine prescribed in the US through the 1920s, eclipsed only by the advent of antibioticshttps://kindscher.ku.edu/research/medicinal-plants/echinacea 

In the 1980s, as the natural products industry started to grow exponentially, Echinacea quickly became a star in the marketplace for the prevention and treatment of colds and flus, and as a general “immune booster.” Due to its popularity, as well as the loss of habitat due to farming and development, much of the native populations of Echinacea angustifolia and E. pallida were overharvested, while fortunately Echinacea purpurea, with larger flowers and roots, adapted well to cultivation and now is widely grown and the primary herb of commerce.  

Echinacea Research: Evolving Evidence and Scientific Debates 

While German researchers had done some studies on the active constituents of Echinacea species as early as the 1940s, by the late 1980s, United States researchers had identified many of the active compounds and the immune pathways impacted by these isolated extracts of the root. Immunologists were able to demonstrate in vitro how Echinacea activated macrophages, white blood cells involved in our first line innate immune response (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6389368/). 

In 2014, the Cochrane Review published a meta-analysis of twenty-four double-blind trials with 4631 participants including a total of 33 comparisons of Echinacea preparations and placebo. It concluded concluded that Echinacea products neither prevented nor shortened the duration of the common cold (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24554461/). But ten years later, a European meta-analysis contradicted the prior review, demonstrating that Echinacea can safely prevent viral respiratory tract infections and associated complications, thereby decreasing the demand for antibiotics. These researchers did point out that differences occur between products, and they concluded that ethanolic extracts (ie tinctures) of freshly harvested roots, had the best effect (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38667040/). 

The Pharmacology of Echinacea 

Thanks to many decades of research in vitro, in animal studies and also in human trials, the various mechanisms of action of Echinacea are well understood. The primary constituents are caffeic acid esters, alkylamides, polysaccharides, glycoproteins, and essential oils. Specific mechanisms by which Echinacea supports a healthy immune response include: 

• Antimicrobial 

1. Direct anti-viral and anti-bacterial activity in many in vitro studies  

2. Prevent biofilm production 

• Immune Stimulation 

1. Innate--Activate macrophages 

2. Adaptive--Increased T cell proliferation, and enhanced NK cell cytotoxicity  

• Anti-inflammatory 

1. Modulates cytokine release 

2. Reduces the production of free radicals in the immune response, reducing inflammation and tissue damage 

(https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11504277/) 

 

Possible adverse effects from Echinacea are mild and may include rash, allergic reactions, GI upset, or headache.  

Do not use Echinacea if you have a history of allergy to Echinacea or other Aster family plants. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or if you have a chronic medical condition, check with your healthcare practitioner before using Echinacea. 

If you are taking prescription medications, check with your doctor or pharmacist before consuming Echinacea products, due to the risk for interactions with certain medications. 

How to use Echinacea 

We recommend consuming fresh tincture of Echinacea root, but tea of the root or flowers is also an excellent delivery method. As described below, the tea or tincture can also be used topically for skin conditions. We recommend using only certified organic, US-cultivated Echinacea purpurea; avoid purchasing wildcrafted Echinacea angustifolia or E. pallida due to overharvesting in the wild. 

Rather than using Echinacea every day as a “tonic,” we recommend using it for 2-3 days to a week at a time for a targeted impact on your wellness, then taking a break and coming back again when you need it.  

 

• Combine with elderberry, spilanthes, ginger, and/or licorice for the earliest whispers of upper respiratory discomfort. 

• Blend with andrographis and/or Chinese skullcap for deeper-rooted discomfort 

• Add to mullein, licorice, and/or yerba santa to support lower respiratory wellness. 

In addition to respiratory support, Echinacea tincture or tea can be used as a soak for cuts, scrapes, and stings along with other first-aid plants like yarrow, calendula, and plantain. Our friend 7Song provides in-depth information on herbal wound care on his website:https://7song.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Herbal-First-Aid-Wound-Care.pdf  

Why Choose Five Flavors Herbs Echinacea Root Tincture? 

Five Flavors Herbs’Echinacea Root Tincture is a premium herbal extract designed to support immune health and overall wellness. Made from high-quality fresh-harvested certified organic Echinacea purpurea roots, it harnesses the plant’s natural immune-supporting properties. 

This tincture is particularly helpful for: 

• Immune Support: Ideal during seasonal changes or at the first sign of respiratory discomfort. 

• Soothing Skin: Can be applied topically for minor cuts, scrapes, and stings. 

• Sustainability: Crafted with responsibly sourced certified organic Echinacea purpurea, avoiding overharvested wild varieties. 

With its commitment to quality and sustainability, Five Flavors Herbs offers a tincture you can trust to keep your wellness on track.  

FAQs 

1. How should I use Echinacea Root Tincture? 

Take the tincture at the first signs of respiratory discomfort or to support immune health during seasonal changes. Add the recommended dosage to water, tea, or juice. It can also be applied topically for minor skin issues like cuts or stings. 

2. Is this tincture safe for daily use? 

Echinacea is best used in short cycles (2-3 days to a week) for targeted support rather than as a daily tonic. Taking breaks between use is recommended. 

3. Is the Echinacea Root Tincture sustainably sourced? 

Yes! Five Flavors Herbs prioritize sustainability by using organically cultivated Echinacea purpurea, avoiding overharvested wild species like Echinacea angustifolia and E. pallida.