Echinacea is a mainstay in any holistic health kit of essential remedies. We have found nothing better than echinacea extract for treating the onset of a sore throat. Also, echinacea is especially beneficial if taken at the first signs of flu and cold symptoms rather than waiting until you are in the full-bloom of the nastys.  This healing herb is found to be a benefit to inflammatory distress.

Echinacea Purpurea, commonly known as the purple cone flower is extremely easy to grow.  Every part of the plant (roots, stems, folige, and blossom) have a medicinal use. All the parts of this plant can be used in teas and herbal remedies. The blossom is used in the making of flower essences. Because of its antibiotic properties one can incorporate the echinacea blossom in a special blend of flower essences used in healing practices of Exhaustion and Fatigue.

A web search on the keyword Echinacea will bring you a mother-load of links, (mostly markets for Echinacea products). We do not recommend or approve of using Echinacea on a daily basis.  Echinacea is nature’s antibiotic meant to boost your immune system. It is not intended to be taken as a constant. Our recommendation is to take Echinacea for a week to ten days. After a lapse of 5-6 days if your symptoms persist then take it for a second period of 7-10 days.

We prefer the liquid tinctures that are available at natural food stores. Echinacea is also available in capsule or tablet form for anyone who cannot tolerate the somewhat unpleasant taste of echinacea extract.

Note: Using echinacea as a treatment for for anyone with compromised immune systems, such as HIV/AIDS patients has become controversial among the healing community. Although some studies have suggested that echinacea may have beneficial effects for people with AIDS/HIV, further research on the subject is needed. If you have AIDS/HIV or are a caregiver for someone with AIDS/HIV, do not initiate echinacea therapy without consulting with a qualified health provider.