e. purpurea

echinacea

echinacea

The famous immune system stimulant that’s touted as a healing wonder, used for everything from herpes to brown recluse spider bites. Great for colds, flu and anything your body may be fighting. Increases levels of virus-fighting interferon in the body. Prompts the thymus, bone marrow, and spleen to produce more immune cells. Helps cleanse the blood and boost lymph system cleansing making it a powerful detoxifier for removing infection organisms. Used on hard-to-heal wounds, even sun-damaged skin. Cortisone-like activity. Increases levels of virus-fighting interferon in the body. Not recommended for people with HIV or AIDS. The flower has a brown spiky seed ball with long thin pinkish purple petals around it. The whole plant is edible. Most of the power is in the root, but you can use the flower and seeds by crushing and drying them and making tea. Fresh flower petals make salads and desserts look beautiful. The seeds can be ground into a powder and used as a black pepper type spice. The seeds can also be sprouted and eaten as echinacea sprouts.(good winter food)