Although I am a Clinical Homeopath and use my homeopathic remedies on a daily basis I also make and use herbal tinctures alone or to support the remedies I am using. Echinacea is a great addition when I am feeling a cold coming on. At the first signs I get out my homeopathic remedy Ferrum Phosphoricum in a 200 potency and next I get my Echinacea tincture to support my immune system and compliment the Ferrum Phos. My tinctures tend to be much stronger than the ones in the store so I just use a few drops in my drink. Most times I am able to avoid getting a cold and feel much better by the end of the day.
Here is a little more information about Echinacea.
Echinacea is a flowering plant in the daisy family. It is commonly called a coneflower and is beloved by cottage gardeners and butterfly enthusiasts. Most common varieties have daisy like showy rose, pink or purple flowers with mounded heads and can grow to 4 feet tall depending on the variety.
Echinacea is native to North America and produces its’ showy flowers throughout the summer. The name is derived from a Greek word meaning sea urchin referring to the spiny central head of the flower.
The 2 varieties that are used medicinally are Echinacea Angustifolia and Echinacea Purpurea. Angustifolia, the narrow-leaf form, is the most cited in herbal medicine work as it is considered more potent. It is usually wild-harvested in the US and therefore the most expensive. Purpurea has a broad leaf and is the most common as it is easier and faster to grow but still highly regarded amongst herbalists. Echinacea Purpurea is the variety found in most tinctures and both varieties are found in Super Echinacea.
Echinacea is a Mars (Tuesday) herb and has an affinity for your immune system.
Health Benefits of Echinacea
Immune System: Echinacea is widely used to fight infections and can be used when your immune system needs a boost. Here is a list of common problems echinacea has been known to help-
Common Cold
Upper Respiratory Infections
Influenza
Urinary Tract Infections
Vaginal Yeast Infections
Genital Herpes
Septicemia
Gem Disease
Tonsillitis
Strept Infections
Syphilis
Typhoid
Malaria
Diphtheria
Antibacterial: Echinacea is an antibacterial and can be used topically on cuts and wounds.
Skin: Echinacea helps topically with skin rashes, boils, abscesses, skin wounds, ulcers, burns, eczema, psoriasis, UV radiation skin damage, herpes simplex, bee stings, and hemorrhoids.
Other uses: Other uses not related to infection include chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), rheumatism, migraines, acid indigestion, pain, dizziness, rattlesnake bites, and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).