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Echinacea Purpurea Root Organic |
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Echinacea Purpurea Root Organic
ECHINACEA ROOT - Organic
Echinacea purpurea
History and Folklore
Echinacea is perhaps one of the best known herbal remedies - it is widely available in all sorts of preparations and combinations. Originally it was a sacred medicine plant of Native Americans, particularly among the Plains Indians, who not only used it for healing, but also as a smoking herb and to make themselves resistant to heat, e.g. in order to better endure the heat of sweatlodges, or to be able to hold a live coal in their mouth at medicine shows. At first the white settlers largely ignored this remedy, until the Eclectics began to use it, but not to any great extent. But one day a German lay physician, by the name of H.C.F. Meyer urged the most eminent eclectics of the time to take a closer look at one of his concoctions, which contained Echinacea. Eventually, John King gave it a try and soon became convinced of its efficacy, after trying it on his wife who was suffering from cancer at the time. Echinacea seemed to be the only remedy that was effective in slowing progress of the disease and easing her pain. To cut a long story short, Echinacea reached Europe by the end of the 1800 and was most enthusiastically received in Germany, where most studies have been conducted since. Meanwhile, America all but forgot this healing treasure - its fame and glory sunk with the reputation of the Eclectics who had helped to popularize it - until quite recently. With the recent rise of interest in herbal medicines Echinacea also has been resurrected and today is once again hailed as a panacea. Panaceas have a major disadvantage, however - they sound too good to be true. And thus, before long, some pharmacist comes along with a mission on his mind: to discredit the fabulous claims. That is the current situation - gazillion Echinacea products are flushing the market claiming relief from every conceivable disease - and an equivalent flood of studies that seek to disprove these claims. A further problem with wonder-drug fads is the systematic decimation of wild plants which are collected in a feverish effort to cash in on the boom. This has happened in America, where a sudden rush on Echinacea has begun to seriously threaten wild stands. Much of Europe's supplies are grown in cultivation within Europe, where the herb has been in popular use for much of the last century.
Medicinal Uses:
So what is one to believe' Firstly, it is important to understand the mode of action of this herb. Echinacea can be described as an alterative, which explains the many different and seemingly conflicting claims about it. It is an immuno-stimulant, which means that it boosts the immune system to better deal with infections of many varied types, although it is not in itself an antiseptic. It also increases circulation to the capillaries, thus facilitating transportation of white blood cells, which are so crucial in fighting infections. Thus, it is considered an excellent remedy to boost the immune system during the cold season (better as a preventative remedy than as an agent for treating acute infection), or as a remedy to fight chronic inflammation or infection of the urinary system or lungs. The Eclectics recommended it as a blood purifier. At the time of the Eclectics Echinacea also became a popular remedy for syphilis and gonorrhoea as well as feverish infections such as typhoid.
It is interesting to note that Native Americans mostly used it as a remedy for snake bites, for which it appears to be quite effective. They also used it externally for ulcers, eczema and conjunctivitis and as a gargle for sore throat and mouth ulcers.
CAUTION
Echinacea is extremely well tolerated, though people with a known allergy to plants of the Daisy family should be cautious.
NOTE: It seems as though the roots of E.angustifolia and E. purpurea can be used interchangeably. Studies suggest that there may be varied efficacy between the aerial parts of the two species, which is sometimes administered in the form of fresh plant juice.
Magical Uses:
Although it is known that the Echinacea was an important medicine and magical plant for the Plains Indians, not much is known about the sacred uses of this plant. It played a role in sweat lodge rituals and may have been smoked in the sacred pipe for ritual purposes.
BOTANICALS:
Plants nourish and feed us, add spice to our life, bestow health and beauty, scent and colour and brighten our days. They mediate love, hope and gratitude; they clothe and cleanse us, they heal and soothe our bodies, minds and souls. They touch every aspect of our existence, from our daily sustenance to the air we breathe, to the keys to other dimensions. They are the alchemists that turn sunlight into the green force of life, continuously revolving, restoring, rebirthing through the cycles of time. They truly are the greatest gift of nature, yet also the one we most take for granted.
Star Child's range of botanicals derives from many regions and traditions of the world. We supply only the best quality herbs, using organically grown and sustainably harvested sources if available. The greater the demand for organic products the more readily they will become available. Your choice to buy and our commitment to supply organic herbs is part of the driving force that sows the seeds for a greener, healthier future.
USE:
There are dozens of ways in which herbs can be used. Many culinary herbs not only impart a great flavour but also have subtle effect on the digestive process. Other herbs are more medicinal than culinary and can be used as remedies, based on the wisdom of age old traditional plant knowledge. For more detailed information on the different types of preparations that can be made with herbs, please refer to the BOTANICALS USAGE section.
CAUTION
We support the notion of taking responsibility for one's own well being and thus strive to make all herbs available for use at your own discretion. It should be noted however, that not all herbs are safe to use in all circumstances. Special cautions may apply when suffering from certain medical conditions, when taking synthetic prescription drugs and during pregnancy. Research and familiarize yourself with any herb you intend to use and make sure you are aware of all special cautions that may apply. The information given here is based on thousands of years of traditional use. It is intended for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace a visit to a medical professional where this is necessary.
If symptoms persist or re-occur, or if you are suffering from a serious medical condition, or if you are presently taking prescription drugs, we recommend that you consult a qualified doctor or practitioner before attempting to help yourself. Look for a practitioner/doctor who you can trust and who is prepared to explore natural health alternatives with you.
Pregnancy is a very special time. If chosen wisely herbs can give tremendous support throughout the entire process. However, due to the vulnerability and sensitivity of the unborn child it is especially important to make sure that the herbs you are using are safe. (This also applies during the time of breast-feeding as all substances ingested by the mother are processed and passed on with the mother's milk). Many herbs may be useful during the latter stages of pregnancy or during labour, but could be dangerous during the first few months. Inform yourself - don't risk regret.
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