Echinacea or Purple Cone Flower is a well-known plant. It is valued for boosting the immune system as well as producing beautiful blooms in the flower garden. As a medicinal herb, echinacea strengthens the body's resistance and helps fight infection caused by bacteria, fungus, and virus. It also is considered a lymphatic tonic.

Scientific tests have shown that echinacea increases the production of white blood cells. It also increases the body's production of interferon which helps fight the flu. Echinacea should only be taken for 6 to 8 weeks at a time. Stop for 2 or 3 weeks and then begin again.

When using the herb as a wash for external applications, apply to affected area frequently. Dried echinacea can be used as a dusting powder on boils and eczema. The root is known to help kidney infections. Diluted echinacea tincture makes a good gargle for all throat problems, especially sore throats. Echinacea tea can be used for colds, flu, fever blisters, gingivitis, yeast infection, and food poisoning.

If treating any condition with mucus, phlegm, or congestion, combine echinacea with catnip or elder flower. When using echinacea for helping get over the flu, use with fever reducing herbs like yarrow.

Native Americans were familiar with echinacea. They used it for snakebite, fever, and to treat old, stubborn wounds.

Echinacea is native to North America and is considered a wildflower. It grows abundantly in the great plains and does well here in the North Georgia mountains. Echinacea, or purple coneflower, is resistant to heat, humidity, and cold. Butterflies and bees love the knee-high plant. Echinacea makes a beautiful cut flower that is long lasting. Many  varieties are available in garden centers and some have a sweet scent. Echinacea blooms the first year from seed if planted early.

It is easy to prepare echinacea for winter storage. Just harvest after the plant flowers, wash off any dust, tear into pieces, and dry. Store in air tight containers.

* High doses of echinacea can cause nausea and dizziness. Consult with a physician before taking echinacea if you have an autoimmune disease such a s TB, lupus, collagen disease, or multiple sclerosis. Sometimes people that are allergic to daisies, mums, asters, or ragweeds may experience a reaction to echinacea. Always consult with your physician before using any herbal remedy.