Echinacea (or Missouri Snakeroot)
Echinacea, is an herb with attractive purple flowers that resembles a black-eyed Susan.
Echinacea is a popular garden plant that can grow in sun or partial shade. As well, it is often included on lists of herbal cures.
The healing garden : natural healing for mind, body and soul
David Squire.
London : Vega, 2002.
#8220;Presenting fact as well as folklore, Squire eloquently and exhaustively addresses aspects of gardening for the senses, from color and sound to fragrance and touch. As he deftly combines historical perspectives with practical considerations, Squire also provides a visual feast of alluring color photos and archival paintings and illustrations. #8221; #8212;Booklist.
The complete book of herbs & spices : growing, harvesting, and preparing herbs for cooking, lotions, and home-remedies
Brenda Little.
Sandy, Utah : Silverleaf Press, c2006.
Written with both the novice and the seasoned herbal gardener in mind, The Complete Book of Herbs #38; Spices gives detailed instructions on cultivating, drying, and storing more than 130 different herbs and spices. A full herbal dictionary, with pictures and detailed descriptions, is included. And a host of common and uncommon uses for herbs and spices is given, including medicinal, culinary, and even cosmetic applications. Book jacket.
The complete herb book
Jekka McVicar.
Richmond Hill, Ont. : Firefly Books, 2008.
- Includes index
- Previously published under title: Jekka's complete herb book.
There are nine Echinacea species indigenous to the North American midwest from Saskatchewan to Texas, including here in Missouri. However, only three species are perennial and collected or cultivated as medicinal herbs. It is often sold as the expressed juice of the aerial parts of the plant, with alcohol added as a preservative.
Echinacea purpurea, the most common purple coneflower, can grow from 18 inches to 5 feet tall. The genus name may derive from the Greek "echinos" for sea urchin or hedgehog, after its bristly leaves and cone.
|
A word of caution
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. You should always read product labels.
If you have a medical condition or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, check with a health care professional before using this herb. |
Traditional use of the Echinacea species includes native North American tribes using it to treat a variety of ailments. This includes mouth sores, toothaches, colds, sore throats, burns, and snakebites. Its use for snake bites gave rise to the common name of Missouri Snakeroot.
Current pharmacological and clinical studies are being conducted with this plant in an attempt to prove its effectiveness in lessening symptoms of respiratory infections. Some safety concerns are being investigated, especially related to dosage and use with children.
Article by: St. Louis Public Library staff.
