Coneflower – Echinacea purpurea
The plant gets its name from the ancient Greek word echínos, meaning hedgehog, which is reminiscent of the spiky back of the plant. Native Americans were familiar with the herb's effect and traditionally used the roots and leaves to heal wounds.
Activates the immune system
Fields of application
The two components of echinacea, polysaccharides and echinacin B, strengthen the immune system and are used to prevent colds, as cold prophylaxis is less stressful for the body than fighting pathogens with antibiotics. Recent studies have also shown that echinacea extracts are even effective against influenza, herpes and coronary viruses. Echinacea is not only used as a preventative, but also to treat acute respiratory diseases and feverish colds. It also plays an important role in wound healing. For topical application, the active ingredients can be found in ointments and creams for injuries, ulcers and skin inflammations. Various types of echinacea are used as medicinal plants: the narrow-leaved, the pale and the red. At Dr. Andres Apotheke Stadelhofen, we place a great deal of emphasis on combining different echinaceas and using the whole plant to achieve the best results.
Botanical characteristics
The coneflower, which originates from South and Central America, grows up to 180 centimetres in height and is a popular ornamental plant that flowers all summer long due to its bright purple flowers. Both the dried roots and the juice of the fresh herb are used to make medicines.