What is echinacea?
It is a flowering plant that grows in the USA and Canada and has been used as a medicine for centuries. There are nine species. The leaves, stem, flower and roots of the plant are used to make echinacea supplements, liquid extracts and tea.

A little history…
Its name comes from the Greek word "echinos" (hedgehog), because of the thorns found between its cone-shaped pink and purple flowers. Native Americans have reportedly used echinacea for over 400 years to treat infections, wounds, and generally regarded the plant as a general "panacea" for health disorders. T
Actions and benefits
- Immune Strengthening: Echinacea is primarily used to stimulate the immune and lymphatic systems, which is why it is the first choice when the body's defenses against respiratory infections need to be strengthened (flu, cold).
- Common cold and flu: Today, echinacea is one of the most well-known and widespread herbs, as its therapeutic properties are associated with the treatment of the common cold. Specifically it is used to reduce the onset, duration and severity of the common cold and flu as well as related symptoms such as sore throat, pharyngitis, cough and fever.
- Anti-inflammatory action: It is often used to fight inflammation and infections. (urinary tract infections), colic and skin diseases (psoriasis, herpes, ulcers, wounds, burns, acne).
- Against urinary tract infections: Thanks to its immune-boosting properties, echinacea relieves the symptoms of irritated bladder and related bacterial infections.
- Wound healing & skin photoaging: Studies have shown that echinacea polyphenols protect collagen from oxidation providing an indication for topical use of echinacea extracts in the prevention and possible treatment of skin photoaging from UVA/UVB radiation.
- Antiseptic & antifungal activity: Echinacea according to study results may have an antiseptic effect against fungi.