![]() ![]() She also showed him how he could treat wounds and injuries with the fresh plant pulp. Meyer watched an indigene woman crush an echinacea plant between stones. At the end of the 19th century, white settlers in North America discovered the importance of the pale-purple coneflower, which had long been used by the indigene people as medicinal plant. The scientific name of the pale-purple coneflower comes from the Greek echinos = hedgehog, and appropriately describes the spiny appearance of the flowerhead. Echinacea has practically no relevance for the preparation of teas as most of its constituents are lost on drying. The suitability of echincea for wound healing and for the treatment of skin diseases derives from its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic action and its reduction of swelling. It was effective in all inflammatory-febrile processes following injuries. Originally echinacea was used particularly for the treatment of open wounds. It was one of their most important medicinal plants and was used traditionally to heal febrile illnesses, insect bites, poorly healing wounds and even snake bites. We owe our knowledge about the medicinal uses of echinacea largely to the indigenious people of North America. Echinacea is often used internally to support the treatment of recurrent infections of the airways and the lower urinary tract. The nonspecific stimulation of the immune system supports and enhances the natural defenses giving the body greater power to ward off different types of pathogens such as viruses, bacteria and protozoa. In the cold season echinacea plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of colds and flu-like infections. In Europe the pale-purple coneflower is successfully cultivated on almost all garden soils. In North America the tap-rooted plant, which extends its root deep into the earth, grows particularly on the dry chalky soil of the prairies and on sandbanks. The lance-shaped leaves of the coneflower are also rough and hairy. On windy days in particular, the almost walnut-sized flowerhead needs the full strength of the slender, hairy stem. As soon as the disc flowers have been pollinated by the busy helpers the perfume takes on a vanilla-like aroma. ![]() Now the flower exudes a fine honey-like fragrance which attracts bees, butterflies and other insects. In full bloom, the tongues are bent back and droop rather limply. When it begins to flower and the tongues of the ray flowers are pointed upwards, the flower has practically no scent. Another outstanding feature of the pale-purple coneflower is its astonishing pattern of scent production. In full bloom, the 15 to 20 drooping ligulate ray flowers surround the conically arched seed head like the brim of a hat. The tension between the brownish-orange tubular disc flowers and the pinkish-purple ray flowers is one of the main features of its unconventional beauty. At the top of the stem is a single large flowerhead which is quite impressive. ![]() In Europe it is cultivated mainly as an ornamental plant and can grow to a height of up to one meter (three feet). ![]() The native American pale-purple coneflower blooms from June to September, transforming our gardens into a pink and purple sea of blossom throughout almost the entire summer. It is also found in the sparse deciduous forests of the central and eastern states of the USA.Įchinacin, essential oil, resins, bitter substances, phytosterols, inulin, polysaccharides and the bacteriostatic echinacoside. The pale-purple coneflower is a native of North America where it is found on the dry prairies of the southern states from Alabama to Texas. Synonyms: Pale coneflower, pale-flowered echinacea Scientific Name: Echinacea pallida ![]()
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