— (Echinacea / Purple Coneflower)
Echinacea (Echinacea / Purple Coneflower)
Echinacea purpurea
The purple coneflower taken at the first sign of a cold.
Purple coneflower · Herb · Parts: Root, Aerial parts, Flower
- Taste (rasa)
- Pungent, bitter
- Energy (virya)
- Cooling
- Balances
- Kapha
What it is used for
Benefits
- Most studied for shortening the duration of common colds when started early
- Traditional North American use for sore throats and slow-healing wounds
- Taken in short bursts rather than continuously
- Combines well with ginger and honey in a warming throat tea
How much
Dosage
300-500 mg dried extract three times daily, or 2-3 cups of tea, for up to 7-10 days at the onset of symptoms.
How to take it
Preparation & usage
Onset tea
Steep 1 tsp dried root and aerial parts in hot water for 10 minutes; add honey off the boil.
Three times daily for the first few days of a cold
Tincture in water
Add the labelled dose of tincture to a little warm water.
At the first scratchy throat
Read this first
Precautions
- Avoid with autoimmune conditions or while on immunosuppressants
- Allergy risk for people sensitive to the daisy family
- Not intended for continuous long-term use
Where this comes from
Sources
Common questions
What is Echinacea used for?
The purple coneflower taken at the first sign of a cold. In traditional use the main applications are: Most studied for shortening the duration of common colds when started early; Traditional North American use for sore throats and slow-healing wounds; Taken in short bursts rather than continuously.
What is the typical dosage of Echinacea?
300-500 mg dried extract three times daily, or 2-3 cups of tea, for up to 7-10 days at the onset of symptoms. Amounts vary with age, constitution and health status, so confirm your own dose with a qualified practitioner.
How and when should Echinacea be taken?
Onset tea: Steep 1 tsp dried root and aerial parts in hot water for 10 minutes; add honey off the boil. Timing — Three times daily for the first few days of a cold
Are there any precautions with Echinacea?
Avoid with autoimmune conditions or while on immunosuppressants Allergy risk for people sensitive to the daisy family Not intended for continuous long-term use Speak to a doctor before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or if you take prescription medication.
Does Echinacea replace medical treatment?
No. This page documents traditional Ayurvedic use for education; it is not a diagnosis or treatment and does not replace prescribed medication or professional advice.
Where to buy
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