Echinacea is an herbal plant that belongs to the botanical family Asteraceae.
It also goes by the purple coneflower or prairie flower and is a wildflower with a similar look to that of a daisy, except it is purple.
It is native to Central America and grows like a garden plant in other countries. It grows best in climate zones three through nine and will reach anywhere between two to five feet. It prefers soil that is moist or dry and well-drained and slightly acidic. It will also flourish in either full sunlight or partially shaded areas.
This plant will also bring butterflies, bees, and other creatures to your garden or landscape. Throughout history, this plant has also been used for medicinal purposes, not just yard decor. Native Americans healed septic wounds and snake bites and became popular with pioneers to treat infections.
Currently, it is used for many things in the medical community. It can boost your immune system because it contains natural elements with antibiotic properties and will kill bacteria and viruses.
Echinacea plants will stimulate white blood cell production increasing the body's ability to fight off infections. It can treat wounds and skin lesions and will reduce inflammation as well. In addition to these uses, you may also use them to treat ailments such as thrush, urinary tract infections, and cold sores. It is also thought to help with conditions like lupus, MS, and many others.
Additionally, you should not take this herbal remedy if one is pregnant as it may cause complications. You can also use it to bring color and life to your garden. It is colorful and wild-looking and will give your garden or landscape a different and more natural feel.
For the best results, plant it in groups of two or three to make it stand out amongst the other plants in your garden. Plant it in one's garden for appearance or to harvest herbs. That is a plant for you. It can grow in the wild or be planted along gardens to bring in bees for pollination.
