Echinacea is a genus of herbaceous flowering plants in the daisy family that thrive in wet to dry prairies and wooded areas. The name “Echinacea” comes from the Greek word ἐχῖνος (ekhinos), meaning “hedgehog,” due to their spiny central disks. 

Native to: Northeastern China, Japan, and Korea

Modern distribution: Echinacea is a popular garden flower, for both ornamental and pollinator- attraction! It generally grows readily in zones 3-9. 

Common Names: dang shen, bonnet bellflower, and poor man’s ginseng – as it is sometimes used as a less expensive alternative to Panax ginseng – another popular adaptogenic herb.

Parts Used – Active Compounds 

The roots of several Echinacea species contain family of compounds called alkylamides that exert medicinal effects.  Flowers, while less medicinal, also contribute therapeutic compounds, as well as the leaves. which contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.

Main Therapeutic Uses  

Echinacea, long used by the indigenous peoples of southeastern North America in medicinal preparations to treat injuries, pain, throat infections, coughs, and even snake bites. Introduced to Europeans during the 18th century when the formal description of the genus was established in 1753 and is among the most familiar herbal supplement products available today! 

Antimicrobial Action 

Echinacea is a popular herbal treatment for cold, flu and upper respiratory tract infections. Many research studies have been conducted to evaluate the effects of Echinacea preparations on infection, with studies finding positive effects regardless of the bacterial or viral source of infection¹! 

Also, the antimicrobial actions of Echinacea have also been shown to inhibit the formation of biofilm – a protective layer on bacterial cells that makes them more resistant to immune responses and antibiotics². 

Immunomodulation  

The alkylamides in Echinacea have been researched for their ability to influence the immune system.  Research has shown Echinacea having the ability to coordinate an immune response to infection as well as stimulating immune cells! This is the action behind Echinacea's ability to lessen the duration and severity of common viruses.  

Fun fact! In dream interpretation, seeing Echinacea in one’s dreams can signify healing, or restoring strength. It can also signal the need for self care and promoting rest and restoration.   

Folklore and symbolism: Echinacea flowers have long been considered symbols of healing and strength. They have been thought to provide inner strength throughout adversity and can be grown around the house or brought inside to draw prosperity and good fortune into the home. 

Echinacea at St. Francis  

All the Echinacea used in St. Francis formulas is certified organic and Canadian - grown on a farm in Ontario! While we don’t produce Echinacea in quantities required for our formulas – we do have some Echinacea purpurea growing in our organic production on the St. Francis farm. 

“Our small patch in the Log Barn Gardens really brings the crowds - of pollinators that is! They are some of our favourite flowers, blessed with an abundance of moths, bees and butterflies to pollinate the cornucopia of seeds in the everlasting flower heads.” 

From Deedee – St. Francis Farm Manager  

Many of St. Francis’s Echinacea formulas, notably the Echinacea Plus line, combine two echinacea species: Echinacea purpurea and angustifolia. The abundance and variation of active compounds in these two species reinforce the therapeutic action of one another.  

Specifically, the active compounds in E. purpurea that are essential for its therapeutic effects are quickly metabolized and excreted from the body unless they are in the presence of similar compounds in E. angustifolia.  

In other words, Echinacea augustifolia both enhances and extends the medicinal effects of Echinacea purpurea for greater therapeutic benefits! 

Learn more: Echinacea Plus – The Most Powerful Echinacea! 

St. Francis Echinacea formulas are all made in Canada – with Canadian-grown, organic Echinacea!! 

St. Francis Products Featuring Echinacea

References:  

Ahmadi F. Phytochemistry, Mechanisms, and Preclinical Studies of Echinacea Extracts in Modulating Immune Responses to Bacterial and Viral Infections: A Comprehensive Review. Antibiotics (Basel). 2024 Oct 9;13(10):947. doi: 10.3390/antibiotics13100947. PMID: 39452214; PMCID: PMC11504277. Retrieved from: Phytochemistry, Mechanisms, and Preclinical Studies of Echinacea Extracts in Modulating Immune Responses to Bacterial and Viral Infections: A Comprehensive Review - PMC 

Tierra M. Echinacea: an effective alternative to antibiotics. J Herb Pharmacother. 2007;7(2):79-89. doi: 10.1300/j157v07n02_06. PMID: 18285309. Retrieved from: Echinacea: an effective alternative to antibiotics - PubMed 

Mudge E, Lopes-Lutz D, Brown P, Schieber A. Analysis of alkylamides in Echinacea plant materials and dietary supplements by ultrafast liquid chromatography with diode array and mass spectrometric detection. J Agric Food Chem. 2011 Aug 10;59(15):8086-94. doi: 10.1021/jf201158k. Epub 2011 Jul 7. PMID: 21702479. Retrieved from: Analysis of alkylamides in Echinacea plant materials and dietary supplements by ultrafast liquid chromatography with diode array and mass spectrometric detection - PubMed 

Liu R, Caram-Salas NL, Li W, Wang L, Arnason JT, Harris CS. Interactions of Echinacea spp. Root Extracts and Alkylamides With the Endocannabinoid System and Peripheral Inflammatory Pain. Front Pharmacol. 2021 Apr 27;12:651292. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2021.651292. PMID: 33986678; PMCID: PMC8111300.  

NPN CLAIMS: 

Echinacea Angustifolia: Traditionally used to combat colds, flu, and infection and for the relief of sore throats related to colds. Used as supportive therapy in the management of upper respiratory and urinary infections. 

Echinacea Plus: Helps to relieve the symptoms and shorten the duration of upper respiratory tract infections (e.g. common colds). 

Echinacea Kids: Helps to relieve the symptoms and shorten the duration of upper respiratory tract infections (e.g. common colds).