Echinacea Root – Traditional Use

Echinacea purpurea root is harvested when ripe, then carefully dried and chopped. It is found in many traditional formulas, in decoction, tincture, or sometimes in cold maceration. Its use remains occasional and often targeted around seasonal changes or periods of temporary fatigue.

Description

Cut roots, reddish brown to light brown, fibrous and rigid texture, characteristic earthy aroma. Pungent and slightly woody flavor.

Nomenclature

• Common names: Purple coneflower, Purple coneflower
• Latin name: Echinacea purpurea
• Family: Asteraceae
• Part used: Root
• Shape: Cut
• Origin: North America (also cultivated in Europe)
• English name: Purple coneflower root
• Name in German: Purpursonnenhutwurzel
• Name in Spanish: Horsetail root
• Name in Italian: Radice di echinacea
• Name in Arabic: جذر الإكيناسيا (Jadhir al-Ikināsiyā)

Main virtues

Traditionally recognized for its ability to support seasonal transitions, echinacea root is also incorporated into revitalizing preparations. It is sometimes used as a decoction, mouthwash, or incorporated into plant-based cosmetic products.

Main constituents

Alcamides, polysaccharides, cichoric acid, echinacoside, essential oils, phenolic compounds.

Use and dosage

• Decoction: 1 to 2 teaspoons for 250 ml of water, boil for 10 to 15 minutes, filter and consume.
• Maceration: in alcohol or vegetable glycerin for external or internal use (boxed formula).
• Occasional use: favor short courses of 7 to 10 days.

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• Not recommended in case of allergy to plants of the Asteraceae family.
• Do not use for long periods without professional supervision.
• Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding without specialist advice.

History and origin

Renowned for its uses among the Lakota and Sioux Native Americans, echinacea was used in many traditional medicinal preparations for its tonic properties. Rediscovered in Europe in the 20th century, it is now cultivated under controlled conditions for the quality of its roots, which are rich in active ingredients.

Miscellaneous information

• Packaging: waterproof kraft bag or opaque glass jar.
• Storage: dry, away from air and light.
• Appearance: Irregular, fibrous, light to dark brown pieces.
• Odor: Woody, dry and earthy.

Sources and references

• Pl@ntUse – https://uses.plantnet-project.org
• Traditional American Pharmacopoeia
• European herbal medicine books
• Ethnobotany of the First Nations of America

🔎 Information

The products on aromacentre.fr are not medicines. They are natural, plant-based treatments. All usage advice on our site is for informational purposes only. Any additional requests should be made to a qualified healthcare professional. In accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 December 2006 on nutrition and health claims made on foods, we are unable to publish this information on the site. Taking this product does not exempt you from consulting a doctor or prescribing it. Ask your doctor or healthcare practitioner for advice. Be sure to read the precautions for use before using any medicinal plants. The use of herbal preparations is not recommended without consulting your doctor or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with medications prescribed by the patient, reducing their therapeutic effectiveness or causing toxicity. They can also worsen the weakening of the body's vital functions, thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life-threatening risks.

Disclaimer

The Apophycaire brand, the aromacentre.fr website, and SAS LPBE disclaim all liability for the use of the information on this site. Each individual is responsible for the use of these products and must ensure that their use is appropriate for their health.