PROPER NAME:	There are three possible names of the herb, depending on the parts of the plant used for manufacturing: Echinacea purpurea herb or radix, Echinacea pallida herb or radix, and Echinacea angustifolia herb or radix.
COMMON NAMES:	Black Sampson, Rudbeckia, and Sampson Root.
PARTS USED:	The rhizomes, root, and above ground parts of the plant are used in the production of the herb. Echinacea purpurea herb is produced from the above ground parts of the plant. Echinacea pallida may be made from both the above and under ground plant parts. The root is used for the production of Echinacea purpurea radix. The parts of the plant used are collected at specifc times during the harvest. The above and under ground parts used in the production of the herb are all collected during the flowering time of the harvest.
FORMS:	There are numerous forms of Echinacea. This herb may be found in liquid supplements, tincture, injection, tea, and tablets or capsules.
CLAIMS:	The general, nonspecific uses of Echinacea are to aid in wound healing, help treat the common cold, fevers, coughs and bronchitis, inflammations of the mouth or pharynx, and to assist in helping infections. Echinacea purpurea herb may also help urinary tract infections.
DOSAGE:	Each form of Echinacea has its own recommended daily dose. Echinacea purpurea herb, when used internally has a recommended dose of 6 to 9 ml per day. Echinacea purpurea radix is a tincture that a person could use 30 to 60 drops, up to three times daily. Echinacea pallida herb and radix are not recommended for use more than 8 weeks, with a daily dose of 900mg per day.
SIDE EFFECTS:	Due to its influence on the immune system, Echinacea should not be used in people with AIDS, multiple sclerosis, tuberculosis, leukosis, or collagenosis. The administration of Echinacea should not be used parenterally in people with allergic tendencies. Pregnant and breast-feeding women and diabetics are also warned about the use Echinacea.

Echinacea References:
Blumenthal, Busse, Goldberg, Gruenwald, Hall, Klein, Riggins, and Rister. (1998). The Complete German Commission E Monographs- Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council.

Foster, S., Tyler, V.E. (1998). Tyler's Honest Herbal. New York: The Haworth Herbal Press.

PDR for Herbal Medicines. (1998). New Jersey: Medical Economics Company.

Disclaimer:
This article is intended to provide basic information only. It is not a recommendation for use or endorsement of any product listed, by the Southeastern Michigan Dietetic Association. Please consult your physician or a health professional before taking any medications or supplements.

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