Since there are not many parts of the Echinacea plant that are used, other than the plant’s roots, I will cover the indications for its use. The properties of the root are: cooling / drying, antiseptic, and immune enhancer. The indications for immunity issues are: “low immunity where the person has frequent infections; sepsis; allergies with marked inflammation; acute stage of mononucleosis; typhoid fever (Alfs, 53)”.
On the plains the Echinacea plant grows wild. “Plains Indians used these rugged plants as vegetables, symbolic and ceremonial foods, and for countless medicinal needs (Kavasch and Baar, 124).” The fresh roots would be dug up, washed, then “chewed for toothache relief (Ibid.)…” and of course a multitude of other purposes.
In our modern times Echinacea can be bought as a dried herb, crème, ointment, salve, sprays, and lozenges. Teas, extracts, and tinctures can be made using the roots (chopped of course). Tinctures and extracts are usually the base used in crèmes, ointments, and salves.
The seeds were sometimes eaten by plains tribal people. These can also be processed for an oil. Early plains healers perceived the ovary-like flowering head, or cone as a sign from the earth as to its use. The seeds “heads” were used in fertility and love medicines. (Kavasch and Baar) Teas and decoctions were also prepared using the whole top of the Echinacea plant for childbirth and healing purposes.
In my research I found no flower remedies made from the flower of the Echinacea plant, and no notation as to its use as an essence oil. But, I had not seen either used for the Mullein plant either (will be discussed at some other point). Yet the Echinacea plant was used both as a decoction and inhalant for mild forms of upper respiratory ailments using dried and chopped upper ground portions of the Echinacea plant.
Alfs, matthew. 300 Herbs: Their Indications & Contraindications. Old Theology Book House, 2003.
E. Barrie Kavasch and Karen Barr. American Indian Healing Arts. Bantam Books, 1999.
No comments:
Post a Comment