ECHINACEA

This amazing herb comes from east of Rocky's originally.  Echinacea purpurea is from the far eastern U.S. while the species Echinacea angustifolia is from the central U.S. east.  Though this plant is not native to California its benefits far outweigh its origin. 

The uses for this herb are recorded in history from the Dakota, Cheyenne, Lakota and more Native American peoples.  Most often the root was chewed for toothaches and mouth sores while the leaves and stems were infused for tonics and headaches. 

Echinacea is widely known today to aid the immune system in a battle over the common cold.  Cultivated easily this herb deserves its grace in our gardens.