At one time it seems that no one in North America had ever heard of Echinacea - now it appears that everyone has.

Most preparations of Echinacea are derived from a plant called Echinacea angustifolia, although sometimes other varieties may be used.

Many gardeners may know the plant as the purple coneflower.
North American Indians called it the snake plant, and used it to counteract poisons from snake and insect bites.

It is generally the root from the plant that is used, either dried, or as an extract or juice. Oddly, although the plant is native to North America, much of the initial research done on it has been done in Germany.

Echinacea is well known for an ability to fortify the body against colds and flu. It may be a strong booster to the body's immune system and, as well, it may be an effective anti-inflammatory. As an anti-inflammatory it has been used for years in alleviating the suffering of arthritis.