Echinacea, Echinacea purpurea, also known as Purple Coneflower, is a perennial shrub found in the central and eastern parts of North America. Its Latin name comes from the Greek word ekhinos, which means hedgehog because the cone of the flower resembles a small hedgehog. Although there are nine species of echinacea, all of which are members of the daisy family, Echinacea purpurea is the species most often used as a natural remedy and in folk medicine.
Known for its herbal, antibiotic, antibacterial, and healing properties, Native Americans have used echinacea as a topical medicine for centuries to treat infections and heal wounds, insect stings, and snake bites.
Since acne is an infection and inflammation caused by trapped bacteria in a pore, Echinacea has been used successfully as a topical treatment for blemishes. Its skin soothing and healing properties make it great for people with irritated skin conditions such as eczema by decreasing skin inflammation and redness which helps ease the discomfort.
Over the years there has been a lot of scientific research, especially on the topical use of echinacea root. Some studies have found that it promotes cellular regeneration which accelerates the healing process and it may be effective in reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
In hair care, its antibacterial properties make Echinacea a great herbal remedy for dandruff and infections of the scalp.
