Nature's Medicines

Bark from the rainforest, seaweed, even venom from snakes and spiders. All are yielding nature's secrets for treating a host of ailments.

Native Americans long have known which plants and their parts are curatives for everything from stings to sore throats.

If you have a space in your yard you can devote to growing medicinal plants or access to a community garden, you may want to cultivate the purple cone flower.

Sold commercially by its botanical name, Echinacea, extracts from the purple cone flower are used to treat:

• Bronchial infections.
• Flu.
• Colds.
• Cough.
• Inflamed nasal passages.
• Respiratory Congestion.
• Inflammation.
• Wounds.
• Sores.
• Infection.
• Abscesses.
• Stings.

Echinacea's roots and its above-ground parts are recognized herbal treatments in Germany where it is used for inflammatory conditions and infections caused by viruses. It was widely used in the United States during the 1800s before antibiotics became popular. Native peoples have long recognized the plant's curative properties.

A member of the daisy family, Echinacea is a hardy perennial (comes back year after year), reaches two to three feet in height, and is not difficult to grow. It prefers well drained soil and direct sun. Purple Cone Flower will self-seed and you can establish a thriving bed in just one or two growing seasons. In the spring, check local nurseries or even your local drugstore or supermarket for Purple Cone Flower seeds. The plant can be found throughout the United States. In some states, it grows wild, has been over harvested, and is designated an endangered species.

The Echinacea sold as an herbal remedy may not be "pure" and has, in cases, been found to be a mixture of different types, with varying degrees of effectiveness and reliable research. In some cases, the herb sold as Echinacea proved to be a different plant altogether. Read labels carefully if you choose not to grow your own.

According to some published studies, Echinacea has been found to shorten the length of time you're sick with a cold or flu and reduces the severity of symptoms. Some research credits it as being a natural antibiotic with properties similar to penicillin. The herb is thought to boost the immune system and work against viruses, bacteria and fungal infections.

The leaves, seeds and roots of Echinacea, fresh or dried, are said to have medicinal properties.

While the National Institutes of Health (www.nih.gov) is studying Echinacea in relation to its effectiveness in treating upper respiratory tract infections, researchers say there is no clear-cut evidence that the herb is effective against colds. Also, some people may have an allergic reaction when ingesting Echinacea as a tea or juice extracted from its root or rhizome, or as a topical treatment for wounds and boils. Clinical trials found gastrointestinal upset to be the most common side effect. Others noted include rashes, worsened asthma and even anaphylactic shock. Those most at risk are people allergic to other members of the daisy family, such as ragweed, chrysanthemums and marigolds.