Echinacea

The term Echinacea refers to a group of perennial herbaceous plants belonging to the Asteraceae family. Native to North America, its name derives from the Greek "echinos", which means “hedgehog,” perhaps because of the seed’s structure, which has four pointed teeth at the top, or because of the pointed leaves around the flower. In the eighteenth century, some American Native tribes used it both internally and externally as a remedy for wounds and snake bites, as well as to treat coughs and colds. Today, the use of Echinacea Purpurea and Echinacea Angustifolia species is widespread in America and in some European countries, especially Germany and the United Kingdom. Extensive scientific literature highlights its properties in supporting the immune system.