< previous page | page_11 | next page >
Page 11
| ment of saddle sores on horses.8 At this time its botanical designation was Obelisocotheca barbulis pallide rubentibus, later named Echinacea purpurea. In 1830, noted naturalist and botanist Constantine Rafinesque cited Native American uses of echinacea in his highly acclaimed Medical Flora. Because of the herb's widespread use in treating rattlesnake bites and toothaches, among its common names were "Snake Root" and "Toothache Plant." Other names, referring to its physical characteristics, included such names as "Black Sampson," "Black Root,'' "Comb Flower,'' "Red Sun Rower" and the previously mentioned name, "Purple Coneflower." |
| The Most Common Species of Echinacea |
| There am nine species of echinacea and two varieties that are native to North America. The two species most widely used appear to have been E. angustifolia and E. pallida, although throughout its medicinal history up until the present time, proper identification of plants used in commercial products and pharmacological research has been problematic. Additionally, although there are few written records of its early use, large amounts of E. purpurea must have been used, since it has disappeared throughout most of its growing range. Most of the other species were used as well. Today, the most common species used are wild-harvested E. angustifolia and E. pallida and organically cultivated E. purpurea. The increased demand for the herb is putting a significant strain on wild populations, an important subject that will be elaborated on later. |
< previous page | page_11 | next page >

If you like this book, buy it!