Echinacea Herb (Echinacea purpurea) — Bulk Dried Herb
Echinacea Herb (Echinacea purpurea) — Purple Coneflower
Echinacea is one of the most iconic and beloved botanicals of the North American prairie — a tall, striking perennial whose distinctive purple-pink ray flowers surrounding a spiny, cone-shaped center have made it one of the most recognizable wildflowers of the American Midwest. Used by numerous Native American peoples for centuries before European contact, Echinacea was adopted by 19th century Eclectic physicians and has since become one of the most widely used and extensively researched botanicals in the world.
Our Echinacea purpurea is certified organic, cut and sifted from the aerial parts harvested at peak flowering.
Botanical Profile
- Botanical Name: Echinacea purpurea
- Family: Asteraceae (Daisy family)
- Common Names: Purple Coneflower, Echinacea, Eastern Purple Coneflower
- Plant Part Used: Aerial herb (leaves, stems, and flowers)
- Preparation: Cut & Sifted
- Cultivation: Certified Organic
- Origin: Eastern North America
- Appearance: Dried green herb with purple flower remnants and spiny cone fragments
- Aroma: Mildly aromatic, slightly earthy, faintly floral
- Flavor Profile: Mildly bitter, slightly aromatic; produces a characteristic tingling sensation on the tongue
About the Plant
Native to the eastern and central United States, Echinacea purpurea is a robust perennial that grows to 1.5 meters in height, producing rough, lance-shaped leaves and large, solitary flower heads with drooping purple-pink ray florets surrounding a prominent, spiny, orange-brown central cone. The plant grows in open woodlands, prairies, and roadsides and is widely cultivated as an ornamental garden plant across the temperate world. The genus Echinacea contains nine species, all native to North America, of which E. purpurea, E. angustifolia, and E. pallida are the most commonly used botanically. The characteristic tingling sensation produced by Echinacea on the tongue is due to the presence of alkylamides and is considered a marker of quality and potency.
Traditional Context
Echinacea was used by at least 14 Native American nations, including the Cheyenne, Comanche, Dakota, and Omaha peoples, making it one of the most widely used medicinal plants among the indigenous peoples of the Great Plains. It was introduced to Western botanical practice by the Eclectic physician H.C.F. Meyer in the 1870s and quickly became one of the most popular botanicals in American Eclectic medicine. It was introduced to Europe in the early 20th century and has been the subject of extensive botanical research, particularly in Germany, where it remains one of the most studied and prescribed botanical preparations.
Suggested Preparations
- Infusions: Steep 1–2 teaspoons of dried herb in hot water for 10–15 minutes
- Tinctures: Well-suited for alcohol extraction; look for a characteristic tingling sensation as a quality indicator
- Herbal Blends: Traditionally combined with Elderberry, Goldenseal, and Astragalus
Quality & Sourcing
- ✓ Certified Organic
- ✓ Identity Verified
- ✓ Ethically Sourced
- ✓ Small Batch
- ✓ No Additives or Fillers
Storage
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark, dry place. Properly stored, dried Echinacea maintains its quality for 1–2 years.
A Note on Use
This product is sold as a botanical ingredient for educational and traditional use. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Those with allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family should use with caution. Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before use if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have an autoimmune condition or health concern.
Every purchase supports Twin Dragons Botanical Institute’s mission of botanical conservation, responsible sourcing, and the preservation of plant knowledge for future generations.