Echinacea

Herbaceous plant native to North America commonly used as a herbal supplement to boost the immune system against the common cold and to treat colds or infections.

Echinacea, with prickly scales and a large seed head, belongs to the Asteraceae family, which includes star-shaped flowers such as asters and daisies. The Echinacea genus includes nine species; Echinacea purpurea, or Eastern purple coneflower, is the most potent and is used most frequently for medicinal purposes. The efficacy of Echinacea as both a deterrent and remedy, however, remains unproven.