Echinacea is a member of the daisy family, native to the prairies of the Midwest.  Its name is derived from the Greek word "echinos" which means hedgehog, because of the appearance of prickly scales on its conical seed head.

There are nine species of Echinacea, but only three are used for medicinal purposes (Echinacea pallida, Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea angustifolia). 

Echinacea has been used for over 400 years; Native Americans first used this herb as a treatment for wounds and various infections.  Its use among physicians can be traced to the late 1800s and early 1900s, where it was used in the treatment of scarlet fever, syphilis, malaria, blood poisioning and diphtheria.  Echinacea use in the United States began to decline after the development of antibiotics.  However, this herb remained popular in Europe, especially in Germany. 

Currently, Echinacea is primarily used to reduce the duration and symptom severity of the common cold.  It is also used throughout cold season in order to prevent the onset of a cold.  However, this herb is also recommended by some herbalists for the treatment of urinary tract infections, vaginal yeast infections, ear infections, sinusitis, athlete's foot, and slow-healing wounds.