What is Echinacea?

by | Updated: December 3rd, 2016 | Read time: 1 minute

They may look pretty in a bouquet, but did you know that a certain species of pinkish-purple flowers may have properties that are beneficial to your health?

Echinacea purpurea is a type of purple coneflower native to North America. If you’re familiar with herbal remedies, you might already know Echinacea extract for its purported health purposes, which include:

  • Immune support: The World Health Organization advocates the use of Echinacea to promote normal immune health.
  • Antioxidant support: Antioxidant compounds found in this flower’s extract may support healthy white blood cell formation.
  • Respiratory health: Echinacea is said to help maintain healthy respiratory function.

In addition to echinacea supplements, you’ll often find this extract combined with other immune-supporting ingredients in soothing teas and lozenges.