This is Starwest's nitrogen-flushed double wall silverfoil pack.

Used as an infusion, decoction, extract, tincture and lotion.

The 1997 Commission E on Phytotherapy and Herbal Substances of the German Federal Institute for Drugs recommends Purple coneflower herb (Echinacea purpurea) for 'Internal use: Supportive therapy for colds and chronic infections of the respiratory tract and lower urinary tract. External use: Poorly healing wounds and chronic ulcerations.'

'Contraindications External: None known. Internal: Progressive systemic diseases, such as tuberculosis, leucosis, collagenosis, multiple sclerosis. No parenteral administration in case of tendencies to allergies, especially allergies to members of the composite family (Asteraceae), as well as in pregnancy.'

'Daily dosage: 6 - 9 ml expressed juice; equivalent preparations. External: Semi-solid preparations containing at least 15 percent pressed juice. Mode of Administration: Pressed juice and galenical preparations for internal and external use. Duration of Administration: Preparations for internal and external use: Not longer than 8 weeks.'

Actions: In human and/or animal experiments, Echinacea preparations given internally or parenterally have produced immune effects. Among others, the number of white blood cells and spleen cells is increased, the capacity for phagocytosis by human granulocytes is activated, and the body temperature is elevated.'

Grieve: 'Echinacea purpurea has similar properties to E. angustifolia; the fresh root of this is the part used.'

Ellingwood: 'There is considerable confusion concerning the identity of the active medicinal species of echinacea. The echinacea purpurea of the Eastern States has been thought to be identical with the echinacea angustifolia of the Western States. It is often used for the same purposes, but is universally disappointing. King introduced it into his dispensatory as rudbeckia purpurea.'

The two forms of Echinacea share similar, but not identical, chemistries, and similar, but not identical, medical reputations. Echinacoside, for instance, is found in E. angustifolia but not E. purpurea. But the two plants are so closely related, that an amateur botanist would have difficulty telling one from the other by looks alone.

Echinacea possesses confirmed anitbacterial and antiviral properties. It is profoundly supportive of the immune system.

Echinacea is effective both internally, against such as colds, flu and tonsilitis, and externally against many kinds of stubborn skin problems. The decoction can be used as a mouthwash for pyorrhoea and gingivitis, and as a douche for vaginal infections.

Echinacea is the subject of much contemporary research. Its complex chemistry seems to support the immune system by activating white blood cells.

Echinacea also increases the production of interferon, an important part of the body’s response to viral infections.

Many double-blind studies have confirmed that echinacea is effective for treating colds and flu.

Other modern clincial studies confirm that echinacea, taken both internally and used as a douche, is extremely effective against vaginal yeast infections.

Grieve's classic 'A Modern Herbal': 'Echinacea increases bodily resistance to infection and is used for boils, erysipelas, septicaemia, cancer, syphilis and other impurities of the blood, its action being antiseptic.'

'It has also useful properties as a strong alterative and aphrodisiac.'

'As an injection, the extract has been used for haemorrhoids and a tincture of the fresh root has been found beneficial in diphtheria and putrid fevers.'