Herbal Highlight: Wild Echinacea

Unexpected Encounter
I packed my watercolors on our beach trip planning to paint sea specimens but when I spotted beautiful purple coneflowers growing behind our beach house I knew I should start there. With its stunning purple leaves and bright orange tops, Echinacea purpurea is easy to spot. While there are several types of echinacea native to the Eastern U.S., purpurea is most abundant and can be spotted growing wild in Virginia and behind my Cape May beach house. Though wild-grown echinacea is becoming less common, fortunately for us it can be easily cultivated in our backyards for its beauty and health benefits. As a student of Latin and ancient Greek (thanks homeschool!) I learned that the genus name comes from the Greek word ekhinos, meaning a hedgehog or lookalike creature. Yes…I can now picture a little hedgehog sitting atop my echinacea!

Using Echinacea
Echinacea is primarily used for its immune enhancing benefits. Tinctures, teas, or dried preparations may be consumed for short periods of time during immune weakness. It should not be used long-term.
Typically the root is harvested for medicinal use but all above-ground parts may be used. In my practice, I recommend an immune blend containing echinacea while fighting off acute or recurrent vaginal infections. Immune herbs and antioxidants are wonderful adjuncts to natural vaginal suppositories during times of imbalance.

Benefits of Nature Journaling
One of the most important reasons to paint our natural world is that we learn best by intently observing. After deeply observing and painting a flower, tree, or other nature specimen, we take that creature to heart and will recognize it anywhere we go. My very first nature journal entry was red raspberry leaf. After deeply observing the shape of its leaves, I can now spot red raspberry anywhere. If you want to grow in appreciation for the natural world, take time to paint. No talent needed, just an observant eye and patience. I’m so thankful that I spotted and took time to learn about the wild purple coneflower.

Courtney Hasseman is a Certified Nurse-Midwife and Nurse Practitioner who provides integrative gynecologic care for women. Additionally, she is certified in nutritional therapy and offers functional nutrition programs specializing in hormonal and menstrual health. Courtney is an educator at heart and is passionate about providing unhurried, highly personalized, comprehensive care for women. She provides both in-person and online consultations based from her Northern Virginia clinic.