Pagan Blog Project E is for Echinacea

Echinacea is associated with the planet Jupiter, the element Water, and Sagittarius in the zodiac.

Among its many folk names are Black Susan, snake root, combflower (probably after the comb-like protrusions in the center of its flower), and red sunflower.

Magickally echinacea is primarily used to strengthen other spells.  It can be added to any spell to give it a some extra oomph!

It also helps protect from poverty and promotes prosperity when grown around the house or brought inside and kept in a vase.  As an added bonus, the echinacea flowers last a long time in arrangements.

It is also known to provide inner strength when carried, which is a logical extension of its spell strengthening property.  

Echinacea is especially useful in healing, being effective as an all-around healing tonic. Again with the strengthening property-it just builds up one's immune system.

As always, any information here is not meant as medical advice.  Please contact your medical professional with any and all health concerns.

Because the plant is a natural immune system booster, it is not recommended that you use this if you are on immune suppressing drugs. 

Echinacea is a natural antibiotic that helps to build a resistance to colds, flu, and other infections.  However, a tolerance can develop if this is taken regularly.  

Taking daily doses of echinacea for 2 weeks, then none for 2 weeks seems to be the most effective way of building your immunity without developing a tolerance that makes the herb ineffective. 

In addition to boosting the immune system, echinacea also helps increase circulation to the capillaries which, in turn, helps white blood cells to reach any infection more rapidly. 

The plant is very useful in fighting chronic infections due to its strengthening of the immune system.  It is also effective as a mouthwash in treating mouth sores, and when gargled with, in treating sore throats. 

Applied topically, echinacea is very helpful with almost any skin injury or chronic condition.  It can disinfect wounds, clear up skin infections, and is also a treatment for eczema.  

So far echinacea really looks to be the workhorse of the herbs I have been studying.  It will boost any spell, and then build up your immune system and clear up your skin besides!   Not only that, but its pretty, and stays looking good for a long time when placed in a flower arrangement.  What more could you ask a plant to do? lol

Blessings!