Medicinal Use: Echinacea is a wonderful all-around healing tonic and it has been used as a cure for just about everything. It increases your T-cell count and stimulates your immune system. It is safe to use indefinitely, but loses potency if you use it too long, so it's best to only use it during flu season or when you're not feeling well and take a break the rest of the time. Two weeks on and two weeks off seems to be the most common recommendation. It can be alternated with astragalus.
 
The entire plant is useful, but most of the power is in the root. To make a tincture, use the root or uproot the entire plant and chop it up fine and place it in a wide-mouthed jar. Cover it with 80+ proof alcohol and seal it. Store it in a cool place for several weeks, giving it a shake every few days.
 
Alternatively, you could make a tea out of the leaves. Or just chew them. People with asthma or autoimmune dysfunction including AIDS and Lupus should use Echinacea with caution. No studies have documented negative affects, but the action of the active constituents of Echinacea could theoretically complicate autoimmune problems.
 
Those with allergies to other members of the daisy family, ex. ragweed, should use Echinacea with caution.
 
Anyone taking immune suppressing drugs should avoid echinacea as their actions contradict one another.
 
Magickal Use: Carrying Echinacea will provide inner strength during trying times. It can also be grown around the house or brought into a house and placed in a vase to draw prosperity into the home and protect the family from suffering from poverty.
Echinacea is an appropriate flower for offerings, especially to place spirits and river God(dess)es. Including Echinacea in any spell or charm will increase its effectiveness.