Echinacea ~ Sampson Snake Root ~ Black Snake Root

DescriptionThe name Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia) comes from the Greek echinos, which describes the nature of a hedgehog or sea urchin, in reference to the bristly scales of the dried seed head. It was grown around the house or brought into the home to draw prosperity and prevent the family from suffering from poverty. It was believed that carrying on ones person would provide inner strength, resilience, & protection during trying times. Including it in any spell or charm will increase its effectiveness and it may also be used for offerings for your genius loci and river spirits.The roots were chewed or used in teas by many indigenous tribes as natural remedies against infections of many different kinds including from colds, flues, insect bites, snakebites and burns, and externally as an ointment for poorly healing wounds and abnormal growths. Echinacea was traditionally to sooth sore throats and tonsillitis and poured the tea over hot coals in the steam house to treat respiratory ailments. Early settlers were impressed with Snake Root or Echinacea and brought it back to Europe, where it became a popular garden plant which exists now in many different hybrid shapes and colours. Echinacea is one of the most widely sold herbs in the world today.