Echinacea purpurea syn. E. angustifolia
Preparations of this plant were used by the Plain Indians (Comanche and Sioux) for the treatment of upper respiratory infections, burns, snakebites, and cancers. The European settlers learned about these indications from the American Indians. It is thought by some that plant extracts stimulate the immune system to combat viral and bacterial infections. It possesses antibiotic properties.