About echinacea
13 April 2012
- Also known as coneflower, echinacea grows on the US prairies.
- The root, flowers and seeds of the plant can all be used.
- There are nine species but only three are used in herbal medicine.
- Sales have been rising by 30 per cent a year in Britain as more people turn to it in the hope of staving off colds and flu.
- Prices vary enormously, with 60 capsules costing between ?6 and ?10.
- Experts say echinacea is best taken in liquid form.
