[Echinacea: Nature's Immune Enhancer] [By: Foster, Steven] [May, 1991]

by Steven Foster

The plant group Echinacea (common name, purple coneflower) is known as a non-specific stimulant to the immune system. A native of this continent, it was highly valued in Native American medicine, where it had more applications than any other plant. Today, research shows clear scientific reasons for its effectiveness. Foster, a widely respected herbalist, provides both a contemporary and historical look at this important herb and its healing properties, and makes a plea for conserving and protecting it in the wild.

A portion of the author's proceeds will go to support Echinacea conservation efforts at the Ozark Beneficial Plant Project in Brixey, Missouri.

Unknown Binding

First published May 1, 1991

About the author

Steven Foster was an American herbalist, author, photographer, and lifelong student of medicinal and aromatic plants. A self-taught botanist, he became a leading authority on herbal literature and plant identification, writing or coauthoring more than 15 books and hundreds of articles. He provided photographs for more than 500 herbs in the Peterson Field Guide to Medicinal Plants, coauthored with James A. Duke. His botanical photography was widely admired for its exceptional detail and beauty, while his generous mentorship influenced generations of herbalists, gardeners, and plant enthusiasts. Foster lectured extensively and contributed to publications including HerbalGram. His work combined careful research with an artistic appreciation of plants, establishing a lasting legacy in herbal education, botanical photography, and the preservation of herbal knowledge.