It is a genus of herbaceous flowering plants in the daisy family – Asteraceae. It is also known as the American coneflower. Echinacea is available over the counter (OTC) at pharmacies, health shops, and supermarkets as teas, liquid extracts, a dried herb, and as capsules or pills.

Promoters of echinacea say that the herb encourages the immune system and reduces many of the symptoms of colds, flu and some other illnesses, infections, and conditions.