Used as a remedy by the Plains Indians more than any other plant, Echinacea is a perennial plant native to the United States. As early American settlers moved west in the 1800's, they discovered Native Americans used Echinacea for a variety of both internal and external health benefits. Also known as the purple coneflower, Echinacea has delicate, daisy-like pastel petals and narrow leaves. The name Echinacea is derived from the Greek echinos meaning sea urchin or hedgehog in reference to its sharp spiny projections on the coneshaped seed heads. To this day herbalists continue to grow and use Echinacea for its beneficial prosperities.