During the Wild West era of America, when cowboys roamed the plains and gunfights were common, a curious term entered everyday language: “snake oil.” This phrase became synonymous with the dubious patent medicines sold by traveling traders. These “miracle cures” promised to heal everything from baldness to snakebites, but they often turned out to be ineffective—or outright dangerous.
Peddling snake oil was a risky business. Sellers who failed to deliver on their promises faced the wrath of dissatisfied customers and risked being chased out of town. The savvier traders always left before their remedies could be thoroughly tested. Yet, remarkably, not all of these so-called “cures” were entirely without merit. Many contained plant-based ingredients that modern science has since validated as having medicinal value. One notable example is Echinacea, a humble herb that evolved from folk remedy to a cornerstone of herbal medicine.
Echinacea: From Folklore to Fame
Echinacea, or the purple coneflower, gained widespread attention when it was included in “Meyer’s Blood Purifier”, a cure-all marketed by Dr. H.C.F. Meyer, a lay doctor with no formal medical training. Meyer touted his concoction as a remedy for everything from snakebites to a host of other ailments.
However, long before Meyer’s promotion, Echinacea was a staple in the medical practices of North America’s Plains Indians. They used its roots to treat wounds, stings, gum disease, and even snakebites. The herb was brewed into teas for colds, measles, and arthritis. Settlers quickly adopted the plant’s use, but its status remained that of a folk remedy until Meyer shared samples of his product with John Uri Lloyd, a pharmacist.
Initially skeptical, Lloyd became a believer after his colleague, John King, successfully used Echinacea to treat bee stings and nasal congestion. By the 1890s, tinctures of Echinacea were a common household item, and Lloyd’s company, Lloyd Brothers Pharmacy, reaped significant profits.
Echinacea’s Rise and Fall in Popularity
With the advent of modern antibiotics, interest in Echinacea waned in the United States. From the 1940s to the 1970s, it fell out of favor, overshadowed by pharmaceutical drugs. However, Echinacea found a new audience in Europe, where French and German herbalists continued to study and use it extensively.
One key figure in this revival was Gerhard Madaus, a German researcher who introduced Echinacea to Europe after visiting America in 1937. Madaus cultivated the herb commercially and developed various products using extracts from its flowering tops. These were tested extensively and used in ointments, liquid tinctures, and even injectable solutions.
Modern Science Meets Traditional Medicine
Although there’s no evidence to support Echinacea’s effectiveness against snakebites, Dr. Meyer would likely be amazed by how modern science has validated many of his claims. Research has confirmed Echinacea’s ability to treat wounds and relieve arthritis—two uses Meyer originally championed.
German researchers have gone even further, finding that Echinacea is effective against a range of infections. Studies have demonstrated its antimicrobial properties, showing it can combat bacteria and certain protozoa. Today, Echinacea is used to boost the immune system, alleviate symptoms of the common cold, and fight infections.
The herb’s growing popularity has led to the development of dozens of Echinacea-based products, ranging from capsules and teas to tinctures and creams. While some of these might still be dismissed as “snake oil,” Echinacea itself stands apart as a remedy with proven benefits.
Growing and Harvesting Echinacea
Echinacea is a hardy plant native to North America’s prairies. It thrives in well-drained soil and full sunlight, making it an excellent choice for home gardens. Its tall, hairy stems and vibrant purple flowers make it as visually appealing as it is useful.
There are nine species of Echinacea, but only three are commonly cultivated for medicinal use. Both roots and flowering tops contain therapeutic compounds, and modern products often combine extracts from multiple parts of the plant.
For home growers, harvesting is simple:
- Roots: Dig them up in autumn after the first frost, when the plant’s energy has concentrated below ground. Wash, dry, and store them in glass containers.
- Tops: Harvest throughout the summer, using fresh or dried flowers and leaves to make teas and tinctures.
The Enduring Legacy of Echinacea
Echinacea’s journey from a dismissed “snake oil” ingredient to a respected herbal remedy is a testament to the value of traditional knowledge. What was once scoffed at as a folk cure is now backed by science, with its extracts widely recognized for their medicinal properties.
Whether you’re treating a cold or simply enjoying the sight of its vibrant flowers in your garden, Echinacea remains a symbol of how nature’s remedies can endure the test of time. While it may not have made its early promoters millionaires, it has certainly secured its place as one of the most beloved and studied herbs in the world.
With a few Echinacea plants in your backyard, you’ll never be far from a natural cure—or the inspiration of a remarkable story.