Definition of "echinacea" [echinacea]

• Any of several coneflowers of the genus Echinacea, having usually pinkish-purple ray flowers. (noun)
• The roots, seeds, or other parts of such a plant, used in herbal medicine. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "The active components have yet to be identified but echinacea is believed to improve immune defenses by stimulating lymphocyte activity."
• "According to the Nutrition Business Journal, 2006 saw a drop in echinacea sales with $129 million-worth sold in the United States."
• "Commonly used ingredients already registered include echinacea, which is used against colds, St John's wort, used for depression and anxiety, and valerian, which is claimed to ease insomnia."