Echinacea Purpurea leaf cut

Purple coneflower is one of the best-loved plants of the North American prairie, and one of the newest arrivals on the witch’s shelf.

Origin & Traditional Use

Echinacea purpurea is native to central and eastern North America. Echinacea species were among the most widely used plants of the Plains peoples, and in the late nineteenth century American eclectic herbalists took it up, making it one of the best-selling botanicals of its day.

Uses by Tradition

Witchcraft & Folk Magick

• Strengthening: a pinch added to a sachet, jar or loose incense to give the working staying power.
• Offering: dried leaf laid on the altar as an offering in work for strength and wellbeing.

These are modern uses. There is no old European lore for a plant from the American prairie.

A Simple Working

• Set out a pinch of echinacea leaf, a pinch of rosemary and a small cloth pouch.
• Write on a slip of paper the one thing you need the strength to see through.
• Fold the paper and place it in the pouch.
• Add the echinacea and rosemary.
• Tie it shut and hold it while you say what you are going to do.
• Carry it until the thing is done.

Pairs Well With

• Rosemary for strength and clear purpose.
• Bay leaf for written petitions.
• Ginger root to add heat and speed.
• Frankincense for blessing the finished pouch.

Lore & History

Early twentieth-century ethnographers recorded that Plains peoples used echinacea more widely than almost any other plant. Its fame in Europe came later, through gardens and herbal trade rather than folklore.

What You Receive

Cut dried echinacea purpurea leaf, available in 1 oz, 2 oz and 1 lb.