This pretty purple flower is also an herbal medicine believed to boost immunity and help fight infection naturally.

Instructions

• Step 1: Treat minor wounds and skin irritations, such as acne, boils, and insect bites. Apply a mixture of one part echinacea juice with two parts water to the affected area with a cotton swab.
• FACT: Of the nine species of echinacea plant, Echinacea purpurea is believed to be the most potent.
• Step 2: Kill germs and freshen your breath -- rinse your mouth with echinacea tea after brushing to help prevent gingivitis.
• Step 3: Treat fever blisters and lesions. Pressed echinacea juice can be applied directly to affected areas with a cotton swab to speed healing.
• TIP: A week off between dosing is recommended because echinacea can lose its potency over time or over-stimulate the immune system with prolonged use.
• Step 4: Boost your immune system with echinacea's herbal antibiotic properties. Drink echinacea tea up to three times a day to help prevent respiratory, sinus, and other secondary infections after a cold.
• Step 5: Take echinacea capsules, pills, or lozenges as a preventative measure during cold and flu season. Take it for between 10 and 20 consecutive days, stop for one week, and then take it for another 10 to 20 days.