The plant group Echinacea (common name, purple coneflower) is known as a non-specific stimulant to the immune system. A native of this continent, it was highly valued in Native American medicine, where it had more applications than any other plant. Today, research shows clear scientific reasons for its effectiveness. Foster, a widely respected herbalist, provides both a contemporary and historical look at this important herb and its healing properties, and makes a plea for conserving and protecting it in the wild.

A portion of the author's proceeds will go to support Echinacea conservation efforts at the Ozark Beneficial Plant Project in Brixey, Missouri.