There are several types of echinacea, purple coneflower and the indigenous peoples of North America. Echinacea is one of the health supplements the most popular in the United States today, and is believed to help strengthen the immune system. Echinacea complex comes in many forms, including tea, grains, extracts, and tinctures. Regardless of the type chosen, it is extremely important to search for known brand that uses standardized extracts or guarantees potency.Individual preference usually dictates what kind of echinacea compound a person chooses. Some prefer the convenience of the pill, while others want the benefits of concentrated extract. Echinacea can be used to make tea or even topical ointment. It is believed that American Indians used echinacea to treat the infection and as a treatment of all. Herb has been used from other cultures to treat various ailments, from malaria to scarlet fever. It is most commonly used today to reduce the symptoms of colds and flu and reduce the duration of the characteristics viruses.Healing are found in both flower and root of the echinacea plant. This is the reason that the strength and effectiveness will vary between products. The reports showed that some echinacea complex products do not contain the active ingredients they claim, have been found to contain some echinacea any at all.