Echinacea has a long history of use as a healing herb by Native Americans. This well known herb is known as a “mild antibiotic”, and has been popularly attributed to activating the body's immune system, thus increasing the chances of fighting off any disease. One of the most well-known benefits of Echinacea, is that when taken at the first sign of a cold, it may reduce the symptoms, or shorten their duration. Its antibacterial properties have also been known to stimulate wound healing.