I grow purple cone flower echinacea, and would like to harvest it. I came across some research that said echinacea was used by the Plain Indians for many medicinal purposes. They used to suck on the roots of the plant during times of illness. I have used echinacea root in teas before, I was just wondering whether it is safe enough to just up-root the plant and suck on the root? I cannot find information online, I would love to know for sure, before trying it.