ECHINACEA

ECHINACEA

Common Name: Purple Coneflower

Scientific Name: Echinacea spp

Family: Asteraceae (Daisy) family

Species:

There are three species of Echinacea:

• Echinacea Purpurea
• Echinacea, Echinacea Pallida
• Echinacea Angustifolia

Medicinal uses:

Echinacea helps to decrease the severity & length of the common cold and flu, and it is helpful in  reducing symptoms of cough, fever, and sore throat.

Echinacea has beneficial effects on the immune system by:

• Increasing antibody responses to elevated interferon levels for fighting viruses
• Stimulating the white blood cells to work harder in the fight against infections

Medicinal Recipes:

• Teas: Steep 1-2 teaspoons of Echinacea leaves/flowers in 1 cup of boiling water for 10-15 minutes
• Boil 1 teaspoon of root in 1-2 cups of water for 10 minutes
• Tinctures: Take the dosage as suggested on the product’s label
• Capsules: Take the dosage as suggested on the product’s label

Cautions:

• Anyone with an Auto Immune condition should avoid using Echinacea
• Anyone that is allergic to other plants in the Asteraceae (Daisy) family
• High doses of Echinacea can cause nausea

Gardening Tips:

Type of Plant: Echinacea Purpurea is the most common species, and it is a perennial.

Time to Plant: Echinacea Purpurea can be propagated from seeds in about 30 days and it can be planted in the spring or fall.

Time to Harvest: Echinacea roots can be dug up in autumn of the second or third year.

Location: Echinacea Purpurea prefers full sun.

Soil Type: Echinacea Purpurea need a well drained soil

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