Supplements made with the above ground parts of the Echinacea purpurea species of the plant have been approved in Germany to treat urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, colds and wounds. We already mentioned that the plant has long been valued in Germany where herbal supplements are regulated by a Governmental body. Many of the plant’s chemical components have a significant medicinal value including flavonoids, polysaccharides, inulin and vitamin C. The roots are a rich source of volatile oils whereas the parts of the plant above the ground contain polysaccharides which help stimulate the immune system. Modern research tells us that the part of the plant used to make medicine can have a very different effect on the body. It is often recommended by herbalists to help bolster the immune system and fight a variety of infections. Today, its most popular use is to reduce the duration of common seasonal conditions like the flu and cold and to relieve the symptoms including fever, sore throats and coughing. It was very popular prior to the advent of modern antibiotics and then saw a resurgence in popularity especially in Germany where the bulk of modern research into the herb has taken place. Specifically, it has been used to treat serious illnesses ranging from scarlet fever and malaria to diphtheria and syphilis. OverviewĪrchaeologists have discovered evidence that the native Americans have been using Echinacea for over four centuries as a natural cure-all. Today, several species of the plant are used to make medicine with excellent immune boosting properties. By putting these increasingly rare plants into our gardens, we are ensuring their survival.Echinacea is one of the world’s most popular herbal supplements which is especially useful during the cold or flu season.Īlso known as Purple Coneflower, it has been used for centuries by native Americans. This alone is a good reason to get viable seeds from a friend and cultivate it yourself. Not surprisingly, Native Americans, who called the herb “snakeroot,” used it to combat snake bites and venom.Īn important note: the United Plant Savers ( ) have listed Echinacea purpurea as an “at-risk” plant, because it’s been overharvested from the wild. Purple coneflower also acts as an alterative (blood purifier) and astringent, and is useful for many inflammatory conditions.
I take it starting five days before airplane flights and vacations, or if I’m going to be around sick people, and continue the entire time I’m away. When cooking fresh chicken soup for family members suffering from runny noses and body aches, I like to add cut and sifted echinacea roots for the last 20 minutes.Įven if you’re not at the chicken soup stage, the herb works exceptionally well as a preventive. As many of you know, echinacea has been shown to boost the immune system, enhancing and increasing the body’s ability to ward off infection. The result is a blend I call “Extra Echinacea Tincture,” a potent remedy to have on hand to take at the onset of cold or flu symptoms. Then, in fall, I dig up the root and either drink it as a tea, create another tincture, or add it to the tincture I made in summer.
#PURPLE CONEFLOWER EDIBLE FULL#
To plant, scatter fresh seeds in the fall, then lightly step on them, and water them in.Įchinacea likes full sun, requires little supplemental water and will grow into a stately deep pink flower to delight you in summer, when I like to harvest these flowers and tincture them. Echinacea purpurea, commonly known as purple coneflower, is a Native Texas perennial herb found throughout North America. The most powerful and most popular herb in our area is echinacea, and the easiest species to grow locally is Echinacea purpurea. Now is the time to dig up root herbs to make your medicines for our cool season.
0 kommentar(er)
