Echinacea to boost the immune system
Echinacea is a well known herbal remedy, but there is some confusion as to the correct plant. The plant usually used to produce remedies sold over the counter is Echinacea purpurea, the (Eastern) Purple Coneflower, shown here. However, the plant originally used by the native Americans and later adopted by settlers was Echinacea angustifolia, the Narrow Leaf Coneflower or Sampson root (shown below), which as you can see has a less pronounced “cone”, and in my view is more attractive, although I believe it is more difficult to cultivate – and you may have difficulty in obtaining seeds or plants.
Both E. purpurea and E. angustifolia are perennials about 4′ (1.2m) tall when full grown. They require well drained soil in full sun. E. angustifolia isn’t fussy about soil, but E. purpurea doesn’t like heavy soil. They’re both pretty tough and will withstand frost. E. angustifolia has edible leaves.
The rootstock is the part of the plant used, and this can be lifted in Fall (or as required). When the roots lose their distinctive smell, you should throw them away, as they are no longer useful.
Echinacea is mostly used to boost the immune system, so is often used for infections – but not for disorders of the respiratory system, such as coughs. It’s also useful as a tonic in times of stress, helping the body to adapt. E. purpurea is also said to have aphrodisiac effects, a property often attributed to tonic herbs. Echinacea can be used to cleanse the body of toxins (which may explain its use by native Americans to treat snakebite, as well as bites and stings of all kinds) and is a natural antiseptic.
For all the purposes mentioned, make a decoction using 1 tsp of rootstock to 240ml (1 US cup, 8 fl oz) cold water. Bring to a boil and simmer until the liquid has reduced by half. Take 1 tbsp up to 6 times a day.
As with all plants grown for use in herbal medicine, echinacea must be grown organically so that the properties are not changed or destroyed by garden chemicals. To find out more about growing organic echinacea visit the Gardenzone.
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