Echinacea is flowering perennial native to central North America and one of the most important medicinal herbs for immune system. It is currently at risk in the wild so only organic cultivated sources should be used even if you find it in the wild.
Key Actions
- Immune stimulant
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antibiotic
- Detoxifying
- Increases sweating
- Heals wounds
- Antiallergenic
Medicinal Uses:
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Colds and flu
- Skin disorders
- Respiratory problems
- Gargle for throat infections
- Allergies, asthma
Echinacea flowers and root are used in herbal preparations. It can be made into a tincture, decoction, or taken in powdered form in a capsule. It's known to stimulate the immune system to counter both bacterial and viral infections and is best taken at the first sign of a cold. Make an echinacea tincture by using this process detailed below. Use glycerin to make a tincture for children that has a more palatable taste.
Herbal Tincture
Materials
Instructions
- Place herbs in a large, clean glass jar and pour on the solvent ensuring that the herb is covered.
- Close and label your jar with the name of the herb, solvent, and the date.
- Shake the jar for 1-2 minutes.
- Store in a cool dark place for at least 10-14 days (or longer), shaking the jar every 1-2 days.
- After 14 days you are ready to strain out the herbs. Pour the jar through a mesh strainer or cheesecloth. (There are some new fancy tools for this I have found like this herb press that helps make it less messy and extracts every last drop).
- Squeeze out the herb to get all remaining liquid.
- Discard or compost your herbs.
- Pour your finished tincture into a clean dark class bottle using a funnel.
- Close and label your jar with the name and date of your tincture.
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