ECHINACEA

“I take goldenseal, Echinacea and cod liver oil when flying to boost my immune system”.

Janelle Monáe

Also known by the name “coneflower”, the echinacea plant is most often associated with combatting colds and stimulating the immune system. But what else do you know about this wonderful herb? Echinacea is represented by a group of herbaceous perennial flowering plants that belong to the Asteraceae family. It is native to the central and eastern North America. And now it is one of America’s favourite and most actively used herbs. The plant has an upright hairy stem with alternately arranged lanceolate, oval or elliptical leaves. The flower has a composite inflorescence, the florets are arranged in a cone-shaped head (it’s described as cone-shaped because the petals are usually down-directed when the flower head is open).The echinacea flowers can be pink, white or purple. The fruit of the plant is represented by a dry and single-seeded cypsela.

Parts Used: flower heads, leaves and roots

Useful Components

• Flavonoids
• Minerals (iron, manganese, chromium, selenium, niacin)
• Vitamin C
• Inulin
• Antibiotic polyacetylenes
• Amides
• Volatile oil
• Glycosides

Echinacea Facts

• The name of this flower comes from the Greek word “ekhinos” which means ‘hedgehog or sea urchin’ with reference to its spiny center.
• Echinacea was discovered by the Great Plains Indian tribes more than 400 years ago. They noticed its healing properties by observing wild animals. For example, they saw that after eating echinacea wounded elks recovered soon.

Methods of Use: dried flowers and roots, supplements, liquid tinctures and extracts, tea, pills and capsules. 

Echinacea Tea Recipe

What you need:

• 2 cups of water
• 1 tsp of dried Echinacea flowers or roots
• 1 tsp of fresh chopped ginger
• 1 tsp of honey
• 1 lemon (or some lemon juice)

Boil the water and pour it over the dried Echinacea and chopped ginger. Steep for around 10-15 minutes. Add a slice of lemon or some lemon juice and honey. Strain the mixture. Your tea is ready!