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HERB INFOSHEET

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ECHINACEA

Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea purpurea.

 

HEALTH CONDITIONS SUPPORT

Immune system

Antibacterial

Strep

Antiviral

Wound Healing

Influenza

Cold

UTI

Periodontal issues

Cystitis

Boils

Upper respiratory

Bladder Infection

Septic sores and cuts

Tonsillitis

Gingivitis

Sinusitis

Pink Eye

Psoriasis

 

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS

Alkamides

chicoric acid

polysaccharides

What useful evidence there is, indicates that echinacea mainly stimulates phagocytosis, i.e it acts mainly to stimulate the immune response.

 

PARTS OF THE PLANT USED

The stabilized juice of E. purpurea tops, which is often sold under the trade name “Echinacin”.

1.Fresh or dried whole plant or aerial preparations of E. purpurea, E. angustifolia or E. pallida.

2.Fresh or dried preparations from the roots of E. purpurea, E. angustifolia or E. pallida.

3.Mixtures of any of the above.

 

DOSAGE INFORMATION

Standardized extracts have other specific doses. Some people use echinacea tea, 6-8 ounces, four times daily. Echinacea appears to be most effective when started as soon as symptoms are noticed, taken many times a day, and used for seven to 10 days.

 

Dosages of E. angustifolia root for chronic disorders and infection prophylaxis correspond to 10 to 40 mL per week of a 1:2 fluid extract.

For acute disorders and for serious chronic states of immunodeficiency a daily total of 10 to 30 mL can be given at intervals throughout the day.

Dosages of fresh E. purpurea tincture used in German studies correspond to 20 to 60 mL per week.

Dried herb in tablet form can be taken in doses of 1000mg three times daily.

 

FORMS FOR USE

TEA

Oil (Making echinacea essential oil is a simple process. Harvesters simply take the top 15 centimeters of the best flowers and distill them to produce the oil. You can use echinacea oil through these methods)

Dried herb

Tincture

Poltice

Salve

 

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Allergy

Impure products

Taken orally, it is rare for echinacea to cause side effects.

In some people, however, allergic reactions, such as skin irritations, exacerbated asthma, and anaphylaxis has occurred.

People who have allergies to the daisy family, which include plants such as feverfew, chrysanthemums and calendula, may find they are sensitive to echinacea.

It is advisable to discuss any allergies with a professional health practitioner before using the herb as an herbal medication.

In addition, it is worth noting that the quality of echinacea products varies greatly and the herb should only be bought from a reputable company that guarantees the quality of the ingredients.

The herb is also contra-indicated in those using immunosuppressant medications as it may reduce the effectiveness of the medication.

 

 

GROW YOUR OWN

The plant grows best if the soil has a pH level between 6 and 8

Well-drained soil is necessary to produce high-quality flowers

Requires full sunlight

Once these three requirements are met, you can begin planting echinacea by either purchasing seeds, nursery stocks or plant divisions, placing them half an inch under the topsoil. Once planted, cover the soil under 2 inches of mulch as it helps retain soil moisture and lessens the need for watering.

When watering the flowers, supply them with up to 1 inch of water every week during the dry season. During the rainy season, you don't need to water them because the weather will provide enough moisture for them to grow. Make sure to water only the soil and not the flowers themselves, as it can damage the plant.  Echinacea typically blooms after two years during the summertime, but it can happen during late fall as well.

Quick Guide: Planting, Growing & Caring for Echinacea

1. Easy-care, low-water plants produce strong pink blooms

2. Plant in full sun; prefers rich soil, but is very adaptable

3. Grow from direct-seeding, nursery stock or division

4. Attracts bees and butterflies

5. Blooms from midsummer to fall; tolerates light frost

Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade

Maturity: 90-120 days from seed to flower

Height: 36 to 48 inches

Spacing: 12 to 24 inches apart in all directions

 

Site Preparation

Purple coneflowers are not fussy and will endure most conditions. However, give them rich, well-drained soil and plenty of sunshine and plants will thrive. Generous amounts of organic compost or aged animal manure mixed into the ground prior to planting will vastly improve the health of plants (watch Flower Gardening from the Ground Up – video). Coneflowers will tolerate heat and drought.

How to Plant

Echinacea is easy to grow from nursery stock, seed or division. Sow outdoors 1/2 inch deep when a light frost is still possible. Seeds will germinate in 10-20 days. Flowers reliably bloom the first year from seed if sown early (see Summer Flowers for Color).

Pinch off spent flowers on a regular basis — or use them as cuttings in flower arrangements — to extend the blooming period. Apply a quality flower fertilizer several times during the gardening season to promote big, beautiful blossoms. Mulch to prevent weeds, conserve moisture and improve aesthetics.

Cut plants to the ground in late winter after flowers have gone to seed.

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Visit our shops or order ECHINACEA here.