Purple coneflower ... not just a pretty flower

July 13, 8:06 AMLexington Gardening ExaminerBobbi Rightmyer

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Echinacea, or Common Purple Coneflower

(Please do not use any herbal or alternative medicines without consulting your physician or health care provider.)

Echinacea purpure (Eastern purple coneflower) is a flower recognizable by its purple cone-shaped flowers. It is native to eastern North America and grows in the wild in much of the eastern, southeastern and midwest United States. Most people know this wildflower as the purple coneflower.
Echinacea is popularly believed to be an immunostimulator, stimulating the body's non-specific immune system and warding off infections. Although there have been many studies and trials surrounding the medicinal uses of Echinacea, the safety of long-term use is unknown. On the reverse side of the coin, there have also been studies showing Echinacea does not benefit in the treatment or prevention of colds.
 

Not just a medicinal plant, some species of Echinacea are grown as ornamental plants in gardens. They tolerate a wide variety of conditions, maintain attractive foliage throughout the season, and multiply rapidly. Appropriate species are used in prairie restorations.
 

History: Although American Indians used Echinacea for decades, it was not introduced as a basic herb until the mid 19th century. Although Native American tribes didn't use Echinacea to prevent the common cold, many of the tribes did use it to treat some of the symptoms that could be caused by the common cold. It was also used for coughs and sore throats, headaches, and as an analgesic. It was commonly used for snakebite, anthrax,and for relief of pain. It reached its height of popularity in the 1930s in both Europe and America as a herbal medicine.
 

Habitat: Echinacea seeds may be sown outside in late fall or stored, stratified (introduced to cold temperatures) and sown in the spring. Plants can be multiplied by making root divisions in early spring however division seems to stimulate the development of too many stems and too few flowers. Echinacea grows in most garden soils and is fairly drought-tolerant.

Seed Collection: Collect mature seed heads in the fall and break them open to extract seeds. Cold-moist stratification for two months improves germination; place seeds into a baggie with some sand and store in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator.

Harvesting Echinacea: For medicinal purposes, you'll want to harvest some roots and some flower tops. For best quality, wait until your plants are 3 years old.
 

Harvesting Roots: Using a sharp knife cut off a portion of the root, leaving plenty for the plant to grow on. Cut any pieces larger than 1 inch into smaller pieces to avoid mold growth during the drying process. Wash thoroughly and pat dry. Hang the root pieces or lay them out on screens in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. If the pieces are large it may take several weeks for them to dry. When completely dry, store in a tightly covered glass jar in cool, dark place.
 

Harvesting Flower Top: Using a sharp knife, cut the plant at the point where the first healthy leaves are growing. Lay the tops on a screen or hang them upside down in bundles out of direct sunlight. Make sure they aren't crowded so that air can't circulate around them.When completely dry, the leaves will crumble when touched. Store them in glass jars with tight fitting lids in a cool, dry place.
 

Using Echinacea:  Although Echinacea is used to fight many different ailments, it is most commonly used to boost the immune system and fight infection. It can be made into tinctures, salves, syrups, antiseptics, sprays, and many other simple remedies.
 

Echinacea teas: There are two ways to brew an herbal tea: Infusion and Decoction. Use the infusion method when preparing a tea from leaves, flowers or seeds. Decoction is the method of choice for roots. For a pleasant cup of tea, most people prefer an infusion of the flowers. Decoctions are very strong.
 

To make an infusion:  Place 1-2 teaspoons of dried herb or 2-4 teaspoons of fresh herb in a teapot. Cover with 1 cup of boiling water and steep for 15-20 minutes. Strain out the herbs and enjoy.
 

To make a decoction:  Combine 2 teaspoons of dried root and 1 cup of water in a saucepan. Cover, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 20 minutes and up to 1 hour. Strain out the herb and enjoy.
 

Other known uses for Echinacea: It is often put in combinations with other herbs. It is an excellent infection fighter and is used as a powerful natural antibiotic. It is reported to be specially good in glandular infections and problems and as a good cleanser for glands and the lymphatic system. It is known as one of the best herbs for helping enlargements and weakness of the prostrate gland. It has been used in ear aches, strep throat, and lymph glands inflammations. It is a good blood purifier and used for blood poisoning and poisonous spider and snake bites. There is also some research to show Echinacea is helpful in treating: acne, eczema, fevers, sore gums, insect bites and stings, mouth sores, and strep throat