Echinacea

Echinacea (also known as the purple coneflower) is native to the plains of America where it has long been used by native Americans to treat a range of ailments. Subsequent studies have shown that Echinacea is a powerful immune booster with antiseptic properties and it has been proven to help fight colds and flu. Sow Echinacea seeds now and you’ll have soon have a homegrown pharmacy in your back garden.

Planting tips :

• Plant Echinacea in a sunny area of your garden with well draining soil.
• Before planting, add plenty of compost to the soil and make sure that it is free of weeds.
• Make sure that you keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged until the seeds germinate (this can take up to 6 weeks).
• Echinacea can also be successfully grown in pots indoors, and then moved outside once the weather has warmed up a bit.
• The rots, stems, leaves and flowers can be harvested for use in medicinal treatments.

Uses :

• • Echinacea tea is a great way to ease colds, flu, sore throats and urinary tract infections. Make Echinacea tea by pouring a cup of boiling water over either two teaspoons of dried Echinacea plant material, or a quarter cup of fresh plant material.
• Echinacea is a very attractive herb which makes a great border plant. The flowers also work well as cut flowers inside your home.