Beautiful in the garden and useful for treating common ailments, Coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea) are one plant your herb garden should not be without. They belong to the plant family Asteraceae, which includes all the thousands of species of stars, daisies, and sunflowers. Even with all these relatives, Echinacea herb ha data that was commonly born in the home herb garden. > For beauty as well as utility.
Extensive testing has been done in Europe, especially in Germany, where Echinacea is used to boost immune system and to boost fighting infection It is also considered a method of raising. Although there has been some controversy in the US medical community as to whether Echinacea’s claims are legitimate, those who have experienced the results do not doubt it.
Echinacea is easy to grow. It prefers full sun, but will tolerate light shade. A tall fat plant will usually grow to five feet or more in height, but it also grows in less fertile soil. The plants are too sensitive to water, and should be planted where there is good drainage and little embarrassment around the roots. Echinacea is an easy way to grow a garden area, and like a flower it allows the flower to be pruned and grown. If you sow from seeds, you can sow them very early, at the same time you sow the beans.
All parts of the plant are useful. The maximum growth should be measured just before flower buds open by cutting the stems above the first or second. a pair of full greens. (They usually have a few dead leaves at the base of the plant.) Make good, clean cuts and new growth will emerge for another harvest. Kitchen scissors are a handy way to strip the top of the growth. Wash the small box herb by picking the stem and gently swimming it in water. Then tie them up in bundles and hang them up to dry, or spread them out on a tent to dry. As with all herbs, keep them out of direct sunlight and leave room for plenty of air circulation. The leaves rot easily when they are dry. A dehydrator can also be used for faster drying in humid climates; use the lowest heat setting.
The roots should be harvested at the top of the fall when a hard frost has killed the growth. If there are seed heads on the plants, distribute them in the ground if you want additional plants next year. Harvest roots from well-established plants. Removing root results from plants younger than 3-4 years can result in killing the plant. To collect the roots of Echinacea, plants and lie down to garden use a fork. Use a sharp knife and cleanly cut off the parts of the root that you want to harvest. Make sure to leave enough root to support the plant. A good rule of thumb is to harvest about 20% of the root if you want to make annual harvests. Replace the plant, firm the soil around the disturbed roots, and apply mulch in winter.
Prepare the Echinacea roots by washing them thoroughly. Chop them into pieces about 1/2 inch or so in size to shorten the drying time. Smaller pieces are also not as likely to mold in the dry. hang the pieces in a net or cheese bag to dry, or hang them in a tent. Roots are dried with a dehydrator with minimal risk of mold; always use the lowest heat setting and check the dehydrator often.
To make light and flavored tea from dried flowers and leaves, use 2 teaspoons of dried herbs and one cup. from where Steep the tea for 15 minutes. Add honey or lemon to taste.
The roots are used for decoction, which is more of a stronger flavoring liquid. To make a decoction, use 2 teaspoons of dried root with one cup of water, and cook in a tightly covered pot on low heat for 30 – 60 minutes. Fermentation time can be reduced if the root is crushed or cut into small pieces. (Make sure to use a tight lid so that the water does not boil.) Strain the liquid and it is ready to drink; add honey or lemon to taste. This stronger version is recommended as a dose to treat a cold or infection.
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Echinacea angustifolia widely a income American >. This variety grows to 5 feet tall and 5 feet wide, and is covered in smaller 2-inch pink or purple flowers.
Mainly the root of this plant is used medicinally.
Sources:
Personal experience and love of gardening
http://www.gardenguides.com/how-to/tipstechniques/herbs/coneflower.asp
