Echinacea purpurea – this is the species that grows well in the northeast. It likes a drier soil but grows well in any soil. Check out the latin name on the nursery tag to get the right medicinal plant.
Echinacea has a long history of use for colds, flu, and infections of the skin. Acts as a preventative, taken at the first signs of an imbalance, it will stimulant the body’s defense mechanism and prevent the illness. Echinacea preparations are the most popular herbal medicine in Germany. It is recommended to use for 2 weeks only , then take a break. It is very safe to use. It is important that you take a large enough dose to work : 1/2 – 1 tsp several times daily to prevent colds. Of course, this depends on the person. Alcohol based tincture is the preferred preparation.
I use the leaves, stems, and flower buds from the Echinacea plant which I harvest in the first part of the summer season. People use all parts of the plant. I do not find it not necessary to use the roots at all. If I did I would tincture them separately and then combine the tinctures. The aerial part of the plant works very well. I realize that it is traditional to use the roots but for me the top part of the plant works just fine.I let the plant material “dry wilt”. I leave the echinacea out over night or for a couple of days to evaporate the water content of the plants.Chop up the plant material in very small pieces and put in a glass jar. Don’t pack the jar too tightly. Leave 1 inch headroom.Fill to the top with 100 proof vodka.Poke out the air holes with a utensil. I use a chop stick. Cover with a tight fitting lid. First couple of days check to see that the liquid is covering the herbs. Add more vodka if necessary.Label jar with date and the date 6 weeks from now. This is helpful in reminding you when to strain out the tincture. Steep tincture for 4-6 weeks. Shake jars throughout the 6 weeks.Strain the tincture through several thickness of nylon netting or cheese cloth. Pour tincture into storage jars. I use dark colored bottles. For a detailed and illustrated explanation about making echinacea tincture please refer to Chapter 16 on herbal Preparation in my book “Get Well, Be Well, Stay Well with herbal plants”.
