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| Echinacea purpurea 'Maxima' (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
Liquid manure regularly to encourage the beautiful flowers.
When the plant is about 2 to 3 years old depending on how healthy the plant is, you can harvest the roots roots and or the leaves.
SOW: in late spring when the temperature is around 13 degrees so they germinate well.
They self sow and so it is good to plant in an area you don't mind them coming up again each year. The plants are best left undisturbed for good mature root growth.
Plant them in full sun or in part shade.
Today I packaged up three packets of Echinacea Seed to grow in the future, I was grateful to get this from my friend Kathy at Killawarra. I love collecting seed to grow at my leisure.
What to do with Echinacea besides enjoying the beautiful flowers.
Health Benefits
The main species of echinacea that are used therapeutically are Echinacea purpurea, E. angustifolia and E. pallida.
The chemical constituents of medicinal preparations vary with the different species, growing conditions, parts of the plant used and how it's processed. With so many variables, it's not surprising that studies into its use for treating colds show mixed results.
Overall though, research suggests that taking echinacea may reduce the duration of colds, especially if you start it as symptoms appear.
Products based on the juice of E. purpurea appear particularly effective, so if you feel a sore throat or sniffle coming on, finely chop a few echinacea leaves, then squeeze the pulp through a strainer to yield about half a teaspoon of juice.
Adults can take this dose three times per day, making a fresh batch each time.
NOTE: Don't take echinacea if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have an autoimmune disease, are taking immuno-suppressive medication or are allergic to other members of the Asteraceae family. It is unsuitable for children under two years of age.
Jayne Tancred nutritionist and dietitian
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