Echinacea is a high profile plant as a natural alternative to antibiotics. Especially in treating acute colds and flus. I have never used Echinacea purpurea, or augustifolia, the two species best known for their medicine. Which is why Im so excited that my plant is doing well. Its the top purple flower although as I bought it unlabelled Im not sure which i have. The second one is an ornamental member of the genus, less medicine more simply 'my pretty' but sharing a similar 'form'.
In reading up on Echinacea, augustifolia seems the stronger medicine, and some folks will take only her, believing purpurea to be less effective. Purpurea doesn't hold her medicinal qualities when dried, but she is easier to grow and self seeds.
When making your own tinctures the root is used, although some people do add flowerheads and leaves. A good tincture should zing on the tongue. I have heard that many commercial Echinacea preparations are made from flower heads only, to save the plant for another harvest. It seems a bit like the ginsing thing of the oldest roots being the best medicine, but because the older roots have been heavily harvested, people turn to the flowers, or the roots of purpurea. Its best to leave roots at least 3 years before harvesting only 1/4 and then you can reharvest annually.
A kindergarten teacher who constantly got colds took 30 drops daily of echinacea tincture and had her first cold free winter since she began to teach. Such stories are the basis of the demand for Echinacea tincture as the seasons turn cooler but there is discussion as to whether she can be stimulating to the immune system which isnt great if its already run down or exhausted.
I look forward to experimenting, I have a feeling she'd make a fine flower essence or protective amulet ingredient....
echinacea is so beautiful....
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