Echinacea

Echinacea is an herb which has long been celebrated for its immune boosting properties, but what truth is there to this healthful reputation? As it turns out, more than one might expect.

Echinacea, or echinacea augustifola, is a perennial flower originating in the American Plains. The Native tribes in the area used this herb as a balm for wounds, bites, rashes, and other injuries to the skin. When settlers moved out west, they too adopted the use of this herb, even using it successfully to help with colds and flus. Soon, a mouthwash was developed from it, which is said to have relieved tooth and gum pain. In fact, echinacea enjoyed a successful reputation up until the development of modern pharmaceuticals; from this point, though, people viewed the use of echinacea as suspect.

Recently, however, it has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity. In fact, medical studies have been done which suggest echinacea both limits the duration of colds and flus, as well as plays a role in preventing them. This is because an active ingredient in echinacea, echinacoside, helps suppress a wide variety of bacteria, viruses, and protazoa. Another active ingredient, echinacein, helps break down a chemical used by germs to infiltrate healthy cells. Unable to invade healthy cells, the germs die off more easily.

This powerful combination of anti-microbial agents means that the proper ingestion of echinacea can have very real effects upon one's sickness. It is currently accepted that one should begin taking it immeditaely upon feeling well. As the illness fades, phase out the intake of echinacea; when the illness leaves, stop taking the herb.

How does one enjoy the benefits of echinacea? To start, one should know that the important parts of the herb are the roots, followed by the flowers and leaves. It does require a bit of preparation, however.

First, take two teaspoons of diced up root and mix with one cup of water- keep to this ratio for however much you make. Bring this to a boil, then allow it to simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Afterwards, strain the solids out. What remains is the potent echinacea extract- drink a cup of this, 3 times a day at the beginning of an illness.

So now that you know how great echinacea is, and how to prepare it, the obvious question is: how do I grow it? Luckily, echinacea can grow in almost any soil you might have around. Unluckily, however, it takes a bit of forethought- the plant needs to grow for about 3 years before it is big enough to begin being harvested for roots.

Echinacea can be grown from seeds or from cuttings. Cuttings should be planted, while seeds kept on the surface of the soil. It grows best under full sunlight and in slightly acidic soil. It can grow in poorer, rocky soil or in rich soil, so you can use whatever you happen to have. After some time, the plant will be noticable; it will end up between 2 and 4 feet tall, have a single stem covered in bristly hairs, and will have long, narrow leaves. The flower heads will extend a bit beyond the leaves.

After it has grown in your yard for 3 years, you can begin harvesting the roots of the plant. Do this during the fall, after the plant has gone to seed. Dry the roots, making sure to split any especially large ones.

With a small investment and a bit of patience, however, one can reap great benefits towards one's health. My philosophy is that one should consume natural ingredients as much as possible before relying on synthetics, so echinacea for mild colds and flus is a great idea. Keep in mind, however, that there are serious illnesses out there and that a trip to the doctor is always recommended.