Echinacea

Question 1

What is the scientific name of Echinacea?

Answer 1

Echinacea purpurea

Question 2

Primarily valued for?

Answer 2

Prevent or shorten the duration of upper respiratory tract infections

Question 3

The word Echinacea means:

Answer 3

Sea urchin or hedgehog

Question 4

How much sun does it prefer?

How tall and wide does it get?

Answer 4

Full sun to partial shade

Grows up to 4 ft. tall and 2-3 ft wide, slightly alkaline soil

Question 5

Echinacea is easily propagated by:

Answer 5

Root division

Question 6

The best way to propagate seeds?

Answer 6

Stratification for 60 days prior to planting.

Question 7

How to harvest Echinacea:

Answer 7

Harvest when in full bloom. Can be made by juicing the flowering plants. Harvest about 8 inches above ground level and juice. Juice is filtered then preserved with 22% ethanol.
For dried leaves and tops, cut the plant when in full bloom and hang to dry.

Question 8

Can you eat the flower petals fresh?

Answer 8

Yes

Question 9

Medicinal Preparations:

Answer 9

Tea, tincture, powder, capsules, compresses, salves.

Question 10

Tincture ratios and dosage:

Answer 10

Fresh root or above ground parts: (1:2 90%) or recently dry above ground parts (1:5 60%). .5 - 1 teaspoon three times a day. On the onset of cold and flu symptoms, double the dose during the first 24 hours.

Question 11

Actions:

Burns can be treated by:

Answer 11

Alterative, lymphagogue, anti-inflammatory, vulnerary, immunostimulant, antimicrobial, sialagogue.
Burns can be treated with the juice of the plant

Question 12

Who does Echinacea pair well with?

Answer 12

Wild Bergamot