How to Make an Echinacea "Super Tincture"
Benefits of Echinacea
The purple coneflower, also known by its Latin name Echinacea Purpurea, is a powerful medicinal plant. Used for centuries by Native Americans, it has become widely-known again for its healing properties. It is especially beneficial as an immune-system stimulant. All parts of the plant are medicinal and can be used in a variety of ways. The real powerhouse of the plant, however, is in the roots. The nutrients and active properties of the plant are found in their most potent form in the roots. THE BEST time to harvest echinacea for a root tincture is in the fall. In the fall, as the plant begins to die back, the roots absorb the all life and helpful properties of the plant back into the root system for the winter dormant season. With this simple root tincture recipe, you can harvest and preserve the maximum potency of this plant for easy use throughout the year.
Harvest and Tincture
In the fall, harvest a second-year echinacea plant with a good root system. Cut off the stalks and leaves. Wash the roots thoroughly under running water until clean of dirt. Dry in a dehydrator on lowest setting for about 1 hour, or let wilt on a clean towel for several hours.
Once thoroughly dry, coursely chop the root. Place in a sterilized glass jar. Cover the chopped roots by at least 1” with 80 proof vodka. Seal the jar with a plastic lid, or a metal lid with a layer of waxed paper to keep the alcohol from corroding the lid. Set the jar out of direct sunlight. Let the roots tincture for 4-6 weeks, shaking occasionally.
Storage and Use
When the tincture is ready, strain out the roots and pour the tincture into an amber bottle. Label and date. Store in a cool, dark cabinet. Echinacea tincture is best used within one to two years.
For routine use, take one dropperful a day straight or in hot tea. It can be taken more intensively (as often as every hour) if you have been exposed to an illness or are experiencing symptoms. There have been studies that showed echinacea loses its effectiveness after about 2 weeks of use. It is best to take a break every 2 weeks, or to just use during flu season or when fighting an illness.
Echinacea is planted in the fall. Once established, it comes back every year. It is excellent for pollinator gardens with its huge, showy blossoms. Once a common flower, it has become scarce with the loss of our native prairies. Give this valuable and lovely plant a home in your garden and start putting its benefits to work in your family! Reserve your seed today for fall planting!