ECHINACEA – PURPLE CONEFLOWER – THE CURER OF COLDS PLUS IT LOOKS AMAZING IN THE GARDEN! ECHINACEA FOR RELIEF OF FLU AND OTHER VIRUSES!

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea) seeds… Huge 15 cms across flowers, an upright form that doesn’t need staking, loves poor soils, is a known and proven herbal remedy (this is actually Echinacea, the plant they make so many herbal remedies from) and has amazing butterfly attracting flowers!

A native to the eastern U.S., purple coneflowers are found in many flower gardens in the USA. Planting purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) in the garden or flower bed draws bees and butterflies, ensuring that nearby plants have plenty of pollinators.
The plant also provides a tall background or repeating rows of large (often 15cms – 6 inches across) purple, daisy-like flowers. The sturdy stalks, which may reach 5 feet in height, rarely bend or require staking for an upright appearance.

The entire plant has numerous medicinal properties that act together to good effect. Echinacea is most often used to boost the immune system and fight infection. Research has shown that echinacea increases production of interferon in the body.

It is antiseptic and antimicrobial, with properties that act to increase the number of white blood cells available to destroy bacteria and slow the spread of infection. As a depurative, the herbal extract cleanses and purifies the bloodstream, and has been used effectively to treat boils. Echinacea is vulnerary, promoting wound healing through the action of a chemical substance in the root known as caffeic acid glycoside.

As an alterative and an immuno-modulator, echinacea acts gradually to promote beneficial change in the entire system. It has also been used to treat urinary infection and Candida infections. Echinacea is a febrifuge, useful in reducing fevers. It is also useful in the treatment of haemorrhoids (But I wouldn’t try to use the flower itself, they are a bit prickly lol!) A tincture, or a strong decoction of echinacea serves as an effective mouthwash for the treatment of bad breath and gingivitis.

Always consult a medical practitioner before embarking on any program. The information on this page is not diagnostic, therefore always consult a herbal practitioner or your GP in order to obtain a diagnosis. Never stop taking prescribed treatment without consulting your GP or a qualified herbal practitioner. Do not take without qualified medical advice.

Grow Notes
Coneflower plants grow best in poor or lean soil. Rich or heavily amended soil may result in lush foliage and poor flowering. When planting Coneflower, locate them in a full sun area. In hot climates, morning sun may facilitate the best performance, with late afternoon shade protecting the plants from burning.

Sow
Sow direct or raise seedlings in Spring, planting at 6mm depth and 50cm spacing.

Keep soil moist but never wet.

Germination
10-15 days at 18-21°C

Maturity
90-140 days, Perennial.