Description
Echinacea
Botanical Name: Echinacea angustifolia
Echinacea is native to the plains of the United States. Samples of Echinacea have been found in dating back to 1600’s in Native American Indian archaeological sites. The plains Indians sucked the roots of E. angustifolia for sore throats, coughs, infections, toothache and snakebites.
E. angustifolia is rarely branched; it grows to about 60cm in height. It has a long single taproot and the leaves are narrow and flowers smaller than E. purpurea.
The roots are used to boost the immune system increasing the body’s chances of fighting off cold or flu, tonsillitis, bronchitis, hay fever, sinusitis and whooping cough. Combine Echinacea with Golden seal for bringing relief from food poisoning. Echinacea is effective when used internally as well as externally for infections and allergic reactions affecting skin such as boils, impetigo, herpes, eczema, skin ulcers, thrush, athlete’s foot and infected wounds.
Echinacea is a striking addition to the garden and is often grown as an ornamental perfect in a perennial border. The cut flowers keep well in a vase.
Growing Conditions
Echinacea likes well drained soil and is fairly drought tolerant. Grow in sun for best flowering
