aed09724_len_s_favorites__Texas_natives__Herbal_Tidbits
[Herb] Echinacea, Echinacea purpurea Purple Coneflower. [Gardening Tips] To grow Echinacea, it is best to scatter fresh, organic seeds in the fall. October is ideal. Scatter them as you do other wildflowers by making sure the seeds make contact with the earth. Be sure they receive some water and then wait until spring. The perennial herb will return every year. Remember you need to use a 3 year old root to make herbal medicine. I have been making a powerful Extra Echinacea tincture for several years now, including the leaves, flowers, buds and roots of this incredible plant. Directions for making the tincture are given in my book: Medicinal Herb Gardening: An EZ Guide for Growing and Using Herbs. [Herbal Tidbits] 
A beautiful, stately, landscape and medicinal plant, Echinacea purpurea, as well as Echinacea angustifolia and Echinacea pallida are presently in danger of losing their wild habitat, and are becoming less plentiful and available in the wild as they once were. Echinacea, as many of you already know, is an herb that is used to boost your immune system. You can use Echinacea as a preventative; i.e. when traveling to avoid getting sick, and to assist your own healthy immune system in fighting a cold, flu or infection. The root, flower, leaves and seed of the Echinacea plant can be used as a tea or tincture and the medicine tingles in your mouth while making its magic.
Ellen's favorites: Texas natives
Herbal Tidbits