Echinacea, also known as coneflower is the most popular plant in America, thanks for its disease curing properties, helping people escape from flu, sore throat symptoms, cough and even fever. Also, Echinacea is highly recommended for boosting body’s immune system and help it fight infections.
This traditional herbal treatment has been used since the American Indians for the same reasons as it is used today, but also as a cure-all plant. Researches revealed that people used the herb through history also for curing more dangerous diseases like syphilis, malaria or blood poisoning. Even though its usage has decreased significantly since the introduction of antibiotics, Echinacea still remains a great plant to use when you wish for a natural remedy. It is good to know that both the roots and the Echinacea flowers own curing properties, so both parts can be used to form tea or tinctures.
There are two main ways you can brew a tea; either by infusion or decoction. When you wish to prepare a tea from leaves, flowers and seeds use the infusion method. On the other hand, use decoction when brewing tea out of roots. Most people prefer to infuse the flowers of Echinacea in order to get a pleasant cup of tea, but also because decoctions are very strong.
Echinacea Tea recipe:
In order to make in infusion, place one, two teaspoons of dried Echinacea, or two, four teaspoons of the fresh plant in a teapot. On top of the herb, pour one coup of boiling water and let it heat up for 15-20 minutes. Finally filter out the plant leftovers and enjoy the tea.
For a decoction you will need to mix two teaspoons of dried Echinacea and one cup of water inside a saucepan. Cover the saucepan and heat up until it boils, reduce the heat, and then simmer between 20 minutes and an hour. Filter the herbs and use the result.
Take care while either infusing or decocting Echinacea, not to use large quantities. Specialists recommend drinking no more than 3 cups of tea per day. Echinacea hasn’t got the best taste out of all teas, so some people might reject it. Still, remember that decoctions are way stronger, and if you can’t drink the tea, you won’t be able to take the decoction.
If you are undergoing any treatment, make sure to read the prospect for any side effects that Echinacea tea might provide when being consumed along with the medicine.
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