Make your own echinacea tincture to strengthen immunity

Purple echinacea is not found in our country (Echinacea purpurea) in the wild. Instead, it is found as decorative plant in gardens and parks. It is not, therefore, difficult to get hold of a plant, but if we are going to use it for medicinal purposes to take advantage of its properties it must always be Ecological cultivation to avoid exposure to pesticides.

Echinacea does not require special care and with its showy reddish flowers attract a multitude of bees and butterflies. As medicinal plant It was already appreciated by the Native Americans, who used it for respiratory problems and wounds.

Its effect of immune protection and you can consume it in the form of tablets, infusions or tinctures, which you can find in herbalists.

But if you have a plant, here we tell you how to make your own echinacea tincture to strengthen immunity.

Its preparation takes a week, so do not think that you will be able to consume it in the next few days. It is a resource to incorporate into your natural medicine cabinet that can be useful in the coming months.

Echinacea against coronaviruses

The SARS-CoV-2 that caused the COVID-19 epidemic it is a coronavirus, like many others that cause at least 10% of common colds. Of course, SARS-COV-2 can cause many more complications.

Echinacea has been shown to reduce the risk of contracting a respiratory infection. A Cochrane Collaboration review of studies brought together the best research and concluded that healthy people who take echinacea are 10-20% less likely to catch a cold.

How to prepare echinacea tincture

It is made from the roots, flowers or stems, whether fresh or dried.

Echinacea root can be harvested between October and April, and the aerial parts, from July to September.

To dry the flowers, cut the stems quite low, gather several of them with flowers and form a bouquet that you will tie with a thread and leave to dry upside down in a ventilated place.

Ingredients for 200 ml of tincture:

200 ml of alcohol suitable for consumption of at least 40% (you can use vozka, brandy or pomace). Remember that pharmacy alcohol is denatured and cannot be consumed.50 g of dry plant or 100 g of fresh plantA funnelA small strainerA coffee filterA jar with a glass screw-topA small dark glass bottle to store the tincture

Elaboration:

Chop up the plant or place the dried plant in the jar; squeeze it slightly.Fill with alcohol until the plant is covered.Close the jar and let it rest for four to six weeks at room temperature.Shake it from time to time so that the active ingredients can be better releasedAfter the time has elapsed, strain it and transfer it to the bottle

Don’t forget to label the tincture with the date and store it in a cool, dark place. Your tincture will keep for a year.

How is echinacea tincture used?

The immune-boosting effect of Purple Echinacea is perfect for use in transitional seasons like spring and fall.

If you want to do a strengthening cure, take it for several days daily from 15 to 20 drops.

The intake should not exceed two weeks, since the immune system cannot be kept stimulated indefinitely. Then you should take a break for at least two weeks.

Shock plan and topical applications

Before any symptom of disease you can take a dose of 50 drops mixed with an infusion or a glass of water. Then you will follow the cure for three days with between 10 and 20 drops.

Externally you can use the tincture on wounds that heal poorly, burns, inflammations and insect bites. Dilute 10 to 20 drops in water and embed a gauze that you will place on the affected part.

Of course, you should always go to the doctor to make a correct diagnosis of your symptoms.

It is recommended not to take echinacea if you suffer from an autoimmune disease such as multiple sclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis.

Scientific references: