Echinacea
Echinacea Plantable Wildflower Seed Card
Echinacea, also known as purple coneflower, is a powerful medicinal herb that shows up in a few of our items. It is native to North America, though overharvesting of wild plants has made it at risk in some areas. The dried tap root and flowering tops can be used to stimulate the immune system, and some evidence suggests that using the whole plant is most effective for colds and flus. Echinacea can also be used topically in throat gargles when made into a strong, cooled tea or decoction (simmered tea).
dandelion, lavender, and calendula
In the garden, echinacea has vivid pink, purple, or even red flowers depending on the species and variety. It grows happily even in areas with poor soils and harsh winters, from USDA zone 4 to 9. Planting echinacea may also make you very popular with native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators!
Read much more about echinacea, including specific ways to take the herb, our posts Peace of Mind for Coronavirus: Herbal Support for Viral Infections.
About the authors:
Vincent Frano is an avid student of nature. He is trained as an herbalist with over 10 years of experience in European traditions with knowledge of Ayurvedic and North American herbs. He holds a BS in Sustainable Horticulture from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst where he focused on herbal medicines, native plants, invasive species, and ecosystem restoration. Vincent is the co-founder of Small Victories and is the lead illustrator for Small Victories' products.
Bee Leake is a painter, cartoonist, and zine-maker who draws inspiration from the powerful, fragile natural systems all around us. They studied English, studio art, and arts management at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Their many interests include mail art, gardening, penpalling, and mushrooms. At Small Victories, Bee is Director of Marketing & Community and has contributed calligraphy to some of our designs.
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