Does Echinacea Boost Your Immune System?

Echinacea, also known as the purple coneflower, is one of the best immune-boosting plants. You can most likely find Echinacea extract at your local pharmacy, as many have come to appreciate the positive effects that this plant has on the immune system. Studies have shown that regular echinacea consumption can increase the number of white blood cells, which fight infections. A 2014 review of more than a dozen studies concluded that this popular herbal remedy did show benefits in preventing colds.

Besides its important medicinal and immune-boosting effects, the purple coneflower is a beautiful addition to any flower garden. It is a great option to help attract beneficial pollinators to your garden and is extremely easy to grow. Because Echinacea seeds need a cold and moist period to germinate, it is best to plant them in the fall. When started from seed, it will usually take two years for Echinacea plants to flower. You can also begin with transplants that you can purchase at nurseries for quicker flowering time. Once established, echinacea is a perennial plant that will continue to give your home pharmacy a reliable supply of flowers.

The best way to reap the medicinal benefits of echinacea is via tinctures or teas. For teas, use the flowers, stems, and roots of the Echinacea plant and boil with water for an immune-boosting herbal remedy. Tinctures can be made by mixing Echinacea leaves and flowers with 80-proof alcohol, vodka, for example. This strategy allows for long-term storage.