Echinacea is a type of herb that is frequently used to alleviate colds, but it has been often misused which led to the decimation of this wild plant. You’ve probably come across various uses for this herb with some adding it to their shampoo and such. Although it is true that this is a powerful herb, when used in the wrong way, you will be missing much of its benefits.
The leaves, flowers, and roots of the plant can be used as remedies, but it is important that you cycle them since they will lose their efficacy when used regularly. That said, here are a few tips on how you can use this powerful herb.
Natural cough syrup
If you are feeling a cough coming up, and you don’t want to use over-the-counter medications anymore, why not try making your own natural cough syrup? For this recipe, you will need half a cup each of echinacea and licorice root, 4 cups of distilled water, ¾ to a cup of raw, organic honey, ½ tablespoon cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons of minced or finely chopped fresh ginger root. Pour 3 cups of distilled water in a pot and add the licorice, echinacea, ginger, and cinnamon.
Heat until boiling then reduce to simmer for about 45 minutes. Reduce water until it is half. Use a cheese cloth or French press to sift the herbs from the water and transfer the contents to a jar and let it cool until it is warm to the touch. Stir in the honey to sweeten. You can take 1 to 2 tablespoons of this syrup 2 to 3 times a day to help make your cough disappear.
Sore throat spray
Swollen glands in your throat can make it difficult for you to swallow, but this natural throat spray may help. You will need 1/3 cup of finely cut and dried echinacea rots, ¼ cup of dried elderberries, 2 teaspoons of minced fresh ginger root, 3 grams of dried licorice root, 1 cup of vegetable glycerine, and 2/3 cup of water.
Get a pint-sized jar and put all the herbs as well as honey in it. You will need to combine water and glycerine first before pouring into the jar. Cover the jar tightly and shake the mixture every day for 4 weeks. You can add more water and glycerine if the herbs soak up most of the liquid. Strain afterwards using cheesecloth. Pour into containers with spray toppers and use as needed.
