Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Historically, comfrey was used both externally and internally; however, new research indicates liver
toxicity when ingested. It has anti-inflammatory properties that are used in poultices for sprains,
strains, and bruises of all kinds. Comfrey infused oils are also used in beauty treatments like eye
creams and burn creams.
Echinacea ( Echinacea purpurea )
Echinacea is a beautiful daisylike flower that is similar to black-eyed Susan and can be substituted
for them in the landscape. Echinacea is hardy in zones 3 through 8. After it is established, you'll
have flowers in two to three years.
Growing echinacea is relatively easy, as it is drought tolerant, low maintenance, and adaptable.
Echinacea grows best in full sun but will grow even in part shade. The only kind of soil that may
cause problems for echinacea plants would be heavy clay or overly fertile soil that holds too much
moisture.
If you are growing echinacea from seeds, it will usually germinate better with a chilling period of
two weeks. You can direct sow seeds shallowly in moist soil and allow them to grow right where
you want them. Echinacea will naturalize readily and can be divided every three years. Use the
roots from the divisions for medicinal purposes and always replant enough of the plants to keep
your stand healthy and growing.
Over the Garden Fence
The best time to harvest the roots is when the plant is dormant in the fall. Dig deeply to harvest as much
of the deep roots as possible, because echinacea plants grow very deep roots. Most gardeners try to leave
some of the smaller roots from the outside edges of the plant to allow the plants to reestablish themselves.
Echinacea extract has been shown to have immune-boosting properties in several studies, but
appears to be more effective in higher doses. While echinacea grows wild through much of the
United States, commercial harvesting is a threat to wild populations. Growing your own is a way to
preserve the herb, and is another way to increase your self-sufficiency.
Echinacea purpurea is the most readily cultivated and is one of the three species used in herbal
preparations. It is most often used in a tincture or decoction form and it is the root or leafy tops of
the echinacea that is used for medicinal purposes.
 
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