In the last couple of years, there has certainly been an increased awareness among the public regarding the use of herbs and medicinal plants. Pharmaconnect.co.za decided to make “Pharmacy in the Garden” a regular feature on the website. The first medicinal plant we chose to discuss, was Echinacea, especially because it’s winter and can be used in the prevention and treatment of colds and flu but also because it is easy to grow in your own garden!
A fantastic sunny garden plant, with wonderful medicinal properties, this plant is long-lived and often seen in summer gardens to attract butterflies or for use as a cut flower. It is almost essential to have this plant in your garden, not only for its medicinal properties, but also because it is a natural tonic for other plants in the garden. Make a delicious tea from the flowers and leaves: Brew ¼ cup flowers and leaves and 1 cup boiling water. Leave to brew for 5 minutes and strain. Drink one cup fresh tea daily to strengthen the immune system, but not too regularly, only when you have flu or bronchitis.
Medicinal uses:
Echinacea is well known for its anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Echinacea stimulates white blood cell activity, thereby increasing the body’s production of antiviral substances e.g. interferon and assist immune cells in fighting some of the viruses that cause bronchitis. It is commonly recommended by herbalists as an agent to lessen the symptoms and duration at the onset of a cold or the flu.
For other medicinal uses and gardening tips, read the full article on Pharmaconnect.co.za – http://www.pharmaconnect.co.za in the Interaction, Practical Advice section.
