Make Your Own Tincture Of Echinacea To Strengthen Immunity

In our country, purple Echinacea ( Echinacea purpurea ) is not found in the wild. Instead, it is found as a decorative plant in gardens and parks. It is therefore not difficult to get hold of a plant, but it should always be organically grown to avoid exposure to pesticides.

It does not require special care and with its showy reddish flowers they attract a multitude of bees and butterflies. As a medicinal plant it was already appreciated by the Native Americans, who used it for respiratory problems and wounds.

Its immune protection effect is remarkable and you can consume it in the form of tablets, infusions or tinctures, which you can find in herbalists.

But if you have a plant, here we suggest you make your own echinacea tincture to strengthen immunity.

Its preparation takes a week, so do not think that you will be able to consume it in the next few days. It is a resource to incorporate into your natural medicine cabinet that can be useful for months to come.

Echinacea vs. coronaviruses

The SARS-CoV-2 that is causing the COVID-19 epidemic is a coronavirus, like many others that cause at least 10% of common colds. Of course, SARS-COV-2 can cause many more complications.

Echinacea has been shown to reduce the risk of getting a respiratory infection. A Cochrane Collaboration review of studies brought together the best research and concluded that healthy people who take echinacea are 10-20% less likely to get a cold.

How to prepare echinacea tincture

It is made from the roots, flowers or stems, whether fresh or dried.

The echinacea root can be harvested between October and April, and the aerial parts, from July to September.

To dry the flowers, cut the stems low enough, gather several of them with flowers and form a bouquet that you will tie with a thread and leave to dry upside down in a ventilated place.

Ingredients for 200 ml of tincture:

• 200 ml of alcohol suitable for consumption of at least 40% (you can use vozka, brandy or marc). Remember that pharmacy alcohol is denatured and cannot be consumed.
• 50 g of dried plant or 100 g of fresh plant
• A funnel
• A small strainer
• A coffee filter
• A glass screw jar
• A dark glass vial to store the tincture

Elaboration:

1. Chop the plant or place the dried plant in the jar; squeeze it lightly.
2. Fill with the alcohol until the plant is covered.
3. Close the jar and let it sit for four to six weeks at room temperature.
4. From time to time shake it so that the active ingredients can be better released
5. After time, strain it and transfer it to the bottle

Don’t forget to date label the tincture and store it in a cool, dark place. Your tincture will keep for a year.

How to use echinacea tincture

The immune-strengthening effect of purple echinacea is perfect for transitional seasons like spring and fall.

If you want to do a strengthening cure, take 15 to 20 drops daily for several days .

The intake should not exceed two weeks, since the immune system cannot be kept stimulated indefinitely. Then you should take a break for at least two weeks.

Shock plan and topical applications

Before any symptoms of illness you can take a dose of 50 drops mixed with an infusion or a glass of water. Then you will continue the cure for three days with between 10 and 20 drops.

Externally you can use the tincture on wounds that heal poorly, burns, inflammations and insect bites. Dilute 10 to 20 drops in water and soak a gauze that you will place on the affected part.

Of course, you should always go to the doctor to make a correct diagnosis of your symptoms.

It is recommended not to take echinacea if you suffer from an autoimmune disease such as multiple sclerosis or rheumatoid arthritis.

Scientific references:

• Olivier B. Engler et al. In vitro antiviral activity of Echinaforce®, an Echinacea purpurea preparation, against common cold coronavirus 229E and highly pathogenic MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV. Virology Journal.
• Linde et al. Echinacea for preventing and treating the common cold. Cochrane Collaboration.