Echinacea should not be taken by people with progressive systemic and auto-immune disorders, connective tissue disorders, or related diseases. It should not be used with immune-suppressants or hepatotoxic drugs and has the potential to interfere with anaesthesia
Echinacea, commonly called Purple Coneflower, is a genus of nine species of herbaceous plants in the family Asteraceae. All are strictly native to eastern and central North America. The plants have large, showy heads of composite flowers, blooming from early to late summer.
Roots
Cut off a part of the root with s sharp knife, leave plenty for the plant to grow Cut any pieces larger than an inch into small pieces to avoid mold growing while drying Wash thoroughly and dab dry using kitchen towel or any clean dish cloth. You can bunch up the root to hang or lay on screens or racks in a well ventilated area, out of direct sunlight. The larger the pieces the longer it will take for them to dry When dry, store in a tightly covered opaque or dark glass or aluminium jar in cool, dark place.
Flower Tops
Using a knife or scissors, cut the plant at the point where the first healthy leaves are growing. You can bunch up the flowering stalks to hang or lay face down on screens or racks in a well ventilated area, out of direct sunlight. You can tell when they are dry as the leaves will crumble when touched. Store in a tightly covered opaque or dark glass or aluminium jar jar in cool, dark place.
