Coneflower Herbal Uses – Growing Echinacea Plants As Herbs


Coneflowers are perennials with daisy-like blossoms. In fact, Echinacea coneflowers are in the daisy family. They are pretty plants with big, bright flowers that attract butterflies and songbirds to the garden. People have also been using coneflowers medicinally for many, many years. Read on for more information on coneflower herbal uses.
Echinacea Plants as Herbs
Echinacea is a native American plant and one of the most popular herbs in this country. People in North America have been using coneflowers medicinally for centuries. Medicinal Echinacea was used for years in traditional medicine by indigenous Americans, and later by colonists. In the 1800's, it was believed to provide a remedy for purifying the blood. It was also thought to deal with dizziness and treat rattlesnake bites. During the early years of the 20th century, people began using Echinacea herbal remedies to treat infections as well. They would make extracts of the plant and apply or ingest them. Echinacea plants as herbs fell out of favor when antibiotics were discovered. However, people kept using cornflowers medicinally as an external treatment for wound healing. Some continued ingesting medicinal Echinacea to stimulate the immune system.
Coneflower Herbal Uses Today
In modern times, using Echinacea plants as herbs is again becoming popular and its effectiveness is being tested by scientists. Popular coneflower herbal uses include combatting mild to moderate upper respiratory tract infections, like the common cold. According to experts in Europe, Echinacea herbal remedies can make colds less severe and also cut short the duration of colds. This conclusion is somewhat controversial, however, since some scientists say that trials were flawed. At least nine studies though have found that those who used Echinacea herbal remedies for colds improved significantly more than the placebo group. Since some parts of Echinacea plants seem to enhance the human defense system, doctors have considered whether the plant’s herbal uses might include prevention or treatment of viral infections. For example, doctors are testing Echinacea for use in the fight against the HIV virus, the virus that causes AIDS. However, more testing is necessary. At any rate, the use of coneflower tea for cold treatment is still a popular practice today.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our most popular eBook "How to Grow Delicious Tomatoes."

Teo Spengler has been gardening for 30 years. She is a docent at the San Francisco Botanical Garden. Her passion is trees, 250 of which she has planted on her land in France.
-
Pantone’s Color Of The Year 2024 Is A Gardener’s Dream – Discover 7 Flowers That Are ‘Peach Fuzz’ Perfection
The global authority on color has spoken, and 'Peach Fuzz' is the shade we'll all be seeking out in the coming year. Find out why this gorgeous pinky orange deserves a place in your garden, and be inspired by our top flower picks
By Melanie Griffiths Published
-
15 Garden Trends To Avoid in 2024: Experts Warn Against These Outdated Designs
Garden trends come and go. We asked gardening experts to share the outdated trends that should be retired – and what you can do instead.
By Melanie Griffiths Last updated
-
How To Harvest Echinacea Flowers, Seeds And Roots
The entire echinacea plant can be harvested and used for medicine and health. Learn here how to harvest your pretty coneflowers, from seeds to roots.
By Mary Ellen Ellis Last updated
-
Growing Cutleaf Coneflower - Is Cutleaf Coneflower A Weed
Cutleaf coneflower is a native wildflower, but that doesn't stop some from finding it weedy. Click here for more information.
By Mary Ellen Ellis Last updated
-
What Is A Gray Headed Coneflower Plant - Care For Gray Headed Coneflowers
The gray headed coneflower plant goes by many names and is a native wildflower. Click here for more information on this perennial plant.
By Mary Ellen Ellis Published
-
Yellow Echinacea Care – Learn About Growing Yellow Coneflowers
Echinacea paradoxa stands out from other native echinacea plants. The “paradox” indicated in this variety’s name comes from the fact that it is the only native echinacea to produce yellow petals. Learn about growing yellow coneflowers here.
By Darcy Larum Last updated
-
Types Of Coneflower – Learn About Different Kinds Of Coneflower Plant
Perhaps most commonly seen in beds is the purple coneflower, but did you know there are many other kinds of coneflower? Newer hybrid varieties provide the same durable, easy perennial qualities but with a variety of different flower colors and shapes. Learn more here.
By Mary Ellen Ellis Last updated
-
Coneflowers In A Pot – Tips On Caring For Container Grown Coneflowers
Coneflowers are very popular, colorful, flowering perennials. But what about containers? If you don't have the space for a garden bed, will coneflowers grow just as well on a patio or balcony? Click this article to learn more about how to grow coneflowers in a pot.
By Liz Baessler Last updated
-
Echinacea Deadheading: Do You Need To Deadhead Coneflowers
Also known as purple coneflower, Echinacea has grown wildly and contently for hundreds of years without any maintenance. When I suggest coneflowers to a customer, I am often asked "do you need to deadhead coneflowers?" Click here for the answer.
By Darcy Larum Last updated
-
Companion Plants For Echinacea: Learn What To Plant With Coneflowers
Companion plants for Echinacea should have similar cultural requirements and can create a bed with attractive blooms for any beneficial insect. To create a lively color bed, choose Echinacea companions carefully. This article will help get you started.
By Bonnie L. Grant Last updated