Herbs & Herbal Remedies @ Green Papaya

Echinacea often causes a tingling sensation on the tongue. This is normal and not harmful. The medical literature contains no reports of echinacea toxicity.

However, there have been a few reports of bulk echinacea root being adulterated by other herbs. Any adulteration would reduce the herb’s effectiveness, and depending on the adulterant, might cause adverse reactions.

Fortunately, many U.S. herb companies market prepackaged echinacea preparations under Food and Drug Administration (FDA) purity regulations. These may be used with confidence.

The FDA lists echinacea as an herb of “undefined safety,” but available evidence suggests it’s safe. For otherwise healthy non-pregnant, non-nursing adults, echinacea is considered safe in amounts typically recommended.

Echinacea should be used only in consultation with your doctor. If echinacea causes minor discomforts, such as stomach upset or diarrhea, use less or stop using it. Let your doctor know if you experience any unpleasant effects or if the symptoms for which the herb is being used do not improve significantly in two weeks.

Pretty Flowers

Echinacea is a 2- to 5-foot perennial whose flowers resemble black-eyed Susan, with purple rays radiating from a cone-shaped center-hence its common name, purple coneflower. Echinacea has black roots, a single stem covered with bristly hairs, and narrow leaves.

Echinacea grows from seeds or root cuttings taken in spring or fall. Don’t cover seeds. When the temperature is in the 70s ºF, simply tamp them into moist, sandy soil.

Echinacea grows in poor, rocky, slightly acidic soil under full sun, but it also thrives in richer soils.

It takes three or four years for roots to grow large enough to harvest. Pull them in autumn after the plant has gone to seed. Roots greater than ½ inch in diameter should be split before drying.