Local Immunity-Boosting Echinacea

Have you experienced this herbal medicine gem?

Echinacea spp. is a gorgeous native plant found in diverse abundance and multiple unique species across central and southern North America. I’ve spent many happy hours gardening in breathtakingly beautiful fields of echinacea and planting new seedlings when working for a native gardening company. This is a staple plant in my home garden as well as our Four Seasons Harmony apothecary!

This powerful immune-enhancing herb is indicated for supporting a variety of specific health conditions, like otitis and rhinitis. Echinacea is helpful for ridding the body of microbial infections by both preventing and repairing tissue caused by infection and acts synergistically when combined with other herbs. Longstanding Indigenous applications include pain relief for burns and neck tension, antidotes for poisonous conditions, cough remedies, reducing fevers and migraine treatment. The flower essence holds the ability to provide dynamic support and vitality for the immune system. 

Herbal actions include:

Antimicrobial
Immunomodulator
Lymphatic adaptogenic
Vulnerary

Alterative
Anticancer
Anticatarrhal
Anti-inflammatory

Here is a sample pediatric formula with echinacea that I created to especially support Diabetes I and low immunity:  

Initial Pediatric Dosage: Take 0.5 mL or about 1/2 of a droppers full twice a day, ideally 15 minutes away from meals, other herbs and/or supplements mixed into 4-8 oz. of milk, tea, juice, or water as needed. Add favorite milk and whole sweeteners to taste as needed, such as maple syrup, raw honey, stevia or monk fruit. 

Additional herbs to consider for Type 1 Diabetes from a promising body of growing evidence-based research include artichoke, bilberry, fenugreek, galangal, gymnema, holy basil (tulsi), and mulberry. 

 Here is another original formula with echinacea that I created for a woman with breast cancer:

A few other initial dietary recommendations were to ensure that all salt intake is sourced from unrefined sea salt, such as Celtic or Himalayan brands, increase natural electrolytes and trace minerals, cook with more cinnamon and intake molecularly distilled fish or vegan algae oils rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. 

Safety: very safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Always ensure that only sustainability harvested, pesticide-free herbs are used. Take care to avoid overharvesting echinacea in the wild, as this is an "at risk" herb. Honor sustainable wild harvesting measures and only take from a truly abundant source. If you are a gardener and live in southern or central North America, consider planting this beauty as it can prolifically at your home as a hearty perennial. 

I like to carry a homemade echinacea tincture when traveling to apply as a topical vulnerary in the unforeseen occurrence of a minor scrape, burn, sting or skin rash. This is a wonderful choice to include in your herbal first aid kit for both internal and external application. Please let me know other favorite ways you may enjoy this beauty’s healing gifts!

In health, peace, and gratitude,
Whitney

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References

Bone, K., & Mills, S. (2013). Principles and practice of phytotherapy. Elsevier Ltd.
Braun, L., & Cohen, M. (2015). Herbs and natural supplements: An evidence-based guide volume 2. Elsevier Australia. 
Easley, T., & Horne, S. (2016). The modern herbal dispensatory: A medicine making guide. North Atlantic Books.
Freeman, Camille. (2020). Pregnancy-friendly herbs. Bloom and Grow Nutrition, LLC.
Hobbs, C. (2016). Herbal action categories. https://www.christopherhobbs.com/webdocs/classhandouts/keville-hobbs-2016/Herbal-Actions.pdf
Hoffman, D. (2003). Medical herbalism: The science and practice of herbal medicine. Healing Arts Press.
Vickery, N. (2012). Re-engaging our senses: Taste. The Family Herbalist. https://thefamilyherbalist.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/herbal-taste-chart.pdf
Williamson, E. M. (2003). Potter’s herbal cyclopaedia. The C. W. Daniel Company Limited.

How to Make Elderberry Syrup

Boost Your Immunity with Homemade Elderberry Syrup

Homemade elderberry syrup is a top personal go-to year-round for immunity boosting. I especially lean on this powerful DIY medicine for staying healthy amidst freezing winter temperatures. The multitude of healing benefits of the renowned Elder tree date back millennia in many traditional cultures. Please enjoy one of my favorite recipes that you can also share with family and friends! 

Ingredients
2 cups dried elderberries
4 cups water
1 cup raw, sustainably harvested honey
3-4 cinnamon sticks
½ - 1 Tbsp grated lemon peel
¼ oz cloves or star anise
¼ - ½ cup elderflower brandy (optional)

Directions:
1. Bring the water and berries to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 45 minutes
2. Smash the berries and strain through a muslin cloth
3. Return the syrup to the stove, add the spices and lemon peel, and simmer for an additional 15 minutes
4. Strain, stir in the honey when 110 degrees or less and allow to cool before bottling

Herbal Actions of Elderberry, Sambucus nigra, S. canadensis:

• Anti-inflammatory

• Antioxidant

• Antirheumatic

• Antiviral

• Decongestant

• Diaphoretic

• Diuretic

• Immunomodulator

• Mild laxative

• Nutritive

Contraindications: avoid eating raw elderberries; when cooked, the berries are extremely safe for adults, children and breastfeeding mothers. 

The sustainably sourced, high quality, delicious local raw honey that I used in this recipe is from friends at The Blackberry Herbarium in Harrisonburg, Virginia. 

The gorgeous white flowers of the elder tree are also incredibly medicinal. Children love to eat, decorate and play with them! I hope you enjoy the multitude of healing applications gifted by the elder tree. 

In health, peace and gratitude,
Whitney

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References

Easley, T., & Horne, S. (2016). The modern herbal dispensatory: A medicine making guide. North Atlantic Books. 

Gardner, Zoe & McGuffin, M. (2013). American Herbal Products Association’s Botanical Safety Handbook. CRC Press. 

Hoffman, D. (2003). Medical herbalism: The science and practice of herbal medicine. Healing Arts Press.

Milagro School of Herbal Medicine. (2021). Elder. https://www.milagroschoolofherbalmedicine.com/materia-medica.html

Moerman, D. E. (2009). Native American medicinal plants: An ethnobotanical dictionary. Timber Press. 

Williamson, E. M. (2003). Potter’s herbal cyclopaedia. The C. W. Daniel Company Limited.