Echinacea, a popular herb known for its immune-boosting properties, can be easily dried for year-round use. Whether you’re harvesting flowers or roots, proper drying techniques are essential to preserve their potency. In this guide, we’ll delve into the step-by-step process of drying echinacea flowers and roots, ensuring you can harness their medicinal benefits whenever you need them.
HARVESTING ECHINACEA FLOWERS
Echinacea flowers can be harvested once they are fully open. Use sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut the stems just above the lowest set of leaves. Ensure you only pick flowers that have not been treated with pesticides. Gently rinse the flowers under running water to remove any dirt from the petals.
DRYING ECHINACEA FLOWERS
There are a few methods to dry echinacea flowers:
Hanging: To hang the flowers, secure the stems upside down in a cool, dry area using string and pegs. As the flowers dry, the petals may fall off, so it’s helpful to place paper towels underneath to catch them.
Sun Drying: Arrange the flowers in a single layer on a tray and place them in a sunny, wind-protected spot. The flowers should fully dry in 3 to 5 days, depending on the temperature.
Store the dried flowers and leaves in an airtight container to preserve them for use in herbal teas and natural remedies.
HOW TO DRY ECHINACEA ROOTS
Echinacea roots should be harvested from plants that are 2 to 3 years old. The best time to dig them up is in late fall after the flowers have finished blooming.
To harvest, use a shovel to dig around the base of the plant and pull up the root ball. You can cut the roots in half and replant a portion to regrow in the spring.
Remove the soil from the roots, rinse them with cold water, and pat them dry. Cut the roots into small pieces, about ½ inch (1 cm) long, using sharp kitchen scissors.
Place the pieces on a tray in a dry, well-ventilated area to dry for about 2 weeks.To make a decoction, add 2 teaspoons of dried echinacea root and 2 cups of water to a saucepan. Simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, then let it cool slightly before enjoying.
HOW TO MAKE ECHINACEA TEA
To make echinacea tea, add a teaspoon of dried flowers and leaves to a cup of boiling water. For a teapot, use 2 teaspoons of dried echinacea.
Allow the water to reach a near-boiling point, then steep the tea for 3 minutes. Strain and enjoy. For a stronger brew, you can let it steep longer.
You can also combine dried echinacea with elderberry for an immune-boosting herbal tea or add honey for sweetness.
