How to Make a Tea From the Purple Cone Flower

Purple cone flower, "Echinacea purpurea," is one of the most commonly known herbs, especially during the cold and flu months. It packs powerful immunity-building properties by increasing macrophage T-cell activity, which is the body's first line of defense against colds and the flu. It's safe for all people including children and the elderly, and it has no known side effects. All parts of the purple cone flower, including its roots, leaves and flower, are used, and most of properties contained in the plant are water soluble, making it an excellent choice for a tea.

Things You'll Need

• Purple cone flower
• Water
• Stove or other heating source for boiling water
• Glass jar
• Strainer

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Instructions

Decoct Roots

• 1

  Pull up or purchase purple cone flower roots. Fresh herb is better, but high-quality dried herb will work if fresh purple cone flower roots are unavailable. You will need 1 to 3 tbsp. of echinacea roots.

• 2

  Place the purple cone flower roots in a pot suitable for boiling and cover with 16 to 32 ozs. of water. Use clean, filtered water to avoid any toxins being passed on to your medicinal tea.

• 3

  Heat the water to a boil and then lower the heat to a simmer. Allow the decoction to simmer for 30 to 45 minutes. The longer it simmers, the stronger the echinacea root decoction will be.

• 4

  Strain the purple cone flower roots out and pour the tea into a glass jar.

Infuse Leaves and Flowers

• 5

  Gather the leaves and flowers from the purple cone flower, or purchase high-quality dried herb. Between 1 and 2 tbsp. is sufficient for an 8-oz. serving. Place the herb in a glass jar.

• 6

  Boil 8 ozs. of water. Don't bring to a roaring boil. At the first sign of bubbles, remove the water from the heating source.

• 7

  Pour the water over the echinacea leaves and flowers in the glass jar. Cover and steep for 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the strength you want for your medicinal tea.

• 8

  Strain the herbs and add the infusion to your decoction. Add honey for taste, if desired. The medicinal echinacea tea will keep for 24 hours if refrigerated or up to a week if frozen.