Harvesting Echinacea for Tea
Echinacea is a flowering plant from the daisy family, which is known for its ability to boost the immune system. But did you know that the leaves and flowers of the plant can be harvested and turned into a delicious herbal tea? If you have an Echinacea plant growing in your garden, here’s how to start making your own cup of Echinacea tea.
Requirements
- An Echinacea plant (Echinacea purpurea)
- Gardening shears
- A teapot
Harvesting the Leaves and Flowers
- Wait for the flower buds to begin to open and then snap them off the plant. The flowers should be a deep shade of purple.
- Using your gardening shears, cut off the leaves with a pair of scissors. The leaves should be bright green and free of any damage.
- Gently wash the leaves and flowers with cold water, to remove any dirt particles or debris. Gently pat them dry with a cloth.
Making the Tea
- Add the leaves and flowers to a teapot and fill it two-thirds full with boiling water. Let it steep for 10 minutes. This will allow the tea to absorb the flavor of the echinacea.
- Strain the tea and pour it into a cup. Add sweetener, milk, or lemon to your taste.
- Enjoy your freshly brewed cup of echinacea tea and the beneficial properties it contains.
