Echinacea is one of the best herbs to use to stimulate your immune system because it stimulates antibody production. Recent research has found that it also promotes rapid healing of wounds and has antiviral and antibacterial properties.

It’s very easy to grow. The narrow-leaf variety, such as the Tennessee coneflower, is the best variety to use in making tinctures.

Tinctures are simply made from alcohol and powdered herbs. The alcohol extracts the herbs’ active ingredients. Mix 1/2 cup powdered dried herbs with 2 cups (500 ml) brandy, vodka, or gin. Mix ingredients together in a glass bottle and allow to steep in a warm place for several weeks, shaking occasionally. Strain, then store in a cool, dark place. Use about 9 drops either straight or mixed in 1 cup (250 ml) of hot water. These keep a long time because of their alcohol content. (Encyclopedia of Herb Gardening)

Plant in zones 3-8 in full sun. Echinacea is drought tolerant once it’s established. Add it to your potager garden or your perennial border.

Grab a free download of our newest book Herbs For Your Health: How to grow and use them by visiting our website at Mid South Gardening Advice.com

We often have people ask us if coreopsis is deer-resistant.

The answer is “yes”! Not only is it deer-resistant, but it is also drought resistant and virtually pest free.

Those are some of the reasons it won the Perennial Plant Association’s ‘Plant of the Year’ in 1992 and why it is still one of the best-selling perennial plants still to this day.

Check out the video below and visit the page on coreopsis at our website here.

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