You might have heard that Echinacea tea has potential benefits for boosting your body’s immunity, but did you know it may also help fight oxidative stress? This little plant has been used by Native Americans for at least half a century for supporting overall health, they called it “Snakeroot.”
But it gets better.
In this blog, you’ll be learning some unique new recipes you might have never seen before, created by yogis from India & Nepal. Some of which incorporate superfoods like elderberry or raspberry that are both tasty and healthy (just like cold pressed oils).
Echinacea Tea Benefits
Purple Coneflower Herb is native to North America and has been traditionally used for immunity support & healing wounds. Beyond tasting refreshing as herbal tea, it may also help decrease inflammation and support overall wellness.
Potential benefits include:
Cold Prevention
You might be wondering, “does Echinacea tea actually work?” While more research is needed, a study published at PubMed suggests it may indeed help your body handle colds better.
Antioxidant Properties
Drinking Echinacea tea once a week may help to detoxify your system. The plant’s antioxidant compounds have the potential to neutralize harmful toxins. In the long term, reducing these toxins may slow down signs of aging and keep your skin looking youthful over the long term.
Respiratory Health
Snakeroot has long been used for its potential to ease respiratory issues. This is because the plant is thought to boost the immune system, which could help your body fight off respiratory infections better.
Skin Elasticity
The plant has a high flavonoid content, which is linked to reducing skin inflammation and promoting a healthy complexion. When applied topically, it may help soothe irritated skin and reduce redness.
And if you’re looking for more natural ways to improve your skin health, check out our free body scrub guide.
So now you know some potential benefits Echinacea can offer you. Here are some traditional recipes you can try right now:
Echinacea Tea with Elderberry
This is a favorite recipe among yogis – Coneflower tea with elderberry has a slightly sweet & tangy kick. It gives off a nice refreshing and soothing taste. This is a popular recipe because the combination of both plants creates a fruity flavor with floral notes.
Ingredients you’ll need:
- 1 teaspoon Purple Coneflower Herb.
- 1 teaspoon dried elderberries (cranberry or hibiscus would work too).
- Around 250 – 500 ml of water.
The steps:
- Heat the water to a boil and then let it cool for a minute or two to avoid scorching the herbs (which impacts their taste).
- Add 1 teaspoon of dried Echinacea and 1 teaspoon of dried elderberries to your favorite mug or teapot.
- Carefully pour the hot water over the ingredients and let it steep for roughly 10 min.
- Strain the tea and sweeten if you want.
Extra tip: longer steeping time will create a richer & more robust flavor. Just avoid steeping for more than 15 min because this might make it bitter instead. Which is the opposite of what we want.
Extra, extra tip: if you love tea, we have another guide on how you can prepare for the next tea shortage.
Echinacea and Ginger Tea
This recipe gives you a warm and spicy kick from ginger, while combining the herbal flavor of Echinacea itself. It’s both soothing and energizing – perfect for those moments when you need a comforting, revitalizing drink.
What you’ll need:
- A one inch piece of fresh ginger (thinly sliced or grated).
- One teaspoon of dried Echinacea.
- One to two cups of water.
The steps:
- Get some sliced or grated ginger and let it simmer for around 5 min to release its spicy essence.
- Turn off the heat and add the dried Echinacea to the pot.
- Cover it & steep for 10 min. Note: like the Elderberry recipe, please avoid steeping it for over 15 min or else your tea won’t taste very good.
- Strain and sweeten the tea. You can also add a bit of honey or lemon for a nice bittersweet flavor.
Echinacea and Mint Tea
The flavor can be described as zesty and it may help give you a quick energy boost. It feels crisp and uplifting, and is recommended to be taken in the morning or as an afternoon refresher. This tea combines the refreshing flavor of mint with the earthy & herbal taste of Echinacea.
Ingredients you’ll need:
- A handful of fresh mint leaves. How many, exactly? That’s up to your personal preference and how strong you like the mint flavor to be.
- A teaspoon of dried Echinacea.
- 250 – 500 ml of water.
You can also use some thyme to give it an earthy aftertaste.
The steps:
- Heat your water until it’s boiling, then take it off the heat and let it cool just a bit.
- Toss the teaspoon of Coneflower and a handful of fresh mint leaves.
- Pour the hot water over the herbs and let it sit for 5 min to really soak up those flavors (the longer you leave it there, the more refreshing it’ll taste).
- Strain it, sweeten it, and most importantly, enjoy!
Types of Echinacea
Did you know there are almost 10 different types of species of Echinacea? While the most popular one is Purple Coneflower, here are three more worth checking out (plus what makes them unique):
Echinacea Angustifolia
This variation is easy to spot with its long leaves and smaller flowers. It’s been part of Native American folk medicine for hundreds of years. The taste is a bit more earthy and less floral than the classic Purple Coneflower.
Echinacea Pallida
Echinacea Pallida is known for its pale (hence its name in Latin “Pallida”), drooping petals and a more delicate look than the well known Purple Coneflower. It’s native to Midwest America and not many people know about it.
Echinacea Atrorubens
This one’s called the “brown-eyed coneflower” because of its dark center and reddish-brown color. It’s one of the least popular types of coneflower. But it has a distinct and almost rusty hue that sets it apart from the typical purple ones.
FAQs About Echinacea Tea
Can you drink Echinacea tea if you’re pregnant?
It’s best to avoid Echinacea tea during pregnancy unless your doctor says it’s okay. Those who are breastfeeding should check with their healthcare provider too.
Does Echinacea do anything for gut health?
There’s no direct evidence that Echinacea improves gut health, but it may support the body’s overall immune function (which is linked to digestive wellness).
Can I drink Echinacea tea everyday?
You can drink Echinacea tea daily, but it’s a good idea to take breaks every now and then. After all, there are so many herbs out there to enjoy in your routine!
Is Echinacea a natural antibiotic?
No. That said, it may offer benefits to your immune system and could potentially help your body ward off illness.
Does Coneflower have side-effects?
While rare, some people may experience side effects like nausea or allergic reactions when using Coneflower.
Does Coneflower increase estrogen?
No, there’s no clear link between Coneflower and increased estrogen levels. If you’d like to know more, we recommend speaking with a healthcare provider.
Does Echinacea tea affect sleep?
No. Echinacea tea doesn’t contain caffeine, so it shouldn’t affect your sleep.