First Taste of Spring

Today I started the germination of 20 little tiny baby seeds of echinacea.  This native plant of michigan has been utilized in many practices of traditional medicine for many centuries.  I plan to germinate more closer to spring but these I will grow inside with the intention of purifying the air of my home.  And bonus the flowers are fragrant and beautiful. Echinacea can lower levels of toxicity in the air and in Native American tradition when the leaves are burned with lavender can also purify the air.

Even today echinacea remains popular in Europe and has maintained its place in herbal medicine. It has gained a reputation for decreasing the severity and length of the common cold. There has been a lot of scientific studies of echinacea's effect on the body. The results showing increased antibody responses to elevate interferon levels for fighting viruses, stimulation of white blood cells to fight infection, and can decrease inflammation especially in the lymphatic system.

In Permaculture echinacea is known and also utilized for its drought tolerant pioneering qualities.  This plant has a deep taproot that helps overused and damaged land by bringing nutrients from deep in the soil and making it accessible to the microorganisms in the soil and other plants. The large flower also attracts pollinators especially bees and butterflies and can be a home to wasps that choose to not make a nest. The length of the life of this plant is dependent upon the climate of which it grows. Although, many sources state echinacea 'will live for many years' or 'will live long for an herbaceous plant'.

Until springtime rolls around I will be enjoying these flowers inside. Happy plantings!