Pour simmering water over the dried flowers and leaves, let steep for about ten minutes covered, then strain. Traditionally consumed as a short course, approaching winter. One teaspoon of dried plant per cup, up to two to three cups per day, for a course of a few weeks.
The dried root is macerated in alcohol for several weeks according to traditional herbalism methods, then filtered. This type of preparation, being more concentrated, must be dosed with the assistance of a qualified professional. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.
The fresh or rehydrated plant is crushed then applied directly to the affected area using a clean cloth, according to the reported use of the plains peoples. Reserved for minor irritations and should be removed in case of skin reaction. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.
Easy to cultivate in the garden in full sun, purple coneflower can also be found dried or in tincture form in most herbalist shops and medicinal plant stores.
Flowers are harvested in summer at full bloom, while the root is traditionally dug up in autumn, from plants two to three years old.