Elderberry - Sambucus Nigra

Benefits: Antioxidants.

Plant Parts Used: Berries, flowers.

Used For: Aches, pains, coughing, nasal congestion, mucous discharge, and fevers.  

Used In: Preserves, syrups, tinctures, candies, wines, and winter cordials.

Native To: Europe, Northern Africa, Western and Central Asia.

Harvest Time: Mid-August to Mid-September.

Elderberries have been used by Native American and European herbalists for centuries. Due to its common use for colds, fevers, and influenza symptoms, this plant was often referred to as the “medicine chest of the country people”. The ideal time for harvesting the elderberries is during the late summer when the berries begin to ripen and turn dark purple. Elderberries are best harvested by using scissors to snip the clusters of berries from the shrubs.

Echinacea / Purple Coneflower - Echinacea Purpurea

Benefits: Anesthetic properties, anti-inflammatory.

Plant Parts Used: Roots, flowers, herb.

Used For: Bacterial, viral, and fungal infections, immune stimulants, and wound healing.

Used in: Extracts, juice, tea, lozenges, and tinctures.

Native To: North America and Europe.

Harvest Time: Petals can be trimmed once they have bloomed and roots can be harvested in their second year of growth in the fall.

Once known as a “cure all”, echinacea has been a common cold remedy throughout North America and Europe for hundreds of years. The petals and roots of the echinacea plant are used for their healing properties to treat bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Since the 18th century, Native Americans have also used echinacea to treat wounds from insects and snakes. The roots are best harvested in their second or third year of growth during the spring or fall. The petals can be trimmed and used as soon as they bloom.

Ginger Root - Zingiber Officinale

Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial.

Plant Parts Used: Root.

Used For: Indigestion, nausea, muscular aches, pains, sore throats, gingivitis, and toothaches.

Used In: Oils, tea, candies, syrups, and eaten whole.

Native To: South Asia.

Harvest Time: 8-10 months after planting, ideally in the fall before the first freeze.

Ginger root has been a staple throughout Asia for millenniums due to it’s supposed healing powers. This powerful, yet common root can ease a upset stomach, relieve muscle pain and alleviate a cold. Ginger root can be harvested during any stage of its maturity – ideally around 8-10 months. Ginger root is harvested by digging up the entire plant.

References

AHPA Botanical Identity References Compendium. (n.d.). Retrieved October 21, 2021, from http://www.botanicalauthentication.org/.

Herbalgram. (n.d.). THE ABC CLINICAL GUIDE TO ELDER BERRY. Retrieved October 21, 2021, from https://www.herbalgram.org/media/13294/elderberry-scr.pdf.

Buhner, S. (2013). Herbal antivirals. North Adams, MA: Storey Publishing.

Fetrow, Charles H., and Juan R. Avila. Professional's Handbook of Complementary & Alternative Medicines, Wolters Kluwer Health, 2003.

Osuch, J. (2019, November 28). How to grow, harvest and preserve echinacea. Seed To Pantry School. Retrieved October 21, 2021, from https://seedtopantryschool.com/grow-harvest-preserve-echinacea/.

Bros, S. (n.d.). Harvesting elderberry plants. Stark Bro's Nurseries & Orchards Co. Retrieved October 21, 2021, from https://www.starkbros.com/growing-guide/how-to-grow/berry-plants/elderberry-plants/harvesting.

Elliott, B. (2021, October 19). Ginger (zingiber officinale) rhizome herbal monograph. Brett Elliot . Retrieved October 21, 2021, from https://www.brettelliott.com/ginger-zingiber-officinale-rhizome-herbal-monograph/.

Kres, H. (n.d.). Zingiber (U. S. P.)-Ginger. Zingiber (U. S. P.)-Ginger. | Henriette's Herbal Homepage. Retrieved October 21, 2021, from https://www.henriettes-herb.com/eclectic/kings/zingiber.html.

Masabni, J., & King , S. (2019, February 8). Ginger . Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Retrieved October 21, 2021, from https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/library/gardening/ginger/.