Misty - Ok your friend is quite right about the Purple Cone Flower, Echinacea - the root is what is used to make the tincture and I would be inclined to tell you to just enjoy the plant as a flower - it attracts butterflies and bees, so is useful in the garden. Unless you really know how to make tinctures and things, it can be a very bad idea to try at home - I know you have a lot going on in your life, and at this point making safe tinctures would most likely be too much for you. However you can harvest the roots and tops and here is a link that tells you how to do it if you feel the needhttp://www.gardenguides.com/499-coneflower-echinacea-purpurea-garden-basics-flower-perennial.html
The Russian sage is actually just a perrenial plant, very attractive, I have two in my yard, again not a herb per se, just another great plant for attractring the winged creatures and it smells nice.
Oregano, great for tomato dishes, poultry, dressings,sauces and vegetables. I like to use fresh, but you could harvest some and dry it to store for later - fresh is far better for you though.
Thyme, a very strong flavor so use sparingly or to personal taste, great for poutry, fish, soups, stews, cheese, eggs and rice among other things, also can be used in sachets and potpourri.
A lot of herbs like the mint family can be very invasive in the garden - so some are better planted in pots, especially the mint families. All herbs or nearly all love full sun, and do not do well in shade. Also Coneflowers do not like wet feet, so don't overwater. Hope that helps, I use loads of herbs and keep nearly all mine in pots by the kitchen so I can snip and use. I love to keep applemint, peppermint and German chamomile near the back door to snip and make tea with - delicious with manuka honey, or any honey. Good luck - Linda
