Medicinal Plants : Inula helenium

Name

Elecampane

Biological Name

Inula helenium
Compositae

Other Names

Elecampane, Yellow Starwort, Elfdock, elfwort, horse-elder, horseheal, scabwort

Parts Used

Rhizome

Active Compounds

Volatile oil, containing sesquiterpene lactones, mainly alamtolactone (= helenalin or elecampane camphor), isoalantolactone and their dihydro derivatives, alantic acid and azulene

Inulin

Miscellaneous; sterols, resin etc.

Remedies For

Expectorant, anti-tussive, diaphoretic, hepatic, anti-microbial.

Elecampane is a specific for irritating bronchial coughs, especially in children. It may be used wherever there is copious catarrh formed e.g. in bronchitis or emphysema.

The mucilage has a relaxing effect accompanied by the stimulation of the essential oils. It may be used in asthma and bronchitic asthma. Elecampane has been used in the treatment of tuberculosis. The bitter principle makes it useful also to stimulate digestion and appetite.

Elecampane tea is much used to quiet coughing, to stimulate digestion and to tone the stomach; for bronchitis, urinary and respiratory tract inflammation, and menstrual problems. Elecampane oil is used for respiratory and intestinal catarrh, chronic diarrhea, chronic bronchitis, and whooping cough. The decoction or tincture is used for worms, and externally as a wash or fomentation for skin problems such as scabies and itches.

Combinations : Elecampane combines well with White Horehound, Coltsfoot, Pleurisy Root, Lungwort and Yarrow for respiratory problems.

Description

This herb is indigenous to Europe and temperate Asia, naturalized in the USA, and cultivated widely in Europe and also China.

Elecampane is a perennial plant. The fibrous, top-shaped rootstock is brown outside and white inside. The stout, round stem is coarse and woolly, 3 to 6 feet high, and bears large, alternate, ovate, serrate, olive-colored leaves with white veins. The large, yellow flower heads are solitary or grow in paniculate clusters from July to September. The fruit is a brown, quadrangular achene.

Dosage

Infusion: Pour a cup of cold water onto 1 teaspoonful of the shredded root. Let stand for 8 to 10 hours. Heat up and take very hot three times a day.

Tincture: Take 1-2 ml of the tincture three times a day.

Fluid Extract: Take 20 to 40 drops, three or more times a day.

Safety

No information available. Some herbs are known to react with your medication. Please consult your physician before starting on any herb.