Elecampane Root and Powder Profile
Also known as- Inula helenium, Alant, Aster helenium, Aster officinalis, Elfdock, Elfwort, Helenium grandiflorum, Horse-Elder, Horseheal, Scabwort, Velvet Dock, Wild Sunflower, Yellow Starwort.
Introduction
Elecampane is a member of the same plant family as the sunflowers and ragweed, native to southern and eastern Europe but naturalized around the world. The 6- to 8-foot (200-250 cm) tall plant has large, pointed leaves with downy gray undersides, and yellow summer flowers.
Constituents
Bitter substances known as alanto-lactones and up to 45% inulin.
Parts Used
Roots and rhizomes dug from 2- to 3-year-old plants, dried and cut.
Typical Preparations
Usually taken as a tea. Added to cough syrups, expectorants, herbal diuretics, pain remedies, and roborants (for bringing out color from pale skin). Can also be taken internally in the form of a capsule or extract.
Summary
Elecampane is an antiseptic expectorant that relieves congestion in colds and bronchitis. As a bitter, it can also be used to stimulate digestion, and as an antifungal and helminthic, it can be used to treat yeast infections and parasites.
Precautions
If you are allergic to ragweed, you may be allergic to elecampane. Taking too much of the herb can cause cramps and diarrhea. Do not use more than 1 gram (one-quarter teaspoon) of the herb in any one dose, or more than 3 grams (a little less than a teaspoon) in a day. Not to be used while pregnant.
Some cases have been reported of nausea and vomiting probably from over-use. Not recommended for long term use.
