Elecampane(Inula helenium L.)
Other Names:
Elfdock, horse-heal
Range:
Family:
Asteracae - Composite Family
Growth Type:
Herbaceous perennial
Height:
Can grow to a height of 3-5 feet.
Leaves:
The leaves are large and toothed, the lower ones stalked, the rest embracing the stem; blades egg-shaped, elliptical, or lance-shaped, as big as 12 inches long and 4.5 inches wide. They are green on the top and pubescent (hairy) on the underside giving them a whitish appearance.
Stem/Trunk:
Elecampane is a rather rigid herb, The stem is rigid and can reach a height of up to 5 feet.
Root:
The root is thick, branching and mucilaginous.
Flower Season:
Summer
Flower Appearance:
The flower heads are approximately 2 inches across. Each composite flower head consists of up to 100 yellow ray flowers and up to 250 yellow disc flowers.
Seed/Fruit:
Not observed.
Miscellaneous characteristics:
The root has a bitter taste and a floral camphor-like odor.
Habitat:
This plant is common along roadsides throughout its range.
Parts Used:
Root
Culinary Uses:
None Known
The following text is meant for informational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose or treat any illness or injury. Always consult with a physician or other qualified medical care provider concerning the diagnosis and treatment of any illness or injury.
Energetics
Taste: Bitter, Pungent, Sweet
Thermal: Warming
Humidity: Drying
Medicinal Uses:
Historically used to treat Asthma, Bronchitis, Bronchial/Tracheal Catarrh, Colic, Coughs, Upper Respiratory Catarrh, Irritable Coughs, Diarrhea, Dyspepsia, Nausea, Tubercluosis.
The root is stimulating and relaxing. It has a special afinity for the mucous membranes of the lungs. It also acts moderately upon the stomach, uterus, skin, and kidneys. To the lungs it is warming and strengthening, promoting the discharge of stuck viscous mucous, but leaving the surfaces slightly dry. A demulcent expectorant, it is indicated when there is a wet productive cough such as that of sub-acute and chronic humid asthma. It is contra-indicated in dry irritated coughs as the astringent properties will further dry the tissue thereby exacerbate the situation. It can be formulated with lobelia, cimicifuga, and licorice to make cough lozenges. It is often used with hoarhound and comfrey. It has been used as a gentle means of promoting menstruation. Extracts of I. helenium have been shown to have a cytotoxic effect on cancer cells. Buza et al., (2020)
Cautions According To WebMD
Contra-Indications
Dry, irritated coughs
Possible Side Effects:
Elecampane is possibly safe for most adults. But large amounts of elecampane are possibly unsafe. Large amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, spasms, and paralysis.
Possible Interactions:
Elecampane might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Some medications, called sedatives, can also cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Taking elecampane with sedative medications might cause breathing problems and/or too much sleepiness.
Medicinal Actions:
Anthelmintic,
Antiasthmatic,
Antibacterial,
Antifungal,
Anti-Inflammatory,
Antioxidant,
Antiproliferant,
Antitussive,
Astringent,
Cytotoxic,
Demulcent,
Emmenagogue,
Emollient,
Expectorant,
Pectoral,
Tonic: Digestive
Herbal Preparations For Inula helenium
Decoction
Part Used: Root
Plant State: Fresh or Dried
Place 2 ounces of fresh chopped, or 1 ounce of dried chopped, root into a pan. Add 1 quart of water, and bring to a boil. Continue to boil over medium heat, stirring periodically, until reduced by half. Cool the mixture, strain and drink.
Dosage: 2-6 oz up to three times daily as needed
Tincture
Part Used: Root
Plant State: Fresh
Alcohol Percentage: 60%
Plant to Alcohol Ratio: 1:2
Label a quart mason jar with the plant name, the part of the plant used, the percentage of alcohol used, and the date the tincture was started.
Fill the jar to the neck with chopped fresh root, then pour in 600 ml of 150 proof Everclear and 150 ml water. Place a lid on the mason jar, shake it well, and place the jar in a dark cupboard. Once a day for the first 7 days, take the jar out of the cupboard and shake it well. Place the jar back into the cupboard, and leave it soak for another 3 weeks. After the tincture has soaked for 30 days, remove it from the cupboard and strain out the spent plant material. Your tincture will remain viable for 2-3 years.
Dosage: 10-30 drops up to four times daily
Tincture
Part Used: Root
Plant State: Dried
Alcohol Percentage: 60%
Plant to Alcohol Ratio: 1:5
Label a quart mason jar with the plant name, the part of the plant used, the percentage of alcohol used, and the date the tincture was started.
Add 150 mg of chopped dried root to a quart mason jar and then pour in 600 ml of 150 proof Everclear and 150 ml water. Place a lid on the jar, shake it well, and place in a dark cupboard. Once a day for the first 7 days, take the jar out of the cupboard and shake it well. Place the jar back into the cupboard, and leave it soak for another 3 weeks. After the tincture has soaked for 30 days, remove it from the cupboard and strain out the spent plant material. Your tincture will remain viable for 2-3 years.
Dosage: 10-30 drops up to four times daily
Referenes:
1. Victoria BUZA*1, Maria-Cătălina MATEI1, Laura Cristina ȘTEFĂNUȚ University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Preclinical Sciences, 3-5 Mănăștur Street, Cluj-Napoca, Romania (2020). Inula helenium: A literature review on ethnomedical uses, bioactive compounds and pharmacological activities.
https://repository.uaiasi.ro/bitstream/handle/20.500.12811/248/LSMV_v.63_p.1_Inula%20helenium.pdf?sequence=3&isAllowed=y
2. WebMD