Elecampane, Inula helenium

Elecampane, a member of the sunflower family Asteraceae, is also commonly known as horse-heal, horseelder, wild sunflower, starwort and elfdock. According to legend, the plant sprung up where the tears fell from Helen of Troy. The plant was considered sacred to the Celts and was thought to be associated with the fairy folk.

Elecampane is found in moist soil and shady places. It is cultivated in North America and is naturalized in the eastern United States growing in pastures, along roadsides, and at the base of eastern and southern facing slopes. Identification: Elecampane is an upright herb that grows up to 6 feet (2m) in height. The large rough leaves are toothed and can be egg-shaped, elliptical, or lance-shaped. Lower leaves have a stalk, while the upper ones grow directly on the stem. Each leaf is up to 12 to 20 inches long (15cm-30cm) and 5 inches (12cm) wide. The upper side of the leaf is hairy and green, while the underside is whitish and velvety. Flower heads are up to 3 inches (7 cm) in diameter and contain 50 to 100 yellow ray flowers and 100 to 250 yellow disc flowers. Elecampane blooms from June to August. The flowers are large, bright yellow, and resemble a double sunflower. The brown aromatic root branches below ground. It is large, thick, mucilaginous, and bitter with a camphoraceous odor and a floral background scent. Edible Use: The root has been used in the making of absinthe and as a condiment. It stimulates pungent and bitter tastes, but it also has a sweet flavor due to its high polysaccharide content (inulin). Inulin, not to be confused with insulin, is a prebiotic that is used to feed and support healthy gut bacteria. Medicinal Use: The elecampane root is the part most often used medicinally. Asian traditions also use the flowers, but I have had best results with the roots. Elecampane root is useful fresh and dried. It can be infused into honey, extracted in alcohol, made into cough syrup, or made into a tea. In most cases, it is best to start with a small dose and slowly increase it until the best results are obtained without nausea or overly drying effects. Elecampane contains alantolactone and isoalantolactone, which is antibacterial, antifungal, and acts as a vermifuge (against parasites). These compounds also demonstrate anti-cancer activity, helping with apoptosis (programmed cell death).

Asthma, Bronchitis, Mucus, Whooping

Cough, Influenza, and Tuberculosis: Elecampane root is useful as an expectorant and cough preventative in asthma, bronchitis, whooping cough, and tuberculosis. It lessens the need to cough by loosening phlegm and making the cough productive. It is beneficial for any respiratory illness with excess mucus discharge. Not recommended for dry coughs. It soothes bronchial tube linings, reduces swelling and irritation of the respiratory tract, cleanses the lungs, and fights harmful organisms in the respiratory tract. For acute coughs, use small, frequent doses. It is also useful to support lung health in asthma patients (as is mullein). Stimulates Digestion and Appetite: While elecampane is mostly valued for its effects on the respiratory system, it is also valuable for treating digestive system problems. It is warming, draining, and bitter.