Elecampane

Scientific name

Inula helenium

Family

Asteraceae/compositae

📷

Background

Also called scabwort, elf dock, yellow starwort, wild sunflower, horse heal, and velvet dock

Elcampane is tall wildflower with large leaves and orangish daisy like flowerings.

Applicable parts used

Rhizomes, roots

Sentiment

Rehabilitation of the lungs

Effects

Organs or systems affected

Liver, lungs, spleen, stomach

Flower essence

Helps one move through tough circumstances and overcome deeply ingrained fears or grief

Mechanism of actions

Tonic, expectorant, diaphoretic, carminative, diuretic, alternative, antiseptic, astringent, antitussive, anticancer, antimicrobial, anti parasitic, antispasmodic, anxiolytic, hypotensive, sedative, and hypoglycemic

Nature

Sweet, bitter, dry, aromatic, pungent, warm

Plant constituents

Inulin, bitters, triterpenes, essential oil, alkaloid, mucilage, resin, sodium, calcium, magnesium

Traditional uses

Orally elcampane is used for improving stomach function, asthma symptoms, chest congestion, lung inflammation, cough, liver dysfunction, lymph congestion, hormonal imbalances, nausea, and diarrhea

Safety

Precautions & adverse reactions

Contact dermatitis (skin rash and itching) has been reported with the use of this herb.

Interactions

Cns depressants: concurrent use may cause sedation.

Pregnancy and lactation

Do not use this if pregnant or breastfeeding.

Dosing

Herbal infusion: 1 tablespoon per cup, simmer 10 to 15 minutes covered, 3 cups per day

Aromatherapy/ steam: 1 ounce per quart of water in stockpot, simmer until hot, remove from stove. Cover pot with towel, and when ready, and water is not too hot, inhale slowly and deeply for 5 to 10 minutes.

Syrup 1 teaspoon, 1 to 3 times per day

Tincture 30 drops, 3 to 4 times per day

Our favorite pairings

Licorice, cinnamon, echinacea, and ginger

Disclaimer: the information contained within this website is for educational purposes only. This site merely recounts the traditional uses of specific plants as recorded throughout history. With the information provided on this website, we wish to begin the journey to educate the community based on research, african holistic health, and herbal science. This information, in no shape or form, is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, prevent disease, or make claims against products or companies. This information provided on this site is to make public information and information acquired from research studies easily available to you. Rooted vigor, llc is giving you the opportunity to draw your own conclusions and make your own decisions from the information provided. The information on this website may or may not have been evaluated by the fda. Seek advice from a medical practitioner as necessary.

References

Pursell, jj. The herbal apothecary: 100 medicinal herbs and how to use them (p. 101). Timber press. Kindle edition.

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