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Information about the herb Elecampane
Inula
helenium , also known as Elf
Dock is part of the Compositae plant family. Elecampane is a true native of Southern England though it is widely distributed
throughout other parts and it grows wild throughout continental Europe, southern
Siberia and north west India.
Botanical Name: Inula helenium
Plant Family: Compositae
Common Names: Elf Dock, Elfwort, Horse-elder, Horseheal, Scabwort, Wild Sunflower
History: Ancient writers and Roman poets were all acquainted with Elecampane
The name Elecampane is a corruption of Enula campana as it grew wild in Campania. The Latin inula is thought to be from the Greek Helenion, Latin Helenium. Legend offers a few different meanings:
- Helena of Troy was supposed to have been holding the plant when Paris kidnapped her
- the plant sprang from Helena's tears
- the plant's name comes from the island of Helena where is grows abundantly
In the 18th century Elecampane was used:
- 'to stimulate the urine'
- 'to loosen the belly'
- 'to resist the poison of venomous serpents and stay the spreading of poison'
Tradition: This herb was added to love charms and amulets of all kinds (used with Mistletoe and Vervain)
Plant Constituents of Elecampane
Contains:
- Alantcamphor, odor and taste similar to Peppermint
- Alantol
- Alantolactone
- Alantolic Acid
- Helenin, tasteless and odorless
- Inulin
- iso-alantolactone
- mucilage
Action:
- alterative [an agent capable of favorably altering or changing unhealthy conditions of the body and tending to restore normal bodily function, usually by improving nutrition]
- anthelmintic [an agent that destroys or expels intestinal worms and/or parasites; vermicide; vermifuge]
- antibacterial [an agent that destroys bacteria; bactericide]
- anti-infection
- antiseptic [an agent for inhibiting the growth of microorganism on living tissue or destroying pathogenic or putrefactive bacteria]
- bactericide particularly to the Tubercle bacillus
- cholagogue [an agent for increasing the flow of bile into the intestines]
- diaphoretic [an agent that promotes perspiration]
- diuretic [an agent that increases the volume and flow of urine which cleanses the urinary system]
- expectorant [an agent that promotes the discharge of mucous and secretions from the respiratory passages]
- rubefacient [a gentle local irritant that produces blisters, inflammation and reddening of the skin]
- stimulant (gentle) [an agent that excites or quickens the functional activity of the tissues giving more energy]
- tonic [an agent that tones, strengthens and invigorates organs or the entire organism giving a feeling of well-being]
Medicinal Parts Used: Root, rootstock, rhizome
Elecampane is usually used in combination with other herbs and is used for:
Blood Conditions
- blood purifier
- spitting of blood
Brain and Nervous System Conditions
- convulsions
Cardiovascular Conditions
- pulmonary conditions
Female Conditions
- menstrual problems
Gastrointestinal Conditions
- aids digestion
- dyspepsia (with relaxation and debility)
- intestinal worms
- stimulates the digestive system
- tones the stomach
Elecampane Oil is used for:
- chronic diarrhea
Genitourinary Conditions
- urinary tract infections
- water retention
Inflammatory Conditions
- acute catarrh
Elecampane Oil is used for:
- respiratory and intestinal catarrh
Respiratory Tract Conditions
- asthma
- bronchitis
- chest infections
- diseases of the lungs and breast
- expels infected phlegm
- quietens coughs
- respiratory difficulties
- respiratory tract infections
- shortness of breath
- whooping cough
Elecampane Oil is used for:
- chronic bronchitis
- whooping cough
Other
- cramps
- firms the gums
- lessens tooth decay
- protects against poisonous exhalations and bad air
- strengthens eyesight
Externally it is used as a wash for:
- facial and other neuralgia
- facial spots or blemishes
- gout
- hemorrhoids
- itches
- itching rashes
- joint pains
- putrid sores
- scabies
- sciatica
- skin complaints
- wounds
Other Uses:
- burned to repel insects
- used in the preparation of Absinthe Liqueur
- as a blue dye
Dosage:
Recommended dosage is as follows:
- 20-40mL per week of 1:2 fluid extract
Drug Interactions:
Do not use Elecampane without first talking to your practitioner or healthcare provider if you are taking any of the following medications:
- None indicated
Global Herbal Supplies has Elecampane available in the following forms
Information given by our website is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by a physician or other medical professionals. You should not use the information given for diagnosing a health problem or disease. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. The above information is just a guide to general circumstances and in no way should it contradict the advice that you have been given by your naturopath, medical doctor or specialist.
