The Elecampane Herb

LATIN NAME:

Inula selenium

Elecampane herb is also know by the common names of Inula, Scabwort, Elfdock, Horseheal, and Wild sunflower.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND INFORMATION:

Elecampane herb is a flowering perennial that is related to Echinacea. It bears aster like yellow flowers at the top of a stem that can grow to be ten feet tall. It has been a popular garden plant for centuries and was commonly used as a bitter vegetable, eaten after a heavy meal to relieve indigestion.

The flower stems can be added to salads or made into tea that stimulates the appetite. It can be candied to be eaten as a confection and is used to flavor liqueurs such as vermouth.

This plant is native to southeastern Europe and has been naturalized throughout Europe, North America, and in eastern Asia. It is cultivated in China and eastern Europe and grow around the edges of fields, woods, and roadsides. It is also planted as a garden ornamental.

POTENTIAL BENEFITS:

* stimulates digestion

* helps to prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting without any side effects.

TARGET AILMENTS:

Take internally for:

* asthma

* bronchitis

* pneumonia

* chronic cough

* intestinal parasites

* yeast infections

Apply as a poultice for:

* scabies

* herpes

* skin inflammations

PREPARATIONS:

* Available in capsule, tincture, tea, and bulb herb.

* Can be used to make an extract, syrup, tea, decoction, and poultice.

Parts used: Rhizomes (underground stem), roots, flowers

Collection: The roots are harvested from plants that are two years old in the Fall or early Winter.

Constituents: Alantolactone, polysaccharide insulin, essential oil

Actions: Expectorant, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-microbial, vermifuge, antibacterial

SAFETY AND SIDE EFFECTS:

* People with sensitivity to inulin should avoid this herb.

* Elecampane should be avoided during pregnancy and while nursing.

* Large doses can lead to nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal irritation in sensitive individuals.