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ELECAMPANE
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(Inula
helenium)
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Other
Names
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Elfdock, Elfwort,
Horse-Elder, Horseheal, Scabwort, Velvet Dock,
Wild Sunflower,
Horseheal.
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Description
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Elecampane is a perennial
plant that is native to North China, Manchuria,
Mongolia, and Korea.
It is also widely
cultivated.
In the wild it grows in abundance in
fields and ditches.
The rootstock is brown outside and white
inside,.
It grows to 6 feet tall and is covered
with olive leaves with tiny white veins, and
clusters of large, yellow flowers that bloom
from July through September, then producing a
brown fruit.
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Classification
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Dry
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Taste
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Bitter
to Slightly Sweet
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Balance
Yin/Yang
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Warm
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Humor
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Fire
é
Water
ê
Air
ê
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Uses/Applications
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Use
Elecampane to quiet coughing, stimulate
digestion, tone the stomach, as well as for
urinary tract inflammation and menstrual
problems.
Use the oil for respiratory problems,
chronic diarrhea, chronic bronchitis, and
whooping cough.
Externally use as a wash for skin
problems such as scabies and
itches.
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Root
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Decoction
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Use for
bronchitis, asthma, upper respiratory problems,
or to ease hay fever
symptoms.
Take regularly as a general tonic in
debility and chronic respiratory
complaints.
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Syrup
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Take a
syrup made with the decoction for
coughs.
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Wash
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Use the
decoction or diluted tincture for eczema,
rashes, and varicose
veins.
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Flowers
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Decoction
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Take
for nausea, vomiting, or coughs with
phlegm.
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Syrup
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Take a
syrup make from the infusion for
coughs.
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Combinations
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Lungwort, Yarrow, Coltsfoot,
White Horehound.
For
colds and fever combine with Peppermint,
Yarrow, or Hyssop.
For the flu combine with Boneset or
Golden Rod.
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Constituents
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Inulin
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Action
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Cholagogue, Diuretic,
Expectorant, Stimulant, Tonic, Antiseptic,
Bactericide.
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Food
Values
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None
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Part
Used
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Rootstock.
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Collection
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Harvest
the root during the fall of the second
year.
Wash and chop into small pieces, then dry
thoroughly.
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Preparation
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Extract
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Take 20
- 40 drops three times per
day
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Infusion
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Pour a
cup of boiling water onto 1 Tsp.
rootstock.
Infuse 10
minutes.
Take two times per
day.
If desired sweeten with 1 Tsp.
honey.
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Tincture
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Take
1/2 - 1 Tsp. three times per
day.
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Growing
Directions
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In late
winter sow the seeds indoors, then transplant
outside in the spring.
Elecampane likes rich, moist, well
drained soil and full or partial
sun.
It is best propagated from 2 inch root
cuttings taken in the autumn from roots that
are at least 2 year
old.
Cover the root cuttings with moist, sandy
soil and store in a cool room for the
winter.
Harvest roots during the autumn of their
second year.
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History
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Elecampane was one of the
most important herbs to the Greeks and Romans,
regarded as a cure for almost all
ailments.
The Anglo Saxons used the herb as a tonic
for skin disease and
leprosy.
By the 19th Century it was used to treat
skin disease, neuralgia, and liver
problems.
Early Americans standardized its used as
an expectorant, digestive
aid,
menses promoter, and
diuretic.
Today it is used mainly to treat
coughs.
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Additional
Information
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1.
The root contains Inulin which has been
used as a sugar
substitute.
2.
Research shows Elecampane contains a
chemical called alantolactone that expels
intestinal worms.
3.
Animal testing in Europe showed
Elecampane to reduced blood pressure and also
had a sedative effect.
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Cautions
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1.
Do not use if you are
pregnant.
2.
Do not use if you are
diabetic.
3.
Sensitive individuals may develop a rash
is skin contact is made with the
oil.
4.
If minor discomfort such as stomach upset
occurs, cut back the dosage until your body
adjusts, then slowly
increase.
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Magick
Information
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Gender:
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Masculine
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Planet:
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Mercury
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Element:
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Air
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Deity:
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None
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Powers:
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Love, Psychic
Powers.
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Magickal
Uses:
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Wear Elecampane to
attract love.
To sharpen your psychic powers smolder
the herb on charcoal.
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