Elecampane
(Inula helenium)
Also know as Scabwort
Botanical Information
A stout perennial herb with large yellow ray-like heads from the Aster family with soft short hairs. A popular garden plant for centuries, the resinous root and the flowers are harvested for medicine.
Working with Elecampane
Part(s) Used
Rhizome
Herb Forms
Tincture, bulk herb.
Affects
Elecampane is an expectorant, useful for respiratory tract disorders such as coughs (even chronic ones) and bronchitis. It is also used for lack of appetite, to stimulate the digestion, improve assimilation, alleviate diarrhea, and as an antimicrobial and vermifuge.
Elecampane has a taste of ACRID, BITTER and a temperature of WARM.
Cautions
Avoid during pregnancy and nursing. Large doses can cause gastrointestinal irritation, leading to nausea and vomiting in sensitive individuals.
