Condition
Treatment Support
warming expectorant
Application
tea, tincture
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
Christopher Hobbs:
“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.”
Elecampane has a long history of medicinal use, particularly in European herbal traditions, dating back to ancient Greece and Rome. Traditionally, elecampane has been used as a remedy for respiratory issues, such as coughs, bronchitis, and tuberculosis, due to its expectorant and antimicrobial properties. It was also historically valued as a digestive aid and for its ability to soothe gastrointestinal disorders.
Modern Clinical Uses Herbalists and naturopaths currently use elecampane primarily as an expectorant and antimicrobial for respiratory infections. Its root is often included in formulations to treat chronic coughs, bronchitis, and other respiratory complaints, particularly when a warming, drying action is needed. It is also sometimes used for digestive disorders, including bloating and dyspepsia, because of its carminative properties.
Chemistry and Pharmacology The active constituents in elecampane include inulin (a polysaccharide with prebiotic effects), sesquiterpene lactones (especially alantolactone and isoalantolactone), and essential oils. Alantolactone and isoalantolactone are thought to contribute to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and expectorant properties, while inulin supports digestion and can promote beneficial gut flora. These compounds have been studied for antimicrobial activity against various pathogens, including some strains of bacteria and fungi.
Clinical Trials Clinical research on elecampane is limited, though some studies suggest it may offer antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits. Laboratory studies have observed inhibitory effects on specific pathogens, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis and certain fungal species, but clinical trials in humans are needed to substantiate these effects.
Generated by ChatGPT; edited by Christopher Hobbs
Cautions
Elecampane is generally considered safe when used in proper dosages for short durations. However, sesquiterpene lactones can be irritating to mucous membranes and may cause allergic reactions, particularly in people with sensitivities to plants in the Asteraceae family. High doses or prolonged use may lead to gastrointestinal upset, including nausea and vomiting. Elecampane should be avoided during pregnancy due to insufficient safety data.
Conditions treated with Elecampane
Condition
Treatment Support
Application
Condition
Treatment Support
expectorant
Application
tincture, tea
The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.
The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.
