“During the 19th Century, the root of this herb was an ingredient used in the making of candy and cough drops….”

We hope you are enjoying reading the A-Z of Herbs series. The herb discussed in this article is Elecampane; botanical name Inula Helenium and is one of the largest perennial herbs growing to approximately 3-5 metres in height.

It is more commonly known by the names Horse-heal, Velvet Dock, Elfwort, Marchalan and Wild Sunflower. It is a member of the Compositae family of which Sunflowers are related.

Elecampane is native to Central Europe, Great Britain and Asia. This herb has been used throughout time for medicinal and condiment purposes by the Ancient Romans, Greeks, Europeans and in Ayurvedic and Chinese Medicine. In Medieval times it was a common remedy for sicknesses and was also used as the main ingredient in the preparation of a digestive wine called “Potio Paulina”. During the 19^th Century the root was used to make candy, asthma lozenges, and cough drops.

Many Ancient writers and poets make reference to the herb – one such Author, Natural Philosopher and Naturalist – Pliny the Elder said “let no day pass without eating some of the roots of Inula, considered to help digestion and cause mirth” and the root when chewed “doth fasten the teeth”.

The root of the Elecampane plant is the part used for Herbal Medicine and has many medicinal actions, uses and properties such as:

• Anti-Fungal

• Anti-Bacterial

• Anti-Tussive

• Anti-Parasitic

• Anti-Septic

• Diuretic

• Expectorant

Due to the expectorant properties, Elecampane may be useful in the treatment of asthmatic and bronchial conditions. Additional uses include the relief of indigestion and other stomach disorders and for the treatment of worms.

Elecampane is my herb of choice for Irritating Congestive Coughs!

Elecampane was once listed in the U.S. Pharmacopeia, and has been long valued as a tonic herb for the respiratory system.

This herb may be beneficial to use as a strengthening tonic on the lungs and is indicated for wet, mucous coughs with large amounts of sputum, and may assist in relief of persistent coughs of the elderly.

Remember Herbs should always be prescribed by a Qualified Herbalist.

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