13501

Submitted by admin on Tue, 03/01/2022 - 03:11
Top Product Attributes

  • Common Name

    Elecampane

  • Botanical Name

    Inula helenium

  • Part Used

    Root

  • Clinical Summary

    Click here

  • Monograph

    Click here

  • Alcohol

    30%

  • Dose

    20 to 80mL weekly

Elecampane root has a long history of use as a tonic herb for the respiratory system and is specific to bronchial infections. It also supports digestive function and traditionally it was used for all sorts of digestive woes from intestinal parasites to stagnant digestion to imbalanced intestinal flora. Less common uses for elecampane are as a blood cleanser to support detoxification in skin conditions such as eczema and as a diuretic for urinary tract infections and oedema.

Main Product Attributes
A guide to Elecampane and its properties

  • Traditional Use

    One explanation for the Latin name helenium comes from the legend of Helen of Troy (she of the face that launched a thousand ships) who was said to be wearing an elecampane flower in her hair when she was abducted from her homeland by the Trojan prince Paris which started the Trojan wars. The legend says that she was so heartbroken to be taken from Sparta that one of these plants emerged wherever her tears fell.

  • Actions

    Expectorant, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antitussive, diaphoretic, antimicrobial, diuretic, carminative, vermifuge, emmenagogue

  • Indications

    •    Respiratory disorders including deep seated respiratory infections; persistent, congested, stubborn wet or dry coughs; post nasal drip, tuberculosis, bronchitis, whooping cough, the common cold, influenza and other respiratory infections, fever with chills, swollen lymph nodes
    •    Weak, stagnant digestion, to support healthy gut flora (prebiotic), excess gas, intestinal parasites, nausea, diarrhoea, peptic ulcer
    •    Urinary and pelvic stagnation
    •    Convalescence and malnutrition

  • Energetics

    Warming, drying, pungent, bitter, sweet.

  • Use in Pregnancy

    It is traditionally known as a uterine stimulant to promote menstruation so its use is not recommended in pregnancy.

  • Contraindications & Cautions

    Should be avoided by those with sensitivity to other plants in the Asteraceae family.

  • Drug Interactions

    Caution with central nervous system depressant drugs.

  • Dietary Information

    Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free.

  • Substitutes

    Adhatoda, Grindelia, Liquorice, Mullein, Red Clover, Thyme