Christopher Hobbs Media

Online Database of Ailments and Herbs


Information on Elecampane

Latin Name
Inula helenium
Other Names
Scabwort
Part Used
Rhizome
Affects
Digestive system, Respiratory system
Herb Forms
Tincture, bulk herb.
Dosages
Infusion: 1 cup 2-3 x daily
Tincture: 10-30 drops 2 x daily
Cautions
Avoid during pregnancy and nursing. Large doses can cause gastrointestinal irritation, leading to nausea and vomiting in sensitive individuals.
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.
Description
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.
References
  • Newall, C. et al.. 1996. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-care Professionals. London: The Pharmaceutical Press.
  • Leung, A. and S. Foster. 1996. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients. New York: J. Wiley & Sons.
  • McGuffin, M. et al. 1997. Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton: CRC Press.
  • Weiss, R. 1988. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers.
  • Wren, R.C. 1988. Potter's New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs. Essex: C.W. Daniel Co. Ltd.

  • Ailments treated by Elecampane

    Ailment
    Treatment Support
    Application
    Bronchitis warming expectorant tea, tincture
    Cough, chronic expectorant tincture, tea