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ARTICLES Elecampane: One of Nature's Almost Forgotten Secrets The herb world of the 1990's is subject to fluctuating trends in popularity. A herb that is popular today may not be in five or ten years. Other herbs, like echinacea, which became popular in the early '80's, seem to hang in there. Most of this is market driven. Manufacturers are constantly attempting to create new trends that, if properly manipulated, might increase both the size and their share of the market. The current rage is herbs from the South American rain forest. In the 80's and early 90's is was Chinese herbs. As the 90's come to a close, it is likely that the next trend will be Ayurvedic herbs. In reality, the fact that an herb is "new," exotic or popular has no bearing on its efficacy. There are many herbs that you may walk over on a regular basis, growing out of cracks in sidewalks, in fields, in forests and even in your own backyard, that are just as useful as the latest herb from Brazil. Sadly, many of these very valuable herbs fade into obscurity when they are overshadowed by popular trends. The majority of herbs that are harvested in the fall are those from which we primarily use the roots. This is because the aerial parts of the plant are more potent when harvested earlier in the summer (or spring, depending on the herb). The roots, however, reach their greatest potency in the fall when the aerial parts of the plant die and all of the life-force of the plant has withdrawn below the surface of the ground for the winter. One very valuable "root herb" that grows in Ontario is elecampane (Inula helenium). It may not have won any popularity contests in the last few years, but elecampane is an extremely versatile herb that every herb enthusiast should know. Elecampane is best known as a respiratory tonic. It relaxes the air passages of the lungs, reduces spasms, stimulates expectoration and reduces inflammation. It is recommended for all manner of respiratory conditions that are characterized by a loose cough including coughs and colds, bronchitis, asthma and pneumonia. Elecampane is also an immune-stimulating and antimicrobial herb. The root of this valuable herb stimulates a short-term increase in the activity of immune cells, similar to its close relative, purple coneflower (Echinacea spp.). These two herbs are very synergistic. Elecampane also directly inhibits the proliferation of some species of bacteria and fungi. This combination of immune and respiratory properties make this herb one of the most effective for infectious conditions of the lungs. For these kinds of conditions, it is best combined with echinacea root, and with a couple of other respiratory herbs such as thyme herb (Thymus vulgaris), coltsfoot leaves and/or flowers (Tussilago farfara) and white horehound herb (Marrubium vulgare). Elecampane also stimulates the secretion of digestive enzymes by most of the organs of the digestive tract. It is a very effective herb for sluggish digestion. Due to its immune stimulating and antimicrobial properties, this herb is also useful for the treatment of infectious conditions of the digestive tract. Elecampane is an excellent restorative tonic. It is useful for people who are recovering after being sick. In addition, this herb improves energy and circulation, balances blood sugar levels and is also useful for chronic inflammatory skin conditions. Elecampane is also relatively effective for the treatment of most kinds of intestinal worms - especially for children. This is because it is one of the few herbs for worms that is virtually non-toxic and it doesn't taste bad (unlike most of the other herbs that are used for this purpose). Elecampane is best used as a tincture made from the fresh root. It is also effective as a decoction. This can be made by lightly simmering one to two teaspoons of the cut, dried root per cup of water for ten to fifteen minutes then turning off the heat and letting it steep for a similar amount of time. It is important that this be done in a closed pot to help prevent the essential oils from evaporating. After steeping, strain and drink while it is still hot. The expectorant and circulation stimulating properties of this herb work better when it is taken warm. Therefore, if you are using it in a tincture form, it is best to add the tincture to a small amount of warm water. Elecampane grows in low-lying, moist, open areas. It typically grows about four to six feet tall and has very large, somewhat dandelion-like yellow flowers. It flowers from mid-July to mid-August in our area. Since it is the root of this plant that we use, it should be picked in October after the aerial parts of the plant have died. It can be easily recognized at this time by its characteristic dried stalk, if you know what to look for. However, I would suggest that you first identify the plant earlier in the season when it is easier to recognize. Have a great fall. This article was originally published in Common Ground Magazine, September 1997. Back to List of Articles |
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