Join Now!      Login

Whole Person Wellness Program
 
healthy.net Wellness Model
 
 
FREE NEWSLETTER
 
Health Centers
Key Services
 
Vitamin D Poll
Are you currently taking a Vitamin D supplement?
Yes
No



 
 

 Elecampane:
Herbal Medicine Materia Medica
 
 
Inula helenium

Compositae

Names: Yellow Starwort

Habitat: Indigenous to Europe and temperate Asia, naturalized in the USA, and cultivated widely in Europe and also China.

Collection: The rhizome should be unearthed between September and October. The large pieces should be cut before drying in the sun or artificially at a temperature of 50-70 degrees C.

Part Used: Rhizome

Constituents:

  • Volatile oil, containing sesquiterpene lactones, main lyalamtolactone (= helenalin or elecampane camphor), isoalantolactone and their dihydro derivatives, alantic acid and azulene
  • Inulin;
  • Miscellaneous; sterols, resin etc.
Actions: Expectorant, anti-tussive, diaphoretic, hepatic, anti-microbial.

Indications: Elecampane is a specific for irritating bronchial coughs, especially in children. It may be used wherever there is copious catarrh formed e.g. in bronchitis or emphysema. This remedy shows the complex and integrated ways in which herbs work. The mucilage has are laxing effect accompanied by the stimulation of the essential oils. In this way expectoration is accompanied by a soothing action which in this herb is combined with an anti-bacterial effect. It may be used in asthma and bronchitic asthma. Elecampane has been used in the treatment of tuberculosis. The bitter principle makes it useful also to stimulate digestion and appetite.

Priest & Priest tell us that it is a "gently stimulating tonic expectorant for chronic catarrhal conditions: warming, strengthening and cleansing to pulmonary mucous membranes. Indicated for chronic pectoral states with excessive catarrhal expectoration and/or a tubercular diathesis." They give the following specific indications: Bronchial and gastriccatarrh, chronic bronchitis, tuberculosis, pneumoconiosis, silicosis, pertussis, emphysematous conditions, chronic cough in the elderly.

Ellingwood considered it to specifically "act directly upon the nutritive functions of the body. In general debility from protracted disease or from overwork, or from age, its influence is plainly apparent. It imparts tone to the digestive and respiratory organs and to the urinary tract." In addition he recommends it for the following patholgies: atonic conditions, night sweats, pulmonary tuberculosis, irritating cough, catarrhal discharges.

Kings' describes it thus: "Elecampane is an aromatic stimulant and tonic and is said to be expectorant, emmenagogue, diuretic, and diaphoretic. It is much used in chronic pulmonary affections, weakness of the digestive organs, hepatic torpor, atonic dyspepsia, with flatus, and internally and externally in tetter, itch, and other cutaneous diseases. The alcoholic extract, combined with powdered extract of Liquorice, Benzoic acid, Sanguinaria and morphine, forms a lozenge or pill very valuable in chronic catarrhal, bronchial, and all pulmonary irritations. One drop of the oil of Stillingia may be added to eachlozenge for bronchial and laryngeal affections. Night-sweats are relieved by Inula, as are some cases of humid asthma, and by its tonic properties, it tends to sustain the strength of the patient in chronic disorders of the respiratory tract. Helenin is accredited with a fatal action upon the tubercle bacillus. Inula is somewhat slow in action, and should be used for quite a time to get its full action. That it is an important remedy in irritation of the trachea and bronchiae is now well established. It is adapted to cases with free and abundant expectoration, teasing cough and pain beneath the sternum, conditions frequent in la grippe and the severer forms of colds."

Combinations: Elecampane combines well with White Horehound, Coltsfoot, Pleurisy Root, Lungwort and Yarrow for respiratory problems.

Preparations & Dosage: Infusion: pour a cup of cold water onto l teaspoonful of the shredded root. Let stand for 8 to l0 hours. Heat up and take very hot three times a day.

Tincture: take l-2 ml of the tincture three times a day.

 Comments Add your comment 

 About The Author
Whilst working in conservation and lecturing in ecology and the eco-crisis for the University of Wales, David Hoffman became convinced that to heal the world, to embrace planetary wholeness and responsibility for it......moreDavid Hoffmann BSc (Hons), MNIMH
 
 From Our Friends
 
 
 
Popular & Related Products
 
Popular & Featured Events
2019 National Wellness Conference
     October 1-3, 2019
     Kissimmee, FL USA
 
Additional Calendar Links
 
Dimensions of Wellness
Wellness, Transcending, dimension!

Home       Wellness       Health A-Z       Alternative Therapies       Wellness Inventory       Wellness Center
Healthy Kitchen       Healthy Woman       Healthy Man       Healthy Child       Healthy Aging       Nutrition Center       Fitness Center
Discount Lab Tests      First Aid      Global Health Calendar      Privacy Policy     Contact Us
Disclaimer: The information provided on HealthWorld Online is for educational purposes only and IS NOT intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek professional medical advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Are you ready to embark on a personal wellness journey with our whole person approach?
Learn More/Subscribe
Are you looking to create or enhance a culture of wellness in your organization?
Learn More
Do you want to become a wellness coach?
Learn More
Free Webinar