Page 75 - Lost Book Remedies

The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies

and bitter tastes, but it also has a sweet flavor due to its
Elecampane, high polysaccharide content (inulin). Inulin, not to be
Inula helenium confused with insulin, is a prebiotic that is used to feed
and support healthy gut bacteria.

Elecampane, a member of the sunflower family Aster- Medicinal Use: The elecampane root is the part
aceae, is also commonly known as horse-heal, horse- most often used medicinally. Asian traditions also use
elder, wild sunflower, starwort and elfdock. According the flowers, but I have had best results with the roots.
to legend, the plant sprung up where the tears fell from Elecampane root is useful fresh and dried. It can be in-
Helen of Troy. The plant was considered sacred to the fused into honey, extracted in alcohol, made into cough
Celts and was thought to be associated with the fairy syrup, or made into a tea.
folk.
In most cases, it is best to start with a small dose and
slowly increase it until the best results are obtained
without nausea or overly drying effects.
Elecampane contains alantolactone and isoalantolac-
tone, which is antibacterial, antifungal, and acts as a
vermifuge (against parasites). These compounds also
demonstrate anti-cancer activity, helping with apopto-
sis (programmed cell death).

Asthma, Bronchitis, Mucus, Whooping
Cough, Influenza, and Tuberculosis: Ele-
campane root is
useful as an ex-
pectorant and
Elecampane is found in moist soil and shady places. It cough preventa-
is cultivated in North America and is naturalized in the tive in asthma,
eastern United States growing in pastures, along road- bronchitis,
sides, and at the base of eastern and southern facing whooping cough,
slopes. and tuberculosis.
It lessens the
Identification: Elecampane is an upright herb that need to cough by
grows up to 6 feet (2m) in height. The large rough loosening
leaves are toothed and can be egg-shaped, elliptical, or phlegm and mak-
lance-shaped. Lower leaves have a stalk, while the up- ing the cough
per ones grow directly on the stem. Each leaf is up to productive. It is
12 to 20 inches long (15cm-30cm) and 5 inches (12cm) beneficial for any
wide. The upper side of the leaf is hairy and green, respiratory ill-
while the underside is whitish and velvety. ness with excess mucus discharge. Not recommended
Flower heads are up to 3 inches (7 cm) in diameter and for dry coughs. It soothes bronchial tube linings, re-
contain 50 to 100 yellow ray flowers and 100 to 250 duces swelling and irritation of the respiratory tract,
yellow disc flowers. Elecampane blooms from June to cleanses the lungs, and fights harmful organisms in the
August. The flowers are large, bright yellow, and re- respiratory tract. For acute coughs, use small, frequent
semble a double sunflower. The brown aromatic root doses. It is also useful to support lung health in asthma
branches below ground. It is large, thick, mucilagi- patients (as is mullein).
nous, and bitter with a camphoraceous odor and a flo- Stimulates Digestion and Appetite: While el-
ral background scent. ecampane is mostly valued for its effects on the respir-

Edible Use: The root has been used in the making of atory system, it is also valuable for treating digestive
absinthe and as a condiment. It stimulates pungent system problems. It is warming, draining, and bitter.

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