Page 76 - Lost Book Remedies

The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies

Use elecampane for poor digestion, poor absorption, leave the remaining roots so the plant can continue
poor appetite, mucus in the digestive system, excess growing.
gas, and lethargy or sluggishness of the digestive sys-
tem. Warning: Large doses of elecampane can cause nau-
sea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Elecampane strengthens digestion and improves ab-
sorption which is beneficial in malnourished or under- Avoid use of elecampane during pregnancy since it can
cause contractions and is a uterine stimulant.
nourished patients. It also treats nausea and diarrhea.
Skin rashes have been reported in sensitive people.
Type 2 Diabetes: The high inulin content in ele- Persons with known allergies to plants in the Aster
campane is helpful for patients with high blood sugar family should avoid using elecampane.
and for type 2 diabetes patients. Inulin slows down
sugar metabolism, reduces blood glucose spikes and Elecampane can lower blood sugar and could interfere
decreases insulin resistance. It may also reduce inflam- with blood sugar control in diabetics.
mation associated with diabetes. There are indications that elecampane may interfere

Intestinal Parasites: Elecampane is a vermifuge with blood pressure control in some patients. Monitor
that eliminates intestinal parasites from the body, in- blood pressure
cluding hookworm, roundworm, threadworm, and carefully while
whipworm. using elecam-
pane.
Cancer: Elecampane contains alantolactone and iso-
alantolactone, which have been shown to help with Do not use ele-
programmed cell death (apoptosis) for certain cancers. campane within
2 weeks before
Harvesting: Harvest fresh elecampane root in the or after a sched-
fall after the plant has produced seed, or in the early uled surgery.
spring before leaves appear. I prefer roots that are two
to three years old. Older roots are too woody, and It may cause
younger roots lack their full medicinal potential. It is drowsiness – no
best to dig up some of the larger horizontal roots and not use with
sedatives.

Evening Primrose,

Oenothera biennis

Evening primrose is also known as evening star and
sun drop. Evening primrose gets its name because its
flowers usually open at dusk, after the sun is no longer
on them. It grows in eastern and central North Amer-
ica and has naturalized to Europe. It is in the Ona-
graceae (Evening Primrose) Family.

Identification: Oenothera biennis is a biennial
plant. In its first year, the leaves can grow up to 10
inches (25 cm) long. Leaves are lance-shaped, toothed,
and form a rosette. In its second year, the flower stem The leaves are reminiscent of willow leaves. This erect
has alternate, spirally-arranged leaves on a hairy, flower stem sometimes branches near the top of the
rough flower stem that is often tinged with purple. plant and grows from 3 to 6 feet (0.9m to 1.8m) tall. It
flowers from June to October.

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