Description: Elecampane is a large herbaceous perennial, indigenous to south-eastern Europe and western Asia but  naturalised in Britain, Ireland and the north mid-west US. It has a thick, cylindrical, branched rhizome and an erect, sparsely branched, tough, furrowed stem, hairy in the lower part and downy above. The oval basal leaves narrow into a winged petiole, pointed at the tip and blunt-toothed at the edges. The alternate stem leaves are irregularly toothed at the margin, large, tapering-oval in shape with a heart-shaped base, sessile and short-tapered. The single flowerheads grow at the ends of the branches from the axils of the leaves or bracts, and are sometimes arranged in sparse umbels. The outer, inwardly-turned bracts are oval and felty on the outside with a large heart-shaped green appendix which bends backwards. The inner bracts are lineate, dry membranous, and widened towards the ends. The bright yellow strap-shaped ray florets are numerous and about twice the length of the bracts. Both these and the inner disc florets are tubular. The plant flowers between June and October and grows wild in hedgerows and damp meadows; it is also cultivated.

The name Inula comes from Helen of Troy, from whose tears it is said to have sprung. The Greeks and Romans, regarded elecampane as a cure-all for ailments as diverse as dropsy, digestive upsets, menstrual disorders and sciatica. The Anglo-Saxons used the herb as a tonic and as a treatment for skin disease and leprosy. By the 19th century it was being used to treat skin disease, neuralgia, liver problems and coughs. Inulin was first isolated from elecampane in 1804 and took its name from the herb. Chinese research has demonstrated mild antibacterial properties as well as a stimulant effect on the nervous system, digestion and adrenal cortex.

In China, the flowers of Inula japonica are used to treat asthma and bronchitis with excessive phlegm, and for vomiting and acid reflux. Inula racemosa has been reported to prevent ST-segment depression and T-wave inversion in patients with  ischaemic heart disease, and to have a beneficial effect on angina pectoris.

The root contains a sweet, starchy substance called inulin which is responsible for its popularity as a type of crystallized candy. Pliny stated that no day passed that the Empress Julia Augusta did not eat some of the candied root to help her “digestion and cause mirth”.

In the Middle Ages, apothecaries sold the candied root in flat, pink, sugary cakes, which were sucked on to alleviate asthma and indigestion, and to sweeten the breath.

A medieval saying was “Elecampane will the spirits sustain”, which reflected the herb's tonic properties.

The Greeks and Romans considered it as a cure-all for such diverse ailments as dropsy, digestive upsets, menstrual disorders, and sciatica.

The Anglo-Saxons used it as a tonic, for skin diseases, and for leprosy.

By the 19th century, it was used to treat all the above, plus neuralgia and liver problems.

The Algonquin, Cherokee, Delaware, Iroquois, and others have long used this herb to treat various respiratory problems, including tuberculosis, asthma, and the common cold. Scientists have now verified that it exhibits significant activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and does improve digestion. In fact, the Delaware made a tonic from the root to strengthen digestive organs.

Main constituents: Volatile oil, containing sesquiterpene lactones, mainly alamtolactone (= helenalin or elecampane camphor), isoalantolactone and their dihydro derivatives, alantic acid and azulene, Inulin, Miscellaneous; sterols, resin etc.

Properties: Stimulating expectorant, antitussive, sedative, anthelmintic, diaphoretic, stomachic, bactericidal, antifungal, antiparasitic, relaxant, warming, tonic, alterative, diuretic.

Uses:Alantolactone is a constituent thought to be anti-inflammatory, but it also reduces mucous secretions and stimulates the immune system.

The volatile oil is known to be partly responsible for an expectorant action,as well as for its antiseptic qualities.

Chinese research has demonstrated mild antibacterial properties, as well as a stimulant effect on the nervous system, digestion, and adrenal cortex.

A decoction from the root is used for irritable coughs, bronchitis, asthma, upper respiratory problems, or as a digestive aid.

Decoctions from the flowers are used to treat nausea, vomiting, or coughs with copious amounts of phlegm, and, when combined with licorice, helps ease nausea, abdominal distension, flatulence, and vomiting of mucus.

Tinctures are used for bronchitis or chronic respiratory complains and sometimes mixed with thyme tincture for added effect.

Syrups are made from infusions or decoctions of roots and flowers and used for coughs.

Washes from the decoction or diluted tincture for eczema, rashes, and varicose ulcers.

Safety Considerations: It can be severely irritating to mucous membranes and strongly sensitizing. Not to be used during pregnancy

Magical:

Folk Names: Elf Dock, Elfwort, Horseheal, Nurse Heal, Scabwort, Velvet Dock, Wild Sunflower

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Mercury

Powers: Love, Protection, Psychic Powers

Uses: Sew some leaves or flowers in pink cloth or make a sachet and wear it to attract love. Carrying it will also protect you. The herb smoldered on charcoal aids in sharpening psychic Powers, particularly when scrying.

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