Herbs & Botanicals

Product Description

Botanical Name: Inula helenium

Plant Family: Asteraceae (Aster family)

Botanical Description:
Elecampane, scientifically known as Inula helenium, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Europe and Asia. It belongs to the Asteraceae family, which also includes daisies, sunflowers, and asters. Elecampane typically grows to a height of 1-2 meters and features stout, hairy stems with large, lance-shaped leaves that are arranged alternately along the stem. The leaves have serrated edges and a rough texture. Elecampane produces bright yellow flowers with daisy-like petals arranged in dense clusters at the ends of the stems. The flowers bloom in late summer and early autumn and are highly attractive to bees and other pollinators. The plant has a deep, fleshy taproot with a strong aromatic scent.

Introduction:
Elecampane has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, dating back to ancient times. It was revered by the ancient Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, and Celts for its medicinal properties and was used to treat a variety of ailments, particularly respiratory conditions. Elecampane was also valued as a culinary and aromatic herb and was used to flavour beverages, liqueurs, and confections. Today, elecampane remains a popular herbal remedy in Western herbalism due to its potential to support respiratory health, alleviate digestive discomfort, and promote overall well-being.

Preparations:
Decoction: Prepare an elecampane decoction by simmering dried elecampane root in water for 15-20 minutes. Strain the decoction and drink it.
Tincture: Prepare an elecampane tincture by macerating dried elecampane root in alcohol (such as vodka or brandy) for several weeks. Strain the tincture and store it in a dark glass bottle. Take elecampane tincture orally by diluting it in water or juice according to the dosage instructions provided on the product label or by a qualified herbalist.