Elecampane (Inula helenium)
Its name can be attributed to Helen of Troy from Greek mythology. Elecampane is an incredibly powerful expectorant, making it great for clearing mucus and phlegm from the lungs. Elecampane contains active compounds like helenin that can cause bronchodilation (relaxing and opening the bronchial tubes in the upper airway). Elecampane also contains inulin, which is a prebiotic that encourages the growth of healthy gut bacteria.
The Greeks and Romans found Elecampane very valuable as an herb and food source. Hippocrates claimed that it supports healthy kidneys, brain, uterus, and stomach function. The Greek physician Aelius Galenus, more commonly known as Galen, recommended Elecampane for sciatic discomfort. Pliny the Elder suggested that everyone eat the root every day to support healthy digestion. The phytochemicals alantolactone and isoalantolactone contained in the roots of Elecampane have anthelmintic and anti-parasitic properties. These compounds are effective in destroying and expelling parasites from the intestine, such as roundworms, pinworms, hookworms, whipworms, and threadworms!
We sell Elecampane as a tincture and its dried roots. The picture of the Elecampane flowers was taken on our farm this past summer, and the picture of harvesting the roots was taken this past fall.
Reference:
Indigo-herbs.co.uk, natural-health-guide, elecampane.
Herbal Medicine, David Hoffmann, FNIMH.