Elecampane has been used in Europe for centuries for treating coughs, asthma, bronchitis and shortness of breath.
Elecampane (Horse-heal, Inula helenium) is a perennial plant commonly found in England and Europe. Elecampane root is used as herbal medicine. For pharmaceutical use, the roots should be not more than two or three years old, because older roots are too woody.
Elecampane root has glutinous, aromatic, slightly bitter and pungent taste with camphoraceous orris-like odour.
Traditionally, elecampane root is used as a diuretic, tonic, diaphoretic, expectorant, alterative, antiseptic, astringent, antitussive, sedative, diaphoretic, bactericidal, and relaxant. Scientific research has shown that the volatile oil in elecampane is active against the tubercle bacillus. It helps reduce mucus from the lungs.
Elecampane root is mainly used as a cough medicine for treating chronic coughs, whooping-cough, lungs asthma, bronchitis, and other pulmonary complaints. Elecampane has effects to relieve the respiratory difficulties and assist expectoration. It is used for bronchial or tracheal catarrh, cough of pulmonary tuberculosis, whooping-cough in children. irritating cough of bronchitis, copious catarrh, such as bronchitis and emphysema. Elecampane is particularly effective in treatment of chronic coughs in elderly and children, such as bronchitis in the elderly and congestive complaints in children.
How to use elecampane? Elecampane can be used in forms of decoction and syrup.
How to Make Elecampane Decoction:
– Dried elecampane root powder 1/2 – 1 teaspoon
– Water 1 cup
– Boil and simmer for 15 minutes
– Drink it, 3 times a day
How to Make Elecampane Syrup:
– Dried elecampane root powder 2 table spoons
– Honey 1 cup
– Water 2 cups
– Put the powder and water in pot
– Bring to a boil and simmer at low heat for 30 minutes
– Put honey into another pot
– Strain and pour the liquid over the honey through a muslin
– Bring to a boil again, stir until honey is mixed in the liquid
– Turn off the heat, let it slightly cool down
– Transfer the syrup to a jar when it is still warm
– Tighten the cap of the jar when cool
– Consume 1-2 teaspoons, 3 times a day
Elecampane can be also used to make lozenge and candy for treating coughs and asthmatical complaints.
Today, elecampane is sold in the supplement market in capsules, extract liquid, powder, tincture and other forms. You may find it in a health supplement store.
Please note, you should consult your doctor before taking elecampane.
Read more information about natural remedies for coughs.
