Elecampane is a plant that grows freely in Europe and Asia. The dried roots and rhizomes are collected in the autumn when the plant is 2-3 years old for use as a herbal medicine.
Medicinal Properties of Elecampane
The roots and rhizome of Elecampane contain sesquiterpene lactones, triterpenes, sterols, thymol derivatives, mucilage and up to 44% inulin if collected in autumn (compared to only around 20% if collected in spring). Inulin and mucilage are now thought to be responsible for this herbs expectorant action and its positive effects on the respiratory and digestive systems, although historically alantolactone, a sesquiterpene lactone was thought to be the main active compound.
Elecampane Herbal Remedies
Our herbalists recommend Elecampane for:
Asthma
coughs
Other Elecampane Information
Elecampane has been used traditionally in Europe for bronchitis, whooping cough, catarrhal conditions of the respiratory tract and as a tonic for poor digestion. In addition, it has also been used clinically to treat intestinal parasites. It is normally available as a dried herb, which is used to make a tea.
Side Effects of Elecampane
Generally there are no side effects from using Elecampane tea in the normal way of up to a maximum of four times per day, however some people can experience digestive discomfort and mouth irritation. Higher amounts are not recommended as they cause diarrhoea and vomiting.
If it is known that you are allergic to inulin, then you should not use Elecampane.
Elecampane is best avoided during pregnancy and when breast-feeding.
When this article was written there were no well-known negative drug interactions with the herb Elecampane.
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