Health Benefits Of Elecampane

Elecampane (Inula helenium) is one of the medicinal plants known for its numerous therapeutic effects and health benefits. This herb has a variety of common names like elfdock, yellow starwort, scabwort, horseheal, marchalan, velvet dock and others. It can also be called ‘wild sunflower’ and its tall yellow flowers do resemble tall sunflowers we all know so well.  Elecampane can be found throughout the regions with temperate climate, from the UK to the Himalayas and further to North America. It grows widely on the roadsides, fields and meadows. Besides, those who value health benefits of elecampane cultivate this medicinal herb to use for preparing elecampane tea and other herbal preparations.

In modern medicine, elecampane can be taken not only in the forms of traditional infusions and tinctures, but in the form of capsules and powder. In historical perspective, this herbal remedy was very highly valued in traditional Chinese, Auyrvedic and Russian folk medicines, partially because therapeutic properties and health benefits of elecampane could improve the health of both humans and animals like horses or sheep. In Ancient Greece and Roman Empires this natural remedy was used to treat a range of digestive disorders and respiratory problems.

Centuries later, numerous scientific studies and researches have proven the effectiveness of elecampane for such health conditions as cold, bronchitis, asthma, influenza, emphysema, digestive upsets, constipation, tuberculosis, a lack of appetite, parasite invasions, etc. It was found out that elecampane has very good natural anti-inflammatory properties which can be used the most effectively for treating and preventing a wide range of urinary infections. Sedative and relaxant actions of this medicinal herb make elecampane tea a great remedy for those who suffer from anxiety, nervousness, tension and other effects of stresses.

Other health benefits of elecampene include warming, diaphoretic, diuretic, tonic, anti-tussive, antifungal, antispasmodic and other actions. Elecampene tea can be an excellent natural solution for those women who suffer from menstrual cramps, pains, mood swings and other related irregularities. Many herbalists would recommend elecampene tea as a herbal remedy to stimulate detoxification and speed up toxin removal from the body. In addition, elecampene infusion can be used externally to treat a number of skin problems including acne, dermatitis, various skin infections, irritations, itchiness and so on. This medicinal herb is quite commonly used in cosmetic industry as a component for hair care product formulas. Finally, elecampene can play a role of a flavoring agent for wines and alcoholic beverages like vermut or liqueur.

Author Info: Hi! My name is Carla and I am a 5th year medical student at HYMS. I am interested in alternative medicine and I have done months researching the topic of herbal medicine. Besides, I like interviewing people and learning more about their experiences with one or another type of herbal treatments. I am willing to contribute to this site with my knowledge, and I would be happy to help you out to the best of my ability with any specific questions or problems related to alternative medicine.

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