Inula helenium
Jekkapedia
Inula helenium , Elecampane
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Inula
Large bright yellow ragged daisy-like flowers in summer. Large green oval leaves, with a slight down on the underside. Culinary; the roots can be used to flavour puddings. Ancient medicinal herb.
Characteristics:
Elecampane can be seen at the herb farm in Jekka’s Herbetum and is available to buy online as herb seeds.
Details
Growing
• Indoor Sowing: In spring, sow on surface of pot or tray. Cover with perlite.
• Outdoor Sowing: In Spring, into moist, fertile, warmed soil. Full sun, sheltered from wind. Thin to 1-1.5m apart.
Medicinal
Prior to the advent of antibiotics, elecampane was used to help treat tuberculosis and clinical studies have shown that it is indeed active against the tuberculosis bacterium. Elecampane has been in use for hundreds of years, being mentioned in early medieval texts for respiratory conditions and is still widely used by herbalists to help with conditions such as bronchial asthma, chest infections and chronic coughs. It contains mucilage and volatile oils which are said to soothe irritated tissues and relax the lungs, allowing accumulated mucus to be coughed up thereby easing lung congestion.
Caution: Not advised in pregnancy or breast feeding, nor by anyone with a known sensitivity to members of the daisy family.
Please note: The information provided here is for educational interest only and is not intended to be used to diagnose or treat significant health problems. Any serious or long-term health concerns should always be discussed with a healthcare professional.
See our blog for more information about the National Institute of Medical Herbalists
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