Elecampane is the common name of Inula helenium species, from Compositae family.
Also known as: horse heal, horse elder, allecampane, wild sunflower, elfdock, yellow starwort.
Bumblebee on elecampane flower
Image credit: amandabhslater
View larger image
Features of Elecampane
Height to 120 inches. Spread to 60 inches. Zone 3-9. Perennial.
huge, lance-shaped, toothed leaf.
daisy-like, large, yellow flower in summer.
Growing Elecampane
Propagate »
- by root division during spring and autumn. Divide large plants or transplant offshoots.
- by seed during spring and autumn.
- by self-seed.
Maintain »
- protection: Provide shelter from strong wind.
- trimming: deadhead flowers to prevent self-seeding all over the place.
- trimming: Trim to keep the plant tidy.
Helen of Troy was believed to have been gathering elecampane when Paris abducted her, giving rise to the plant's species name helenium.
Elecampane, with its stature and large leaves, often forms a focal point in the herb garden.
Roots of the plant taste sweet but have little nutritional value since it contains a starch not digestible by the human body.
Elecampane has long been used in home remedies to treat coughs and other respiratory problems.
Using Elecampane
Cosmetic
Infusion
Make a decoction and apply to skin inflammations and acnes. (Use root)
Culinary
Drink
Used to flavour absinthe. (Use root)
Medicinal
Tea
A tea to relieve coughs, catarrh, asthma, and hay fever. Filter out the fibers before drinking. (Use root)
Tea
A tea to aid digestion. (Use root)
Traditional Remedies
- Respiratory » cough, bronchitis, catarrh, asthma
- Digestive » indigestion, diarrhea, intestinal problems
Traditional remedies may or may not be supported by scientific evidences.
Cautions
- Please consult with your doctor before using elecampane for health related purposes.
){kind=link}